GREENFIELD — Hancock County students shouldn’t be whining that they’re bored this summer.
With the break less than a month away, several local organizations are signing up students for summer day camps, art classes, reading clubs and more.
Here’s a glance at who’s offering what and how to learn more.
Parks department offers camp, art
Riley Park and Pool will be a hub of activity for kids 6 to 12 in the Greenfield Parks Department’s Summer Day Camp June 1 to July 31. Outdoor games, playground time and swimming are common activities, and children also go on field trips every Wednesday.
Cost is $80 a week for a Greenfield city resident and $90 for a nonresident; registration is $25.
Riley Pool opens May 30.
The parks department also offers summer art classes in June and July. Cost is $40 a week for residents and $45 for nonresidents.
“Our mission is to provide recreation opportunities for all age groups in the community; and in the summertime, kids are out of school, so we want to provide quality recreational opportunities that they can have fun with, learn and enjoy,” said Jeremiah Schroeder, program coordinator.
More information about parks programs and how to register can be found at greenfieldin.org/parks or by calling 317-477-4340.
Summer reading begins May 30
Though school is out for the summer, children and teens can still hit the books with several themed programs and prizes in June and July. The Hancock County Public Library kicks off its summer reading program May 30. “Every Hero Has a Story” is the theme for the children’s program for infants through fourth-grade students. The teen program theme is “Unmask,” and adults will “Escape the Ordinary.”
Registration begins at 10 a.m. May 30 at a special event at Greenfield-Central High School’s football field. Library staff members are striving to gather 1,000 people to break a world record for walking with a book on their heads. For more details on summer reading or the world-record attempt, visit hcplibrary.org or call 317-462-5141.
Kindergarten 101 is in July
Kindergarten 101 is a free program sponsored by the Hancock County Purdue Extension for Greenfield-Central incoming kindergarten students who might need an introduction to what the first year of school is like.
“We run through routines, how to do schoolwork, homework, how to eat in a lunchroom, how to ride a bus,” said Diana Davis, Purdue Extension communications specialist. “It helps alleviate the anxiety a lot of kids have of leaving home for the first time.”
The program is July 13-17, and registration is open through June 1. Typically, 30 students are chosen for the program on a first-come, first-served basis with a priority given to students who don’t have preschool experience. For more information, visit extension.purdue.edu/Hancock or call 317-462-1113.
Camp scholarships available
Those nickels and dimes thrown into the Salvation Army red kettles during the Christmas season will help local children attend summer camps this year.
More than $42,000 was raised in Hancock County through the kettle-ringing campaign. While 70 percent of the funds goes to help local families with food, gas, utilities and other needs, a portion helps local youth attend Hidden Falls Summer Camp.
Camp themes range from music to sports and run throughout June and July. For an application, call 317-503-1982 or visit salvationarmyindiana.org/need-help/hidden-falls-camp.
Music, theater takes stage in Fortville
If singing or acting is your thing, Ten West Center for the Arts in Fortville might be up your alley. The organization will perform “The Little Mermaid Junior” June 18-27. “Songs for a New World” will be July 24-25.
For more information, visit tenwestcenter.org or call 403-0323.
Equine day camps scheduled
Horsing around is the name of the game at the annual Discovery Camp hosted by Arc of Hancock County and Edelweiss Equine-Assisted Therapy Center. Campers of all abilities must be 5 by Aug. 1; day camps are June 8-11.
Campers will be able to ride, groom and feed horses. Cost is $25 per child, and registration ends June 5. To register contact Michelle Earl at 679-7532 or [email protected].
Day camps for children, teens set
Field trips, sports and games will be held throughout the summer at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hancock County.
“The Club” is for ages 13-18, while a children’s summer day camp is for ages 5-12.
“We just encourage people to give us a try,” said Candace Sexton, unit director. “The cool part about our program is we’re open 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; that includes lunch and a snack. And you’re not committed for the entire summer. We feel the club is a great place to be. We have great things going on, but we understand parents need flexibility.”
Children must be members of the club, which is $35 per year or less for families with two or more children. The summer children’s component of the club is $75 a week for one child and less for multiple children; teen cost is $35 a week or less.
“Whether it’s sports or arts, we have something for everybody,” Sexton said.
For details, visit bgchc.com or call 317-462-3704.
