StoryWalk Festival to Bring Joy of Reading and Nature to Worcester

Friday, August 16, 2013

Jeffrey Starr, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Kids will have great fun while reading and learnig at the same time. Photo: Kewl/flickr

Literacy will spring to life in a new, nature-filled experience for families of all ages during the first ever StoryWalk Festival presented by Family Services of Central Massachusetts’ (FSCM) RSVP—Worcester Area Volunteers. Jumbo pages of beloved children’s stories will create an outdoor trail of reading and art for all to enjoy on Saturday, September 21 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Greendale Family Branch YMCA.

The purpose of the festival is to celebrate reading, nature and exercise in combination, and to raise awareness of RSVP- Worcester Area Volunteers and the kind of volunteer opportunities that are offered in Central Massachusetts.

“StoryWalk is a unique opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate literature as we welcome children, parents and grandparents to walk through a “storybook forest” that we create, with our vibrant volunteer corps,” said Barbara Drapos, Director of RSVP- Worcester Area Volunteers.

“The stories appear in jumbo, page-by-page presentation. What a great way for children to be enticed by gorgeous illustrations and classic tales!”

StoryWalk Festival 2013 will be presented in partnership with the Greendale YMCA and Worcester Family Partnership.

Festivities: A Child's Dream

The festival will feature eight mega-sized children’s books stationed along the Y’s footpath near Indian Lake, as well as arts and crafts activities, roving musicians, a children’s magic show and an author appearance. StoryWalk Festival 2013 is a free community event.

Each of the books to be featured will also will be available for installation at schools, parks and other community venues following the festival.

"Attendees will enjoy this novel presentation of children’s literature," remarks Drapos.

"Children may romp, jump, or skip from page to page. They may linger longer at their favorites. The joy of reading is underscored for children by attending with adults in their lives. The importance of literacy is reinforced in a fun way."

She adds that most families in the area have never seen a "StoryWalk" installation (StoryWalk was created originally by Anne Ferguson of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpellier, Vermont) let alone eight in one place, and therefore it promises to be an incredibly unique, exciting and valuable experience for all involved.

"StoryWalk promotes children’s literacy and is a reminder that words may appear everywhere, even along a nature trail or in the city. It is an exciting way to engage young children in reading."

RSVP-Worcester Volunteers is securing StoryWalk Festival sponsors, ranging from book sponsorships to festival sponsors, which include increased exposure before, during and after the event.

Proceeds benefit the ongoing StoryWalk Project and RSVP-Worcester’s corps of 500 volunteers reaching out to help 60 community non-profits that work to fight hunger, boost children’s literacy, help children in need, prevent scams targeting elders, and help U.S. veterans transition back home and much more. To become a festival sponsor or to sponsor a book, contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.

The Greendale Family Branch YMCA is located at 75 Shore Drive in Worcester.