Kids with a Connection mentoring program sponsored Fun in the Park on June 17. Youth in kindergarten through 5th grade were invited to participate in a morning of games, food and fun at Kelso Park, starting with muffins and juice and ending with a picnic lunch.
Seventeen youngsters were encouraged to play games with 20 Ram football players and coaches, and nine members of the ISU Cyclone football squad. Activities included whiffle ball, Frisbee, stick horse races, bags, scoop ball, soccer, kickball and more, ending with everyone playing touch football. Lunch was burgers grilled by Greene County Cattlemen.
“This was our first event focusing on older youth mentoring youngsters in a group setting, and was a great success. Just watching kids play and have fun was so gratifying,” said Laura Ballard, Kids with a Connection coordinator. “The smiles and new friendships were so rewarding.”
Kids with a Connection is a program of matching youth and adults in one-on-one mentoring partnerships and group activities provided to youth in Greene County through ISU Extension & Outreach in Greene County. It is made possible by funds received through Communities for Children and Community Partnerships for Protecting Children. For more information on Kids with a Connection, contact Ballard at Greene County Extension by email at lballard@iastate.edu, call 515-386-2318, or visit the office at 104 West Washington St, Jefferson.
