Visitors to Emmet County’s Camp Petosega will have something new to talk about during their next visit: A new Talking is Teaching trail has been established by the Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet and Northern Antrim Counties.

Talking is Teaching is a national public awareness and action campaign from Too Small to Fail that helps parents and caregivers recognize their power to boost their children’s early brain and vocabulary development through simple, everyday activities like talking, reading, and singing. The project has been expanding locally to include grocery stores, laundromats, playgrounds, and nature trails throughout the GSC’s service region.

“We are so grateful for the collaboration with Camp Petosega and Emmet County. It’s a really unique addition to our Talking is Teaching portfolio. Families and children will find fun prompts while they explore the camp and its beautiful trail network,” said Savanah Cool, GSC director. 

Cool said Emmet County parks’ manager Nathan Burns has been instrumental in embracing the partnership and installation of trail materials. “They have been true champions, jumping at the opportunity to get involved, creating amazing videos to accompany the trail signs and so much more,” Cool said. “What started as a cold call to request space at one event has turned into an ongoing community partnership.”

Families are encouraged to venture out and explore the new trail at the camp, located at 11000 Camp Petosega Road, Alanson; find more information online at www.camppetosega.org.

Learn more about the Talking is Teaching campaign online at www.greatstarttalkingisteaching.org.