Cornerstone Youth Center recently received a grant that will help the organization introduce kids to the great outdoors.

A grant from the Matthews Children's Foundation through Spence Funeral Services will be used to support "Where Are We Wednesdays," an annual summer program for middle and high school students that will run on Wednesdays from June 12 through July 24.

"The program will enable Cornerstone to take our students on field trips throughout the summer and to introduce them to local hiking trails and other local attractions," explained Jim Bush, Cornerstone executive director.

Twenty to 25 students typically participate in each field trip. "The hiking trips promote physical activity as well as introducing them to flowers, plants, trees and animals," he remarked. "We will also incorporate a geocaching event into one of our hikes, where the students will have to use GPS coordinates to find a treasure hidden along the trail."

Hikes will take place at several locations throughout the region, including Chickies Rock, Governor Dick Park in Mount Gretna, the White Cliffs of Conoy in Marietta and Hawk Point at Susquehannock State Park. 

"We will also have a trip to Blue Marsh Lake and the Turkey Hill Experience," Bush said, adding that the summer program will conclude with a pool party. Activities will run from 2 to 6 p.m. on most Wednesdays, with the exception of the longer program at the lake.

Grant funds will be used to provide food, transportation and entrance fees as needed, he said, adding, "We appreciate the generosity of the Matthews Children's Foundation and Spence Funeral Services."

Bush said the summer program fits in well with the overall mission of the youth center.

"We believe that it is important for kids to be physically active and engaged in activities outside their homes - and even outside Cornerstone," he shared. "We take time over the summer months to give the students opportunities to take a break from their phones and video games and interact with each other and with God through His creation. It is our hope that they learn to appreciate the beauty of nature and have some fun outdoors!"

The program is open to any youths from the greater Elizabethtown area. Permission forms must be completed by a parent in order for a student to participate. Permission forms can be obtained by calling the Cornerstone office at 717-367-0000.