'Go WilMa' Encourages Kids to Read, Explore Parks

A new summer program spearheaded by Willistown Parks and Recreation aims to get kids reading and stretching their legs.

"Go WilMa"—short for Willistown and Malvern—might best be described as a big for children who are doing summer reading at Malvern and Paoli libraries:

Each summer reading participant will receive a Captain's Log and clues to search for the stars hidden in Malvern and Willistown parks and special places this summer.

When the children find those stars—nestled in locations like Okehocking Preserve in Willistown and Randolph Woods in Malvern Borough—they will make rubbings of special embossed plates to keep as evidence of their progress. Most of the star stations are in parks and preserves, but Paoli Hospital is also among the sites.

Modeled after a program in York County, the theme behind the Go WilMa is "Get Outside and Reach for the Stars!" Go WilMa began this week, and it will run through Aug. 24.

Raffle Prizes in September

As they collect rubbings, children will earn "dream tickets" which they can enter into a raffle at Okehocking Fall Fest on Sept. 8:

Prizes include a year long family membership to the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University, a canoe trip down the Brandywine River with Northbrook Canoe Company, a badminton set and more. The first 250 kids to show 3 star stamps at each library will receive a Take Your Favorite Adult pass to the Academy of Natural Sciences.

According to the Go WilMa Facebook page, enrollment is off to a good start:

127 kids picked up their GO WilMa Captain's Logs at Malvern Library today. Go boldly, star seekers!

Tips for Participation

"You'd be smart to plan," said Mary McLoughlin, director or Willistown Parks. "When it's really hot out, do Paoli Hospital. Take longer hikes on cooler days, maybe. Map out all the star locations and plan a tour."

McLoughlin said one of the best features of the program is that families can do it on their own schedule, and a few rainy days aren't a problem. Last year, for example, the 2011 Greentree Country Fair was postponed twice before being combined with another event.

More information

Any child in kindergarten to fifth grade is welcome to participate, regardless of where they live. Go WilMa is a collaboration of Willistown Township, Malvern Borough, Malvern Library, Paoli Library, Paoli Hospital and Activate Chester County, with most of the funding coming from Willistown Township.

For more information on the program, visit the Willistown Parks website or stop into or .