Families from across St. Clair County are invited to explore, play, and discover together at Celebrate Your Child Literacy Day on Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Pine River Nature Center in Goodells.
Hosted by St. Clair County RESA’s Early Childhood Services Department in collaboration with the Region 6 MiFamily Engagement Center and various community partners, this free family-friendly event combines nature-based exploration with hands-on early literacy activities designed for children ages 0-8 and their families.
The event will be held at RESA’s Pine River Nature Center, giving visitors access to the center’s beautiful wooded trails. The morning is designed to show families that learning doesn’t only happen in a classroom. Everyday moments, like a walk through the woods, singing a song, or talking about a butterfly, are opportunities to build language, spark curiosity, and nurture a lifelong love of reading.
Families can enjoy a wide range of hands-on activities, including:
A hike along stroller- and wagon-friendly trails leading to the universally-accessible treehouse, where volunteers will lead storytelling
A visit with everyone’s favorite blue heeler, Bluey, including photo opportunities, a Secret Letter Hunt, and a free Bluey book
A tour of the St. Clair County Library’s Bookmobile, a library on wheels that brings books right to families
Interactive literacy and sensory stations, including a nature obstacle course, scavenger hunt, musical garden, and outdoor alphabet activities
Hands-on crafts such as pine cone bird feeders, stick caterpillars, clay “feelings monsters,” and personalized bookmarks
A self-guided StoryWalk, where a children’s book is displayed along an outdoor path
Access to the nature center’s animal exhibit room featuring birds, reptiles, a bear, eagles, and more
Each activity is designed to build vocabulary, strengthen communication skills, and help children connect learning with play and the natural world around them.
This is a free event, but registration is required. The first 100 families who register and attend will receive a free “Talking is Teaching” literacy activity bag containing a new book, activity materials, and resources to continue the learning at home.
“This event is all about helping families see that learning happens everywhere, especially through play, conversation, and moments spent together,” said Becky Gorinac, Director of Early Childhood Services at St. Clair County RESA. “We’re excited to welcome families for a morning of connection, exploration, and fun.”
The event will take place rain or shine, so families are encouraged to dress for the weather and come prepared with sunscreen and bug spray.
Event Details
Saturday, June 6
9:30–11:30 a.m.
Pine River Nature Center, 2585 Castor Road, Goodells (Next to Goodells County Park)
Celebrate Your Child Literacy Day is made possible through the support of MiLEAP’s Region 6 Family Engagement Center, the Great Start Readiness Program, and numerous community partners, including local health, education, and family service organizations.