On the Go: Born Learning Trails

Original article posted in Just Add Kids blog JAK Chat: http://jakchat.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/on-the-go/                                 

United Way of Racine County and Leadership Racine have collaborated to implement two outdoor trails locally, on at West Park and one at North Beach Park.  After becoming a Leadership Racine community project, United Way and a group of five Leadership Racine participants began the planning process. Samantha Anderegg-Boticki from Modine Manufacturing, Stacey Malacara from Gateway Technical College, Heather Martinez from CliftonLarsonAllen, Adam Markham from ClearCom, and Christina Mueller from Racine County and team liaison, Leadership Racine alumni, Lori Castor from CNH, were in charge of researching the program, determining the locations, installing the trails and planning a community event. The team’s proposal was approved by Racine’s Parks and Recreation board and the trails were installed on Saturday, April 27, 2013 with finishing touches done on May 4, 2013.

The Born Learning Trail offers activity stations with fun, interactive learning games that parents, grandparents, caregivers can play with young children.  “We know that children are learning constantly, right from birth. We know what happens in a child’s early years matters – for success in life and for school readiness,” stated Dave Maurer, United Way of Racine County president. “We wanted to bring the Born Learning Trail to Racine County because we want to do all we can to help the community prepare young children to succeed.” The educational strategy behind the trail will help boost children’s language and literacy skills and can be a valuable community resource for early learning. For example, the sign “Stop! Learn! Play!” encourages parents and caregivers to follow the child’s lead, building the child’s curiosity and confidence, and reinforcing the learning already underway.

You can take part in celebrating Racine County’s first Born Learning Trail! There will be a FREE community kickoff event on May 11, 2013, from 11:00a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at North Beach Park in Racine. The event will include guided tours of the Born Learning Trail, a ribbon cutting, a balloon launch, facepainting, healthy snacks and more!  Make
your mark on the trail. As part of the kick-off event, we will be tracing the hands and feet of your little ones to paint on the sidewalk with their names. Later, come back to find your print on either trail, North Beach or West Park.  Trail signage and give-aways are in both English & Spanish.

About United Way of Racine County

United Way of Racine County advances the common good by focusing on education, income and health: the building blocks for a good life. United Way funds more than 60 programs and special projects, while also initiating and facilitating systems-wide initiatives to create long-lasting change. United Way works in partnership with other individuals and organizations throughout Racine County who bring the passion, resources and expertise to address the community’s most critical issues. For more information, visit www.unitedwayracine.orgor call 262-898-2240.

About Leadership Racine

Leadership Racine recruits potential leaders and helps prepare them for positions of public influence and decision-making for Racine. These leaders help ensure a promising future for our community. For more information, visit www.leadershipracine.org or call 262-634-1931.

About Just Add Kids

Just Add Kids is Racine, Kenosha and surrounding communities foremost resource for families looking for kid-oriented, family-friendly activities and events. We put family fun at your fingertips with www.JustAddKidsOnline.net, informative emails, Facebook (JustAddKidsSEWis), Twitter (@JustAddKids), Pinterest (justaddkidssew), JAK Chat blog, plus Just Add Kids produces special events, such as the annual Just Add Kids EXPO!