On July 31 ten YPP clients participated in the site's first field trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. The long awaited field trip gave them a chance to socialize in an environment other than the classroom. Social interaction is essential for young parents' life skills.

     Most students had never ventured outside of the Holyoke vicinity or had a chance to visit a historical site. Touring the Hall of Fame gave them an account of the rich history of Springfield as the birthplace of basketball, a sport most of them watch and play.

     Clients were amazed to see the shoe prints of players past and present.They showed great interest in the inductees' rise to fame. The tour ended with the clients shooting hoops on the court. They had raised money through can and bottle redemption for refreshments after the tour. This trip was an event they will not forget.

     The August parenting skills curriculum was a project named "Child's Play," which consisted of discovering different engaging play activities for a parent and child to interact together.

     Since it was still summer the class focused on outside games and activities. The clients invented a variety of lawn games to play with their children, then decided to put the games to the test.

     On August 21, parents and children participated in a Family Fun Day at Holyoke Heritage State Park. The event was held in collaboration with the Holyoke Parks Department and the Greater Holyoke Boys and Girls Club, which provided lunch, popcorn and rides.

      On September 5 the class toured the Holyoke Public Library. All clients who attended applied for a library card.

     A book club was established. Each month one children's book will be showcased for the parents to read to their children. A monthly story time will be hosted for clients and their children.

     Barnes & Noble has donated several children's books for the club, which we hope will flourish in the classroom.