Group's Project Combines Learning and Play

A group of volunteers is working on a project aimed at helping children learn while enjoying the outdoors.

This year's Leadership Pickens class is raising funds to create a Born Learning Trail at the J.B. “Red” Owens Recreation Complex, according to class member James Payne.

Leadership Pickens is a leadership development organization that gives class members an overview of different sectors in the community, including civic government, entertainment and education, he said.

“It's designed to give leaders a more holistic view of Pickens County,” Payne said.

But Leadership Pickens isn't just a social organization. Payne said each year's LP class comes up with a project.

“One designed to have lasting value to the community,” Payne said.

Previous LP classes have being build gardens and renovate buildings for non-profit organizations.

Payne's class has decided to create at least one Born Learning Trail in Easley.

“We're definitely doing one,” he said. “If donations pour in, we'll be doing more.”

Born Learning Trails are designed by child development specialists to feature meaningful play in different areas for children age 0-4, Payne said.

“It's designed to allow parents to interact with their kids in an educational and fun way,” he said.

The trail will feature 10 different stations.

“They're getting physical exercise, too,” Payne said. “But there's also shapes, numbers, colors.”

“Studies have shown that kids with access to educational toys show greater physical brain development, than children who do not have access to educational toys,” Payne said. “But educational toys are expensive. For some, the price point puts them out of reach. The trail provides that access to educational toys for everyone so that the achievement gap doesn't continue to widen.

“It's also outside,” he continued. “It's great for getting children outside. I don't think children go outside anymore.”

The Leadership Pickens class is raising funds for the trail.

Each Born Learning Trail costs $1,500.

“If we hit the $3,000 mark, we'll do a second Born Learning Trail at a site that will be determined,” Payne said. “We would like to reach that, but right now we're focusing on doing the one and doing it well.”

If you would like to donate to the project, checks should be made out the United Way with “Born Learning” in the subject line.

“United Way designed Born Learning and the whole series of products and put it out there,” Payne said.

Send donations to United Way of Pickens County, 201 S. 5^th Street, Easley, SC, 29641.

Leadership Pickens members are giving donations themselves to the project and also putting in sweat equity.

“We're donating the labor,” Payne said. “Pouring the cement, mounting the posts, doing the stenciling, all those kinds of things.”

The group held their first Born Learning project workday Friday. Their second workday is set for Saturday, March 16.

To learn more about Borning Learning Trails, visit bornlearning.org.