Born Learning Trails create valuable community resources for early childhood learning, and offers opportunities for visibility and volunteer engagement.
“Education.” Many of us automatically think “school” when we hear that word. But learning happens everywhere, especially for young children. United Way supports early childhood learning in diverse ways: through reading programs, book drives of course, but also in parks and on playgrounds.
That’s right – learning while playing. United Way’s national engagement campaign, Born Learning, helps parents, caregivers and communities use everyday moments outdoors to boost school readiness of children in their preschool years. The quality of children’s early learning experiences is critical to success in school and consequently, in life. Perhaps the most visible components of Born Learning campaign is the Born Learning Trail. The trail features age-appropriate, simple-to-construct activities that can be set up outdoors or inside. Ten games on engaging signs that are placed along the trail help parents and caregivers create learning opportunities for young children.
In June 2016, United Way of Coastal Carolina installed the first Born Learning Trail at Kidsville in New Bern with volunteers from BB&T's Lighthouse Project and an individual donation by Ken & Dru Wilkinson. In 2017 thanks to a Grant from the Carolina Panthers and volunteers from Leadership Carteret and BB&T's Lighthouse Project two more trails were installed in Carteret County. One at Shevans Park in Morehead City and another at Freedom Park in Beaufort.
Money raised through this campaign will fund additional trails in Craven, Jones and Pamlico counties. Donate HERE
Contact us if you are interested in sponsoring a trail or if you can volunteer your time or donate supplies! We want to partner with YOU!
