About 25 youngsters gathered in Bayview Park in Brant Beach last Thursday afternoon for fun in the sun, and in the water – with stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and the always-popular giant swan float and fellow inflatable creatures.

The kids traveled to the park with Hearts of Mercy, a nonprofit based on the mainland that endeavors to foster relationships with families in low-income areas, and provides the children in those families with support, guidance and a variety of activities and outings.