Lisa Eckert, director of early learning with the Pequea Valley School District (PVSD), and Karla Beiler, director of Pequea Valley elementary advocacy with The Factory Ministries, are hoping area students from birth to age 18 will take a break from their summer schedules to join them at Paradise Park for a nutritious lunch and some educational sustenance.
"Our goal is to provide activities, enrichment, and lunch," said Eckert, who noted families that have a further need for food, may connect with The Factory Ministries resources over lunch and begin to utilize The Factory Market to help meet that need.
"The idea is for (children) to stay and take part in the activities," said Beiler of the new Lunch and Learn program, which will include group games; STEM activities; guest speakers such as Salisbury Elementary teacher Anita Girvin, who will do a garden demonstration; crafts; gross motor activities; a read-aloud time; and an activity to complete at home and turn in for a prize. The Intercourse Library will take part, and youths from The Factory and Grace Point Church will help with the group games.
Lunch and Learn events will be held in the park, 6 London Vale Road, Gordonville, on Wednesdays, June 8, to Aug. 3, with the exception of July 20 and 27. Each program will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Children may enjoy their lunch in the park or take it home. Parent or caregiver supervision is required for children to take part. Lunches may be taken home to siblings who cannot attend. Lunches will consist of a variety of food items, including sandwiches, crackers, cheese, meat, vegetables, and snacks.
During the final Lunch and Learn on Aug. 3, a pizza party will be held and children will have an opportunity to choose back-to-school supplies provided by Bellevue Presbyterian Church. "Each of the children will have 'Back-to-school bucks' (to spend). They can shop for all the supplies they want in the park," said Eckert.
It is necessary for students to be registered for the program so that plenty of food is prepared for all. Students may register at https://tinyurl.com/pvllearn. Questions should be directed to Eckert at Lisa_eckert@pequeavalley.org or 717-381-5020 or to Beiler at karla@thefactoryministries.com or 717-687-9594, ext. 206.
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