Storybooks to come to life at Stand for Children event

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – Binghamton University’s Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) and the Children and Youth Services Council of Broome County are co-sponsoring the annual Stand for Children event from 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at Recreation Park, Binghamton. The event is free and open to the public.

Event organizers are bringing favorites storybooks to life with the new theme, “Where the Wild Things Are.” The annual Stand for Children event serves to empower local youth, teaching young people to be effective citizen leaders who join together in a unified, grassroots effort to use the power of their youth voice to influence decisions made by their adult leaders.

“Reading with our children not only enhances their mastery of language, but it stimulates their minds, expanding their understanding of the world around them,” said Amy Humphrey, LPP director. “With this new Story Book theme, we aim to get our youth and their families excited about reading, and, in turn, foster the growth of our youth voices. To achieve this, Stand for Children “Where the Wild Things Are” is bringing favorite literary adventures and heroes to life! Imagine the awe of a child as they walk into Wonderland to enjoy a tea party with the Mad Hatter, or the excitement of the young child who gets to hunt for treasure on Captain Hook’s pirate ship. The possibilities are endless. All it takes is a bit of imagination, creativity and a pinch of pixie dust.”

Visitors can participate in storybook-themed activities, interact with characters, eat treats at the Weis Very Hungry Caterpillar Food Tent and enjoy the Visions Federal Credit Union-sponsored “Where the Wild Things Are” interactive performance at 6:30 p.m.

Established in 1988, The Binghamton University Liberty Partnerships Program connects middle and high school students with a comprehensive support system to prepare them for higher education, career planning and adult life. LPP is dedicated to providing individualized resources and support to assist students with overcoming adversity and reaching their full potential.

Each year, LPP supports 360 students from Binghamton, Susquehanna Valley, Owego Apalachin and Union-Endicott School Districts, leading to a 95 percent average graduation rate. Examples of LPP’s student success can be found at http://libertyatbinghamton.com/success-stories.

For more information, contact Humphrey at humphrey@binghamton.edu.