FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 21, 2020

CONTACT: Debra Harris-Bowyer, Cabell County Family Resource Network Coordinator | P: 304.697.0255 | E: dbowyer@cabellfrn.org

CONTACT: Kaylin R. Adkins-Staten, APR, Hourglass Media | P: 304.900.2833 | E: kaylin@hourglassomnimedia.com

 

Pathways to Summer Fun resources outline fun learning experiences, opportunities for youth

HUNTINGTON — Summer may look a little differently than in years past, but fun and educational opportunities are still available for our area’s youth.

With the end of virtual classes and long periods of quarantine due to COVID-19, parents and caregivers could already be thinking about how to occupy their children over the summer. However, children don’t have to leave the region — or even their homes — to have a fun, educational summer.

The Cabell County Family Resource Network, in partnership with the Huntington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Cabell County Student Empowerment Team and Hourglass Media, has all of the summer fun answers to parents’ most pressing questions. It recently released the Pathways to Summer Fun flyer and database for Cabell County activities and beyond. This is the second year for this free resource.

The Cabell County Student Empowerment Team, a part of the Cabell County Family Resource Network, has always promoted children having caring adults in their lives, safe places to learn and grow, get a healthy start, develop marketable skills and learn to give back to the community. The organization uses the “5 Basics of America’s Promise” to guide all local activities. West Virginia is identified as one of 15 states that has passed legislation to keep students learning in the summer.

“Children are our future leaders and need experiences to help them develop into lifelong learners,” said Debra Harris Bowyer, Cabell County FRN coordinator. “This includes meaningful summer time experiences, as well as the regular school year. Our community has a wealth of service agencies, parks, recreation, technology, arts and camps to offer families with children and youth these opportunities. Navigating all of those resources can be challenging, so we have compiled as many sources to provide a ‘pathway to summer fun.’ In fact, it is more than just fun.

According to the National Summer Learning Association, children have so many ways they can keep their brains active when the school year ends with activities like cooking, crafts, nature walks, reading and more. These activities spark curiosity and allow children to follow written and oral directions. There are so many benefits, and we encourage you to browse the list and see what interests your child.”

This listing of summer camps and enrichment activities have been compiled for a quick glance into all the different pathways your children and youth can explore for fun learning experiences this summer. The list offers camps, arts and crafts, sports and other enrichment activities.

Instruction during the summer has the potential to stop summer learning losses. Extended learning is essential for children to achieve reading success by the end of third grade.

Confirm dates, times, and details with each program. A full list with links to each program can be found at http://bit.ly/pathwaystosummerfun2020 and www.cabellfrn.org.

“I was so excited when I learned about this list!” said Tyson Compton, president of the Huntington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our job at the CVB is to let both visitors and local people know what they can see and do in our community, and this list does just that. It is such a valuable resource for families who are looking for summer events. These are all trusted partners and the information makes it so easy to plan activities with just a few clicks.”

Here are some examples of listings on the flyer and on www.cabellfrn.org:

 

 

  • Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation District: Join the GHPRD Recreation Team for a fun new activity at a different park each Monday in June and July at 1 pm, http://www.ghprd.org

 

 

To access the Electronic Press Kit, visit https://bit.ly/pathwaystosummerfunEPK2020.

Link to webpage to guide

2020 Summer Fun Guide

About The Cabell County Family Resource Network:

The Cabell County Family Resource Network (FRN) is a partnership of individuals, families and agencies working together to promote the well-being of children and families in Cabell County. Since its incorporation in September 1993, the Cabell County FRN has brought together a broad-based representation of partners, including business representatives, consumers, and service providers from health, education, housing, and social services. These partners are critical to improving the well-being of our families and children. The Cabell County FRN envisions a coordinated, community-based social service system responsive to the needs of families and effective in enhancing the success of individuals and families to responsibly achieve their goals.

 

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MEDIA RELEASE: PATHWAYS TO SUMMER FUN