United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s first-ever Born Learning Trail is coming to Baudette August 7th, and 30 volunteers are needed at Timber Mill Park to help make it happen.
United Way organizations across the United States utilize Born Learning Trails – a series of 10 interactive signs that transform everyday moments into fun and engaging learning opportunities for young children – as a community engagement and improvement tool.
There are currently 750 such trails across the nation, but this will be the first trail in UWNEMN’s service area (Iron Range, Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County). The trails have been a longtime goal of UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay who said she is particularly excited to be starting in Baudette.
Baudette Mayor Dylan Hancharyk echoed the sentiment.
“This will be a great addition to the community for anyone and everyone who uses our trail,” Hancharyk said.
Four to six volunteers are need to install signs, and another two to three volunteers per sign to paint accompanying artwork using stencils. All materials for this project will be provided, along with lunch and other refreshments.
Organizers anticipate sign installation to last from 9:30 to 10 am and painting to last from 10:30 am to 3 pm.
“Community support of a Born Learning Trail lays the foundation for lifelong success of generations to come,” said UWNEMN Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator Emily Unhjem, noting that 90 percent of the brain develops before age five. “This project also brings people together in a big way – first volunteers for installation day and eventually families, friends, and visitors throughout the year.”