|
||||
  
 
 |
Got booooorrrred kids? Providence's 'Fun in Sun' will keep 'em hopping By
Analisa Coats
PROVIDENCE -- "Mom, I'm bored," is an often-heard refrain during summer months. Keeping kids entertained can be a daunting task, as many parents know. Providence is looking to remedy this by sponsoring several summer programs this year, not only for children but the entire family as well. "Fun in the Sun," available for kids ages 6 through 12, is one such program. Established three years ago, it runs for about two months each summer, and is Monday through Friday at Zollinger Park. At a rate of $60 for a summer pass, the program features activities such as games, crafts, and water activities in a supervised environment -- a concept that seems to appeal to parents and children alike. "We get a lot of kids for Fun in the Sun," said Teri Lewis, a Providence city clerk. "It's a good program." Providence resident Paula Anderson, whose 8-year old son Carson attended two years ago, agreed. "I liked it, and he really liked it," she said. "I think it's a great program." Anderson's only complaint was the length of the program, which runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. every weekday. However, this year's addition of a punch card, which will allow parents to buy a five-day pass for $10 instead of a $60 pass for the duration of the program, may draw more participants. "I like that a lot better. I will just take him [her son] down when he gets bored," said Anderson. Sara Parslow, the Summer Youth Coordinator for Providence City, estimates enrollment to be between 60 and 65 children each summer, with a daily attendance rate of about 35. Parslow, who received her degree in Parks and Recreation last year, will supervise the program with the help of a small staff-an overwhelming responsibility at times, but not without its rewards. "I love it," Parslow said. " I wouldn't do it otherwise." According to Lewis, Fun in the Sun attracts children from all over Cache Valley as well as Providence. "We have people come from Logan, Hyrum, all over," she said. This success has led to the creation of "Small Fry," a similar program for children ages 4 and 5. As stated in the registration pamphlet, Small Fry aims to "give your child the opportunity to make positive decisions by participating in recreational activities" similar to those of Fun in the Sun. Like its predecessor, Small Fry will be held in Zollinger Park, running from June 13 to June 29 for two hours each weekday. Parslow will oversee the program, and anticipates it will do well with younger siblings of children involved in Fun in the Sun. It will cost $30 per participant. The Providence/River Heights branch of the Cache County Library will also offer a solution for bored kids. Beginning on June 12, the library will feature "Cosmic Connections," a summer reading program consisting of storytelling and other weekly activities. Librarian Marsha Herron expects between 100 and 150 children to be involved this year. "We usually have a very good participation," she said of the program, which was started four years ago. According to Herron, the Cache County Library is part of a cooperative of libraries in several states. The co-op chooses a theme for a reading program each summer, and members may participate if they choose. Other summer activities available in Providence include tennis and sand-pit volleyball lessons. The city is offering various sessions of these lessons throughout the summer for people age 6 up to adults. The cost is $18 per person, or $45 for a group of three. There will also be an "Arts in the Park Series," as advertised in the registration pamphlet sent out to Providence residents. "A smorgasbord of activities for everyone!" reads the pamphlet. This 'smorgasbord' will include children's art classes, a community play, and a series of classes for adults in Dutch oven cooking, indoor gardening, photography, and more. Prices range from $10 to $30 per person.
|
Archived Months:
January
1999 January
2000 |
||