United Way of Southwest Minnesota is holding our annual summer reading program, Wild About Reading: Meet at the Trail in June and July. This program was redesigned and launched last summer based on survey feedback from local parents/caregivers. The goal of this program is to promote literacy development while incorporating movement and hands on learning opportunities for children. The activities include: interactive stories, an exercise card activity, Born Learning Trail exploring, scavenger hunt, parachute games, activity dice and a life size bowling game.

The tour has already stopped in Fulda, Hendricks, Currie, Marshall and Cottonwood. We still have several Trails left to visit throughout the month of July. Join us from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on the following dates and locations: East Bay Park in Balaton (July 10), City Park in Walnut Grove (July 11), Rice Park in Granite Falls (July 16), Veterans Park in Dawson (July 18) and Heinz Park in Lake Wilson (July 24). An alternative location may be determined in Lake Wilson if the park is still under water. Watch our Facebook page for updates. All Wild About Reading events are held at permanent Born Learning Trail sites in our service area.

Parents, caregivers and child care providers are encouraged to bring their preschool or young children to the Trail nearest to them and enjoy the fun. Child care providers who attend with the children in their care will receive a bag of books for their daycare. Other children in attendance will receive a free book. Programming is free and brought to you by the United Way of Southwest Minnesota. Activities will be geared toward preschool age learners, but all ages are welcome.

For more information, call 507-929-2273 or log onto www.UnitedWaySWMN.org.