The longest day of the year will be an impactful one as well, with the United Way of the Bradford Area’s 4th Annual Live United Day of Action scheduled for June 21. 

The event, sponsored by American Refining Group and the Philo and Sarah Blaisdell Foundation, will focus on providing an interactive learning experience for young children by installing a Born Learning trail at Callahan Park.  

The United Way is looking for interested volunteers to help for roughly four hours the day of the event, as well as beforehand.

“We do need people to help us with painting the posts before June 21, and then that day we will be looking for help with affixing the signs to each post, digging the holes and cementing the posts there, painting the graphics on the sidewalks, and guiding park visitors around the areas where work will be taking place,” said Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis.

Those interested in participating should contact the United Way of the Bradford Area’s office at 814-368-6181 or register online at www.uwbanews.org/day-of-action.

Davis suggests that those interested do sign up by May 30.

The trail will consist of 10 (12- by 24-inch) aluminum signs, placed throughout the park, and printed with engaging, early learning activities. Shapes, letters and a 12’ hopscotch court will adorn the park’s sidewalks, which correspond with the signs’ activities. 

Although geared toward children up to age 5, the trail also serves as a tool to help parents and caregivers find simple, yet clever, ways to incorporate education into a child’s daily life, beginning at the earliest possible stages.

“I am excited for our organization to be able to offer this to our local community,” said Davis. “I truly believe this will be a wonderful addition to our area’s main public park, and it’s another excellent way to boost early learning and literacy activities.”

The 10 stations will focus on areas such as talking with your child about their surroundings; telling stories; being active as a family; and turning simple ideas into learning games, among others.

“We are going to be using the majority of the park, starting at the main entrance by the high school parking lot, continuing on past the ice rink and tennis courts, to the bridge which is located in between two of the three baseball fields,” said Davis.  

This year’s event will coincide with United World Wide’s national Day of Action activities. Volunteers from the Bradford area will be joining thousands of other volunteers across the country aiming to “live united.”