Summer, Stories, and Snacks 2025

Summer, Stories, and Snacks is something we look forward to every year. The goal is simple: get kids together to read some great stories, try activities and snacks, and have a good time. Each week we focus on a new book and tie in some hands-on crafts and games—a simple way to make reading enjoyable and give kids a chance to connect with each other. We’ve had a lot of laughs, some surprises, and even learned a thing or two along the way. Thanks to everyone who showed up (rain or shine) and made another summer of Stories and Snacks a success.

June 19th - Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas

We all know a kid who struggles to try new things. Whether it's a veggie that they've never come across or it's making a new friend, trying something new can be intimidating. That's why we chose to read Aaron Blabley's Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas. We hoped to encourage someone to do something they've never done before.

We started it off by trying something new ourselves - having a Summer, Stories, and Snacks at the Dushore Park! We were worried that it was going to be a flop but were thrilled to welcome a great group of kids show up for both our Dushore and Laporte Program!

After reading the story, we played Beanboozled, a game where kids taste mystery jelly beans—some delicious (like Peach or Tutti Frutti), and some downright gross (like Barf or Stinky Socks). The challenge? You can’t tell which is which! We rewarded their bravery with a variety of fun Ben & Jerry’s flavors, and everyone found something they liked.

Our craft was creating clothespin piranhas. Kids colored their piranhas and attached them to clothespins using glue dots so they could actually chomp!

Trying new things helps build flexible thinking, which strengthens problem-solving skills and can lead to new friendships or deepen existing ones.

June 26th - The Smart Cookie

"The Smart Cookie" is a children's picture book about a cookie who doesn't feel smart compared to the other pastries in the bakery. The book, part of the Food Group series from Jory John and Pete Oswald, explores themes of self-doubt, social anxiety, and the importance of community support. It emphasizes that there are many ways to be smart and encourages children to embrace their unique strengths and talents. It promotes perseverance, confidence, and the power of a positive mindset.

We wanted all the kids to know that they were a smart cookie in their own ways. So we then made a cookie poster on which we listed 3 ways we are a smart cookie. We then shared our unique strengths or talents with the group.

Next, we placed Oreo cookies on our foreheads and tried to move them down to our mouths without dropping them. It was definitely a challenge but we discovered that almost all of us had the patience, perseverance, (and facial muscles) to move the cookie all the way down.

July 3rd - Sodapop Head

Despite what true crime media might make you think a majority of crimes in America are not carefully planned acts of violence. They're often impulsive reactions driven by unmanaged emotions. That's part of the reason we chose Sodapop Head. It's never too early to start to learn how to control your anger instead of letting your anger control you. We can't control how we feel but we can control how we respond to those feelings. Sodapop Head gives us some strategies to recognize the physical signals of anger and how to manage our feelings and release tension before we "blow our cap".

We made calm-down bottles filled with glitter to help kids slow down and breathe. When shaken, the glitter swirls wildly—just like our emotions. Watching it settle encourages deep breathing and reflection. By the time the glitter is still, the anger usually is too.

We also did a Coke and Mentos experiment to show how emotions can build up and explode if not managed. The Coke represented our emotions, and the Mentos were the little irritations that can cause an eruption. We talked about strategies to avoid “blowing your cap” and hurting someone.

July 17th - Freddie the Fly: Motormouth

Some kids struggle with talking too much—their mouths run like motors! That’s why we read Freddie the Fly: Motormouth by Kimberly Delude, a story about learning to listen.

Freddie’s teacher introduces the red-light/green-light strategy:

• When someone else is talking, imagine a red light—don’t interrupt.
• After they finish, count to three. If they don’t speak again, it’s a green light to share your thoughts.
• If you’ve been talking for a while and notice the other person looks bored, that’s a yellow light—pause and give them space to speak.

We made paper bugs to remind us of Freddie and colored 3-2-1 bookmarks to reinforce the traffic light rule.

July 24th - Pete The Cat Screams for Ice Cream

It's always a good idea to remember that kindness is cool. We read Pete the Cat Screams for Ice Cream by Kimberly and James Dean as a reminder that helping others can have its own reward. In the story Pete is excited for an ice cream truck but he keeps coming across his friends in need on his way. He decides to help all of them and even though he missed the truck he got a reward that might've been even better. He got to eat ice cream with all of his friends.

We made peel and stick paper ice cream cones and played a version of an egg and spoon race but we used our re-usable water balloons instead of an egg. When the prevention team originally planned and tested the activity we easily balanced the full water-balloons on the spoons. However, what was easy for two adults turned out to be impossible for our attendees. That's when the lesson turned into a real-life example of flexible thinking! We had a blast just having a regular water-balloon fight.

July 31st - There's a Hole in the Log in the Middle of the Lake

Our final July program was a special trip to the Mokoma Conservancy. Both groups met at the Conklin Run Trail for a Storywalk, a fun and unique way to enjoy a book while spending time in nature. Spending time in nature is important for your mental health.

After the walk we headed to the Victim Services office to create bracelets and necklaces inspired by the story. Each piece represented a different character or element of the story, repeating and building until we had our beautiful pieces of jewelry

We wrapped up with ice cream at the SCVS Ice Cream Social. Where kids and families enjoyed sweet treats and celebrated the connections we've built. It was a joyful, community-centered way to end July.

August 7th - What Would Darla Do?

What would Darla Do? Is a choose your own adventure book about the power of choice. We read through the book twice to explore how different choices lead to different outcomes. This interactive format helped kids understand that every choice has a consequence, and that thinking ahead can lead to better results.

To reinforce the empowerment theme, we made superhero headbands. We wore them to play pillars of power - the prevention team's new favorite game. Pillars of Power is a cooperative, competitive game that requires players to make decisions quickly and then face their consequences.

August 14th -  The Dot

For our final program we read The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds—a beautiful story about creativity, confidence, and making your mark. We talked about how even a small act, like drawing a dot, can lead to something meaningful.

We made our own dot artwork, using dot markers and paper plates. Each dot was unique, and the prevention team plans to display them in the window of the Sullivan County Library. We ended the day with a game of Twister, followed by another water balloon fight. It was a great way to cool off and celebrate the end of a wonderful summer. A perfect finale to a season filled with stories, growth, and joy