Earlier today, Canalside was taken over by hundreds of young students. The area was literally mobbed with young people who were running about enjoying the weather and the waterfront. Each year, throughout the nation, cities host a National Summer Learning Day, where children are taught to learn and retain positive habits outside of the school. The kids are also introduced to continuing learning opportunities and continuing healthy eating habits.
Low-income youth lose access to healthy meals over the summer and, research shows that children gain weight twice as fast compared to during the school year.
All throughout the day, youngsters participated in fitness activities (running games, an obstacle course, double dutch, and La’Zumba, as well as STEM activities with The Buffalo Zoo, Buffalo Animal Adventures, Computers for Children and Girl Scouts of WNY. There were also a number of literacy and art activities available.
Not only do the kids learn to appreciate and respect their surroundings, they are also introduced to a part of the city that they might not be familiar with – the waterfront. Canalside is quickly becoming a haven for young people who are looking to get involved with outdoor activities, many of which are free and open to the public.
The 2016 National Summer Learning Day was made possible thanks to Afterschool Network of WNY (ASNWNY) in partnership with the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), Say Yes Buffalo, and NYS Network for Youth Success, the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County. Sponsors include Councilman David Franzyck, Buffalo City Council, and The NYS Network for Youth Success, as well as numerous local Afterschool Network of WNY member organizations including Northwest Buffalo Community Center, Community Action Organization, Child and Adolescent Treatment Services and VIA Evaluation.