In 2020 Covid19 changed family traditions, social customs and holiday schedules.  After months of social distancing, families were looking for a way to safely spend some time out of the house.  Our Story Path project was the perfect solution.  

The Bullitt County Extension and its many program areas formed a council, collaborating with Mt. Washington city government, the Bullitt County public library, the Bullitt County health department and others the first Story Path was created in downtown Mt. Washington.  Coordinating with a “Buy Local” shopping event during the holiday season, the Story Path pages were posted in local shop windows so that families could go from shop to shop reading together as they went. Activity bags were available to be picked up at the local library branch at the end of the walk that included activities and lessons for youth, over 200 bags were claimed by children who participated in the event.

Social media posts about the event were shared over 300 times in one night.  Comments made through the online evaluation indicated that families that participated would enjoy participating in another Story Walk.  The city mayor and council sent a note to the Extension thanking the committee for offering an event in place of the city holiday events that were cancelled due to Covid19.

The Story Path walk encouraged a safe way to get out, be active, spend time with family while promoting language and literacy development through reading.  It helped families to destress a little during the pandemic stay a home situation.  Over 200 families enjoyed an interactive learning opportunity while spending time together outside, with the dual benefit of promoting local businesses. The event was so propular it was extended an additional 3 weeks.  100% of the participants the participated in the online evlauation rated the Story Path experience a 10/10 and reproted that they would be interested in attending another walk in the future.  

Since the first event each branch of the public library has purchased dispalys for story paths at their 5 locations and plan to dispaly story paths throughout the year.  Additionally, The Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Serivce coordinated a walk with Mt. Washington City Parks and Recreation during their Shakespeare in the Park event to help promote literacy and the arts.