Interactive activities for all ages and two types of races will be featured during the inaugural Dr. Spino Kids Day on April 29 in Hempfield Park.
Slated from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event is organized by G. Domenic Spino, a former family therapist, and will include area human services organizations handling activity stations.
Planned free offerings include a creek study, storytelling, folk music and yoga. Attendees will be able to make their own rhythmic music with drums and rainsticks.
Spino said a “monster bag” craft activity will double as art therapy, with kids encouraged to design a bag in the image of a monster.
The array of activities are meant to “provide the spark that allows someone to better use mindfulness to explore their challenges,” he said.
The activities are in sync with the work of Dr. Spino Kids, a charitable organization affiliated with Humanitarian Social Innovations, based in Bethlehem, Pa.
Spino, the founder and program director, said the organization is named for his father, the late Greensburg physician Dr. Pascal D. Spino, and has a mission of “bringing mindfulness and mentoring to a vulnerable population.”
The organization led a “mindful” workout for senior citizens at Greensburg’s McKenna Center and is organizing a trip for students to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County. Its mission includes supporting the development of emotionally balanced children with “mindfulness-based stress-reduction techniques, lessons, opportunities and strategies.”
April 19 is the deadline to register for two free races that will be held in the park.
A 5K race begins at 9 a.m. The race follows a level course and offers a dozen age divisions, ranging from 14 and younger to 65 and older.
A Family Rabbit Race begins at 10 a.m. That 2K race is a strategy-based event where children, assuming the role of “rabbits,” can take advantage of “safe spaces” along the course. They are followed by adult “fox” participants.
To register, visit runsignup.com and search for “Dr. Spino Kids” under the “Find a Race” heading.
