Backus Community Center announces the Backus Kids Club program which invites local children to experience a positive and fun-filled summer with ongoing activities and summer learning at the center.
The open-enrollment program is now in progress. With a one-time $25 registration fee, all kids entering grades K-6 may be registered as their parents wish, at $3 per hour throughout the summer.
Backus Director Ward Merrill told The Journal that a lot of parents are looking for more than daycare for their children in the summer. “This is one of the biggest pluses of our program,” he said, adding that it keeps kids learning during the summer months, and offers good socialization and interaction with a variety of teachers and adults. Merrill said the center has hired 12 additional part-time staff, licensed teachers and experienced aides to facilitate the program.
Backus Kids Club operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kids may be registered for full- or part-time, or random enrollment in the program.
In addition to a daily schedule which includes morning academic time, stories and projects; and afternoon off-site activities such as swimming, parks, public library, movies, stories and art projects; registered children will also receive free breakfast and free lunch.
The kids club will feature a weekly theme that includes the following: June: Circle of Friends (getting to know each other); A Bug’s Life (insects); Fun & Fitness (ways to be healthy, exercises and healthy snacks); and Stars & Stripes.
July: Mad Science (experiment); Slammin’ Jammin’ Sports (all kinds of sports); Cooking Up A Storm (learning to measure, read recipes, cook); and Anchors Away (ocean and beach).
August: The Great Outdoors (camping, conservation, tracks); Vacation Nation (exploring different parts of the USA); Over the Rainbow (color wheel, blending colors); It’s A Jungle Out There! (animals); and Last Chance for Fun in the Sun! (fun with water balloons, ice cream social, water relays).
Parents interested in enrolling their child in any part of the program should call Backus before 4 p.m. at 285-7225 and ask for Hoa Sobczynski or Merrill. Registration forms and more information is also available by stopping at the Backus Community Center Office.
