Celebrating Children’s Day at the Capitol: A Magical Day of Learning, Advocacy, and Connection
Each year, Children’s Day at the Capitol brings together thousands of young minds, passionate advocates, and community leaders in a collective effort to celebrate, educate, and inspire. This year, approximately 3,000 children filled the halls of the Florida Capitol, turning the space into a vibrant hub of creativity and possibility. Among them was United Way of Central Florida’s ReadingPals Manager, Ruthie Teets, who played a pivotal role in creating memorable experiences for the children who attended.
Representing United Way of Central Florida’s ReadingPals Program and The Children’s Movement of Florida, Ruthie spent the day in the beloved Storybook Village, a magical space where stories came to life through interactive reading, hands-on activities, and imaginative play. At United Way’s booth, children delighted in hearing The Animal Boogie, a lively tale that got them moving, dancing, and singing along. They then chose their favorite jungle animal mask to create, allowing them to step into the world of storytelling in a playful and engaging way.
This year’s Storybook Village was the biggest and most enchanting yet—a place where timeless tales came to life through play, costumed characters, and immersive reading stages that sparked imagination at every turn. The energy and excitement throughout the day served as a powerful reminder of why early childhood education, literacy, and advocacy matter so much.
Beyond the Storybook Village, Ruthie explored the Capitol Rotunda, where children from across the state worked together to create the breathtaking Celebration of the Hands, a larger-than-life artistic display that serves as a daily reminder to legislators, advocates, and visitors that the future of Florida’s children rests in their hands.
The day was packed with meaningful moments—from youth performances that uplifted the crowd to engaging booths filled with resources and interactive experiences. The event offered something for everyone, with early learning tools for young children, health and wellness resources for families, and countless ways to engage and connect with partners across the state.
At United Way of Central Florida, we are proud to be part of this movement—to champion literacy, support early learning initiatives, and ensure children across our community have the tools to succeed. Events like Children’s Day at the Capitol reinforce the importance of working together to create a brighter future, one book, one story, and one inspired child at a time.
The future is in our hands—let’s continue to lift up, educate, and empower the next generation!