The Factory to host Lunch & Learns

When the Building Braves program, housed in The Factory Ministries, first held Lunch & Learns in 2022, the goal was to provide activities, enrichment, and lunch for Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) students over the summer months.

That goal remains the same for the summer of 2023, with Lunch & Learns planned in the Paradise Park, 6 London Vale Road, Gordonville, on Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, and 26. Each program will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Children may enjoy their lunch in the park or take it home. Parent or caregiver supervision is required for children to take part. Lunches may be taken home to siblings who cannot attend. Lunches will consist of a variety of food items, including sandwiches, crackers, cheese, meat, vegetables, and snacks. An advocate from The Factory will be present so that families that have a further need for food may connect with resources and begin to utilize The Factory Market to help meet that need.

As in 2022, the idea behind Lunch & Learns is for children to stay and take part in activities, which, according to Karla Beiler, director of Pequea Valley elementary advocacy, will include group games, STEM activities, reading enrichment, crafts, gross motor activities, and a read-aloud time. The Intercourse Library will take part one week. While the focus of activities will be on the elementary-age students, any student from birth to age 18 is welcome. Organizers are requesting that families wishing to attend register beforehand at https://tinyurl.com/23muf8dm.

A special Back-to-School Extravaganza is planned to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 2, at The Factory, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. "That is going to look a little bit different this year," said Lisa Eckert, director of early learning with PVSD. Eckert explained that a Salisbury Elementary employee, who is also a PVSD parent, suggested incorporating a giveaway of clothing for children who have more of a need for those types of items into the back-to-school event, which was first held as the final Lunch & Learn in 2022. "We have been working with (that parent) and a few others in planning this back-to-school event," said Eckert, who noted that clothing items, shoes, coats, and back-to-school supplies will all be part of this year's event. "Families can come and do a whole back-to-school (shopping experience)," she noted.

Questions about Lunch & Learns or the Back-to-School Extravaganza should be directed to Eckert at Lisa_eckert@pequeavalley.org or 717-381-5020 or to Beiler at karla@thefactoryministries.com or 717-687-9594, ext. 206.