Unlocking Fun and Learning: The Annual GO! Program
York, Pa. — For the 18th consecutive summer, WellSpan Health is thrilled to collaborate with local libraries in central Pennsylvania to set up a vibrant outdoor program called Get Outdoors (GO!), aimed at intertwining physical activity with reading and learning. Every year, this program includes more counties to widen its reach, and this summer, Union County joins the initiative to bring unique hiking experiences to even more families in the area.
“The GO! program is more than just an outdoor adventure; it's an opportunity for children and their families to engage in reading, exercise, and exploration within our community's beautiful parks,” explains Sandra Gladfelter, health education coordinator lead at WellSpan Health. This program has not only encouraged families to return each year, but it has also fostered a stronger community bond through shared learning and health.
The Theme: "Get Outdoors and Color Our World"
This year's theme invites participants of all ages to dive into books exploring colors and sights that fill our world with vibrance. The aim is to blend reading with exploration, pushing family involvement while promoting literacy and physical activity. The interactive design of the program means that every family member, from tiny tots to caregivers, can engage in this colorful adventure together.
Exploring Trails and Activities
Across the newly inclusive Union County and the six others—Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York—there are a total of 114 hiking trails available, catering to various ability levels, including options for those with wheelchair and stroller accessibility. As participants traverse these trails, they engage with outdoor reading exercises fostering intellectual growth paired with physical activity.
Moreover, this year, the program introduces math problems linked to the adventures, making the outdoor experience both thrilling and educational. Whenever hikers collect details from their explorations, they can scan a QR code available in their guidebooks that guides them to interactive math challenges tailored for their age groups.
Combating Childhood Obesity and Encouraging Learning
The underlying goal of the GO! program is to decrease childhood obesity and combat the “summer slide”—a phenomenon where children lose reading and critical thinking skills when away from structured educational settings. With last year's remarkable participation record of over 11,000 children covering more than 39,000 miles, the program has proven to be instrumental in promoting healthy habits among the youth.
WellSpan’s initiative also aligns with their broader mission, particularly the Spotlight on Children’s Health program, which is committed to supporting the holistic development of children from birth to age six. It’s vital that children return to school invigorated both physically and mentally, ready to thrive in their learning environments.
How Participants Engage with GO!
To participate in the program, families begin by visiting their local library to obtain a comprehensive guidebook referred to as the sketchbook. This sketchbook assists participants in following clues to discover hidden wooden posts known as markers throughout the counties. When spotted, families can use crayons on a rubbing sheet to document their outdoor discoveries creatively.
Logging Achievements and Earning Rewards
In addition to physical recordings, participants can log their journey digitally through an app called Beanstack. This app allows users to record hikes and earn credits that could lead to chances of winning various prizes once the county-specific programs wrap up. Importantly, while the program is now open for exploration in all associated counties, completion dates may differ, offering flexibility in participation.
Counties and Program Resources
Every participating county provides a dedicated GO! website filled with vital information: directions to parks, prize details, and hints for uncovering the wooden posts. Participants are encouraged to share their adventures on the specific county Facebook pages dedicated to the GO! program, creating a sense of community among explorers. For more information, families can visit their corresponding county's GO! program website.
Funding and Support for Healthy Initiatives
The GO! program receives its funding through WellSpan’s Community Partnership Grant Program, designed to enhance community health through collaborations with nonprofit organizations. By investing in community wellness, WellSpan Health reinforces its commitment to improving the lives of local residents through engaging, innovative programs that marry education with healthfulness.
To explore further details about WellSpan’s commitment to nurturing healthy communities, families can visit WellSpan.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GO! program by WellSpan Health?
The GO! program is an interactive outdoor scavenger hunt that combines hiking, reading, and educational activities for families in central Pennsylvania.
How can families participate?
Families can participate by visiting local libraries to obtain a guidebook and follow clues leading to various hiking locations and activities.
What theme does this year's GO! program focus on?
This year’s theme is “Get Outdoors and Color Our World,” encouraging exploration of books and colors.
How does the program help reduce childhood obesity?
The program encourages active participation in outdoor activities, combining physical exercise with reading, helping to fight obesity and prevent “summer slide.”
Are there any prizes for participants?
Yes, there are prizes to be won upon logging activities through the app Beanstack, once each county's GO! program concludes.
