GREENFIELD — Not every family can hit the road for spring break, so local organizations are offering activities for children who are sticking close to home.
Eastern Hancock, Mt. Vernon and Southern Hancock students start their two-week breaks this week, while Greenfield-Central’s break begins Monday. Here’s a look at what families can do to keep the kids occupied.
Basketball, art programs
Teens can take part in a three-on-three basketball tournament, or younger children can enjoy some spring-themed art classes in programs hosted by the Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department.
“Not every family is going to go on a two-week vacation or a vacation at all, so we like to try to offer something during that time that gives you something to do during the week,” said Jeremiah Schroeder, program director for the parks department.
The Monday through March 25 basketball tournament is new, designed for high school students to enjoy some friendly competition at the Memorial Building in downtown Greenfield.
Children ages 6 to 12 can sign up for art programs on spring clay creations and springtime animals. Art programs last both weeks of Greenfield-Central’s spring break.
For more information, or to sign up, click on the “Parks” tab at greenfieldin.org or call 317-477-4340.
YMCA camps
The Greenfield, McCordsville and New Palestine chapters of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis will hold spring break camps. Activities include arts, crafts, games, cooking and science experiments, as well as occasional field trips.
New Palestine Elementary School is the site for the program in Southern Hancock, McCordsville Elementary School will host Mt. Vernon students, and Harris Elementary School will host Greenfield-Central’s activities.
Child care is available 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; rates for the camp vary according to needs. Students may come for the entire duration or just the days when supervision is needed.
Registration is conducted through the elementary schools. For more information, call the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, 317-577-2070.
Youth centers
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hancock County is open the first week of Greenfield-Central’s spring break, Monday through March 27. Regular activities including open gym are available 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Membership fees apply; for details, call 317-462-3704.
The Hancock Henry Community Youth Center will be open today through Thursday, 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
It will be closed Monday to April 3 to coincide with spring break.
Library eve
nts
The Hancock County Public Library has several events for the next few weeks while children are on spring break.
MadCap Puppets will perform “Long Lost Stories” for all ages at Monday at the main branch.
Students in Grades K to 5 can make kites Monday at the Sugar Creek branch of the library in New Palestine.
On March 25, those thinking about becoming young entrepreneurs can learn about Lemonade Day by grabbing a business kit at the main branch. Participants also will be invited to experiment with library ingredients and concoct their own lemonade recipe to use in their stand. Lemonade Day is conducted every May to teach children about business.
The main branch will hold a mo-vie marathon for teens March 25and comic book club March 26.
“During spring break, we always like to have an event,” said Barb Roark, assistant library director. “We want to do a family event because we know not everyone gets to go places.”
For registration and more details about the free events, visit hcplibrary.org or call 317-462-5141, ext. 238.
Daily Reporter staff writer Kristy Deer contributed to this report.
