United Way Born Learning is a set of tools that equip parents, caregivers, and communities to create early learning opportunities for young children. Born Learning trails are a well-proven United Way community engagement and improvement tool; there are currently 750 such trails across the United States, but none are in Minnesota north of Elbow Lake - yet.
United Way of Northeastern Minnesota is working with cities across our service area to identify locations ideal for Born Learning trails. Once locations are determined, local volunteers will help install signage and paint paths to create interactive, fun, and educational community asset.
Each Born Learning Trail is a series of 10 interactive signs that transform everyday moments into fun and engaging learning opportunities, helping young children build crucial skills through play. With 90% of brain development occurring before age five, early learning experiences lay the foundation for lifelong success.
Outdoor play enhances cognitive development, while exposure to literacy and problem-solving activities supports school readiness. However, many families face barriers in accessing the resources needed to nurture early learning at home, and by bringing the Born Learning Trails to a community space, UWNEMN will help create an inclusive environment where children can develop critical skills through play while caregivers gain the tools and confidence to support their children’s development
See other Born Learning Trails in action:
Born Learning is coming to Baudette this summer!
Baudette Born Learning Trail
Location: Timber Mill Park
Date: August 7, 2025
30 Volunteers needed:
- Pole/sign installer (4-6 volunteers needed to drive poles into ground and secure signs to poles)
- Sidewalk stencil painting crew (2-3 volunteers needed per sign to paint trail designs using stencils, chalk, and paint provided)
Sponsorship opportunity:
- Secure your sponsorship by June 30th to have your logo featured on Born Learning Trail signage in Timber Mill park!
Want to bring a Born Learning Trail to your community?
1. Contact Education & Childhood Programs Specialist Sarah Gardeski at sarah@unitedwaynemn.org.
2. UWNEMN contacts city leadership to get approval to install a trail, determine a location, and determine an installation date.
3. Local businesses and organizations are given the opportunity to sponsor the purchase of signage. (Sponsors are recognized on signs.)
4. UWNEMN orders materials and recruits volunteers to install signs, paint designs on trail alongside signs (stencils provide), and help maintain trail into the future.
5. Community enjoys new interactive trail for years to come!