YDU Provides Bikes and STEM Activity on School Holiday
Today, Chester Upland School District was closed, but 48 students were as engaged as ever in STEM learnings and physical activity provided by Youth Development United and its partners.
Eyre Park was the beautiful venue where over 20 families gathered with volunteers from 9th Street Youth & Community Center, Widener University, Strath Haven High School and Bike Delco for a fun, free event that filled an otherwise quiet day.
The session started off with a bike giveaway, in connection with YDU’s Bike Rodeos which are supported by a grant from the Circuit Trails coalition. Through that initiative, YDU collects used bikes, works with Chester native Mike Minor and volunteers Erin Ewell, Tyler Ewell, Nick Kaplinsky and Phil Morrison to bring them to safe riding condition, and then distributes them along with helmets and locks to children participating in YDU programs. Today, 26 bikes were given away, bringing the program total to 334.
Soccer balls and goals held the attention of the kids when they weren’t in the bike selection process. Then, as attendees enjoyed a well-rounded lunch generously provided at cost by Just Pizza and the Swarthmore Co-Op, James Bergman of Bike Delco addressed the group with tips on successfully maintaining a bike, and fielded many inquisitive questions.
Next our STEM program began, led by retired Widener science education professor Dr. Nadine McHenry, Widener biology/environmental science professor Dr. Bruce Grant, and four of his eager students. The goal was to sharpen participants’ observation skills while encouraging physical activity moving around the park.
Dr. McHenry explained “Observation skills are essential to teach because they enable students to gather accurate information, identify patterns, and draw conclusions, forming the foundation of scientific inquiry and critical thinking. By honing these skills, students become more effective problem solvers and are better equipped to understand complex systems in the world around them.”
Activities included an observation game, a scavenger hunt, birdwatching with binoculars, and the use of magnifiers to identify an interesting “microtrail.” Highlights included seeing a blue heron relaxing by Chester Creek as part of its annual migration, the identification of larvae, and bonding with the high school and college students serving as mentors along the way. Volunteers included Colton Anckaitis, Kiera Bergin, Maggie Conway, Jasper Hals and Samantha Spector.
Special guests Mayor Stefan Roots, Chester City Hall’s Constituent Affairs Manager Justin Tibbels and beloved Main Street Elementary educator Ms. Yolanda Jackson also stopped by to participate and mingle with attending families.
“It’s great to see everyone enjoying themselves on a day off from school,” commented Mayor Roots.
Participants were encouraged to take home book donations provided by the Kara Barnard Youth Literacy Fund, clothing donations collected by YDU, and quantities of fresh fruit supplied as part of lunch.
YDU Program Manager Raina Kuzemka noted that as she staffed the registration desk, a number of families told her that this was their first time at Eyre Park, and that they’d enjoy returning with their new bikes.
Every family in attendance indicated that they’d be interested in attending future programs on days off from school. To help support such initiatives. please consider donating time or money to Youth Development United.
