YMCA Partners with Irving

A new partnership between the YMCA of Pueblo and Irving Elementary is bringing innovative and team-building after-school activities to the school.

“YMCA After School Enrichment is a STEAM-based program that offers students a wide variety of activities and opportunities to extend their imagination, creativity, and teamwork skills," said Ashley Leinen, the assistant director of child development at the YMCA who leads the program.

Launched in November, the program has seen Irving scholars utilize materials such as cardboard, markers, popsicle sticks, straws, Legos and other items in fun and educational endeavors designed to spur imagination and creativity.

This week, participating Bullpups are enjoying the Board Game Unit, challenging each other in such games as Uno, I Spy, Jenga, Headbands and Twister.

“These games do not involve technology, and that can help with a child's development extremely by showing them healthy and exciting alternatives,” said Assistant Director Leinen. “The end goal of this session is to have students create a board game based on their discoveries learning and playing the games we have shown them.”