Jumpstart boosts back-to-school

Kids were encouraged to touch and play the instruments at the Grand Junction Symphony booth at the Jumpstart event Tuesday morning at Lincoln Park.

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Richie Ann Ashcraft

Kids were encouraged to touch and play the instruments at the Grand Junction Symphony booth at the Jumpstart event Tuesday morning at Lincoln Park.

By Richie Ann Ashcraft
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

It’s hard for children to switch from a free-thinking summer mindset to a back-to-school academic mindset.

The Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce aims to help that switch with their annual Jumpstart Fair.

A variety of local nonprofit organizations and community services teamed-up Tuesday morning at Lincoln Park to provide fun and hands-on learning activities for more than 100 children.

“It’s so hard for kids to flip from summer to school,” said Betsy Bair, government affairs manager for the chamber.

This is the second year the chamber’s Business Education Foundation has recruited groups such as the Grand Junction Symphony, the Math and Science Center, and the Colorado State Parks to provide free hands-on learning activities for elementary-aged children. Crews from the Grand Junction Fire Department, Grand Junction Police and Mesa County Sheriff’s office were also there to remind children the importance of back-to-school safety.

This year there were more booths and more children in attendance, Bair said. She’s hoping the event grows larger annually.

“The whole idea is yto have hands-on things to do at each booth,” she said.

The chamber also offered a jumpstart to high school aged children by offering a free speed reading course Monday morning. Over 80 students were in attendance at Colorado Mesa University.