Mount Nittany Health is gearing up to host its second annual Community Day, a family-friendly event designed to promote wellness, health education, and community connection. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the event will take place at Mount Nittany Health’s Boalsburg location. Following last year’s success, organizers are excited to expand the offerings, making this year’s event bigger, better, and packed with even more engaging activities for attendees of all ages.

A Day Packed with Fun and Learning

One of the highlights of the event is the innovative “plush clinic,” which aims to help children feel more comfortable with medical environments. At this station, kids get to choose a plush toy — this year, an adorable dog — and participate in a mock medical examination with healthcare professionals. The activity includes performing simple procedures like testing vision, hearing, and even giving “shots” to their plush companions. By turning a potentially intimidating experience into a playful one, organizers hope to make kids less apprehensive about future doctor visits. According to Mount Nittany Health, the plush clinic was a massive hit last year, with long lines of families eager to participate.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. The event will also feature a “rock garden party,” where each child can paint and decorate a rock to take home. This simple but creative activity encourages outdoor play and artistic expression. Families can also participate in the Jared Box Project, where they assemble and decorate care packages filled with toys and small gifts for children in need. These boxes aim to brighten the days of young hospital patients who may be going through challenging times.

Therapy Dogs Take Center Stage

Building on the success of their pet therapy program, Mount Nittany Health will showcase three of its certified therapy dogs during Community Day. Initially launched two and a half years ago with just three dogs, the program now boasts 16 certified therapy animals. Kids and families will have the chance to meet these furry companions, take pictures, and even receive special keepsakes like tennis balls, dog bandanas, and therapy dog-themed coloring books. For many children, interacting with the therapy dogs provides a comforting and joyful experience, helping to reinforce the event’s emphasis on emotional well-being.

Activities for the Whole Family

Beyond the plush clinic and pet therapy, Community Day offers a variety of other attractions:

• Face painting and balloon art: Kids can get their faces painted and enjoy the talents of a balloon artist creating whimsical designs.
• Caricature artist: Families can take home a unique keepsake from their visit.
• Touch-a-Truck station: Children will have an opportunity to explore emergency vehicles and meet EMS professionals, police officers, and firefighters.
• Healthy snack spinning wheel: A new addition this year, this interactive station encourages kids to think about their favorite healthy snacks, with prizes awarded for their participation.

Adding to the event’s festive atmosphere, food trucks will be on-site, offering a variety of refreshments for the whole family.

A Growing Community Commitment

Daniel Seth, one of the event organizers, explained the inspiration behind Community Day and its purpose: “We started [this event] as a commitment to the community, aiming to give back to the incredible patients and community members we serve. Last year was a fantastic success, and we’re thrilled to bring it back this year with even more activities.” The event exemplifies Mount Nittany Health’s dedication to not only providing excellent medical care but also fostering a strong, supportive community environment.

The Jared Box Project, in particular, draws attention to the importance of small gestures in creating positive experiences for children during medical visits. When reflecting on the impact of such projects, one attendee shared how receiving a similar care package during a hospital stay had made a significant difference for them as a child.

Why It Matters

Community Day is more than just a day of fun—it’s an opportunity to break down barriers that often make children and families hesitant about healthcare. By offering interactive and enjoyable activities, Mount Nittany Health is paving the way for stronger relationships between providers and their patients. Initiatives like the plush clinic and the Jared Box Project help normalize medical environments for children, showing them that healthcare can be a positive and supportive part of their lives. From therapy dogs to face painting, every feature of the event aims to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and celebrate community connections.

Join the Celebration

Whether you're a parent looking for a fun outing, a supporter of community-driven initiatives, or simply someone who loves therapy dogs, Mount Nittany Health Community Day has something for everyone. Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 2, 2026, and head to the Boalsburg location to experience this exciting event. With its blend of fun, education, and community spirit, this year’s Community Day is set to be a memorable occasion for all who attend.