Penacook Community Center's Buddy Bingo and Walking School Bus

PCC's older adults put on their sneakers and join the early morning “Walking
School Bus” from the community center to Penacook Elementary School.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Each week, we feature intergenerational program ideas that were tried and successful. This series is a tool to highlight various age-optimized programs and practices. The program descriptions are provided by representatives of the programs. Inclusion in this series does not imply Generations United’s endorsement or recommendation, but rather encourages ideas to inspire other programs.

This week’s cool ideas are the New Hampshire-based Penacook Community Center (PCC)’s Buddy Bingo and Walking School Bus programs, both of which allow older adults to pass on the importance of safety, while teaching children and youth to read and learn numbers.

(Check our archives for parts 1-45.)

In Buddy Bingo, older adult program members and preschool program children play intergenerational bingo, which helps children identify, read, and learn numbers and helps older adults keep their brains stimulated and motor skills challenged.

Through a partnership with the Merrimack Valley School District Safe Routes to School organization, PCC launched their “Walking School Bus” program where staff and older adults escort the children from the community center to Penacook Elementary School.

All ages enjoy the laughs and conversations during the brisk early morning walks.

Got something cool you tried that was successful? Why not tweet your cool intergenerational ideas to #cooligideas? You can also post them to our Intergenerational Connections Facebook Group. We want to highlight innovative age-optimized programs and practices through our blog, social media and weekly e-newsletter! Share the inspiration.