YORK, Pa. — School is over, summer is here, and kids are sitting inside.
WellSpan Health and libraries across central Pennsylvania have teamed up to fight against sedentary summers and child obesity while also encouraging kids to read and addressing mental health.
The Get Outdoors (GO!) Program is a scavenger hunt through the community that provides safe spaces for children and adults to explore and learn in the Keystone State's countless parks and trails. It began in York County in 2008.
"We try to make sure that we're noting, like, is there a playground? Are there restrooms? Stroller friendly?" Sandy Gladfelter, lead coordinator of community health and wellness programs at WellSpan Health, said. "And then a couple years ago we became ADA accessible, and we note which parks are wheelchair friendly as well. The intent is really just to get people outdoors, exploring some of these places."
To get 'GO'-ing, head to your local library to register and receive your guidebook and rubbing sheet. As kids find each "portal"–wooden post with a unique etching attached–in the guidebook, they can use a crayon or colored pencil to transfer the design to the rubbing sheet. Scavengers will also find the four-digit code that will give them credit for the hike in their library account at each portal.
There are 30 portals in York County alone. Mindy McDonnell, director of youth services with York County Libraries, says the GO! Program has expanded exponentially since it began 16 years ago. This year's theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” emphasizing the importance of connecting with one another and nature for optimal well-being.
"With children, we know that curiosity, play, learning and exploring are really how they learn and grow," Mindy McDonnell, director of youth services with York County Libraries, said. "So, things like the GO! York hikes are a great option. We have a wide variety of great programs at all of our libraries this summer."
Organizers say it takes approximately 100 miles to get to all the portals across the GO! Program's six-county footprint. In the last year alone, nearly 11,000 children have participated, walking more than 39,000 miles.
There is a chance to win prizes once the program concludes at the end of summer. All counties started the hunt on June 1, but end dates vary:
The GO! program in all six counties is funded through WellSpan Health Inspire Grant and through the Community Health & Engagement department budget.
