Scout Troop Spruces Up Born Learning Trail

Cape Girardeau, MO., May 3, 2014 -- As part of the Mayor's "Clean Up Cape Initiative," Girl Scout Troop 71120 repainted the Success By 6 Born Learning Trail at Capaha Park. Troop members and their mothers met to clean the sidewalk trail around the lagoon at Capaha Park. The next day the Troop painted the Hopscotch squares and other symbols needed for activities along the trail. The trail at Capaha Park offers several skill-developing activities for children to play on -- such as hopscotch with numbers, shapes, and ABC's.

"The troop used this project to work towards their Bronze award," said Kristen Seabaugh, troop leader. "Lowe's donated some of the painting supplies and the Troop used money from cookie sales to purchase paint," said Seabaugh. Troop members participating were Kaylei Sterling, Maria Riguez, Mollie Davidson, Bailey Randol, Alexandria Seabaugh and Grayson Jones.

"The Born Learning Trail offers parents with young children an opportunity to turn everyday moments into learning moments. Children need to be outdoors daily and Capaha Park is a wonderful environment for them to enjoy nature and learn as they play," said Janice Jones, Success By 6 Coordinator.

GRACES, United Way of Southeast Missouri Women's Council provided funds for new signs and the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department installed the new signs. "This has been a community effort to refurbish the Born Learning Trail, and we are very appreciative," said Jones.

Born Learning Trails help boost a child's language and literacy skills through fun and games -- important components of early childhood learning. The trails are designed to offer parents, caregivers and communities support in the area of early childhood education, in addition to encouraging families to get active. Studies show that children who enter Kindergarten with the social, emotional and cognitive skills needed for success are more likely to do well in school, graduate, and go to college.