More family fun...RiverRats First home game is in May

Summer is coming sooner than we think, and already programs are gearing up to care for your children while you work and entertain your family throughout the summer.  Other special programs are in the works to give your kids a fun adventure or new experiences outdoors, in the arts or in theatre.

The following are a few of the choices available in Wayne County this summer,

including day camps and other fun programs:

JUKO

is a free program open to all children in Wayne County entering grades 1-6 in the Fall.  It runs from June 11– July 20, 2012. Lunches are provided at all four sites with morning and afternoon sessions.  Camp counselors are well trained and have undergone background checks.   The summer schedule will include trips to the pool as well as visits from the fire department, crafts and field trips.  This is a free program provided by the Richmond Parks and Recreation office.  Sites are : AM: Springwood Park or Vaile Elementary.  PM: Glen Miller Park or Mary Scott Park. 9a.m.-noon or 1:00 p.m.-4.  Cost: Free

Little Juko 

Under The Sea Little Juko is for children ages 3-5 years and runs two weeks from August 1-12.  It is a mini version of JUKO with dress up, fire sprays, free lunch, crafts and more!  Locations are: Springwood Park (AM) and Mary Scott Park (PM).  Cost is Free.  A $10 donation is appreciated to help with the cost of t-shirts).

Splash Pad at Glen Miller Park

Boys & Girls Clubs

offers an early bird program for kids in Wayne County which is themed for the summer and the cost is based on family income.  Breakfast and lunch are provided along with fun activities throughout the summer.  They also have a separate academic enrichment program to complement their regular activities.  To sign up and for more information visit the Boys & Girls Clubs office on L. Street in Richmond.

Art In The Park

has added two more weeks this year.  For the six weeks of camp  there will be themes such as  glass blowing, painting, pottery and more.  The cost for the camp is 30.00 total.  This camp meets Tuesdays & Thursdays 1-4 p.m. at Mary Scott Park in Richmond, IN.  (For more information on all the Park camps you can contact Blair Beach at 983-7426.

Municipal Pool opening soon end of May- first of June

Richmond Friends School

is offering a variety of half day and full day camps including Theatre Camp, Hand Drum Camp, Kay’s full day summer camp, and more.  For more information you can visit their website at: RichmondFriendsSchool.org. or call: 966-5767. Cost varies by camp length (1/2 or full day camps).

Girls Inc

offers a 7 week summer program based on the core values of Girls Inc.  Hours are 9 – 5:30 with an early bird option at 7:30.  Cost is based on family income but no more than 220.00 for the summer (early bird option is extra).  The program runs from 6/11/12 to 8/3/12.  You can visit: Girlsincwayne.org for more info.

 Summer Y Care : Offered by the YMCA of Richmond

Located at CR Richardson this summer, kids going into Kindergarten (this fall) up to grade 6 can attend the summer Y Care program.  Director, Erykah Carter explained the program in a phone interview recently.  The kids will experience swimming at Hibberd two days a week as well as weekly field trips.  All children are invited to sign up, whether they attend school in Richmond or other school districts and whether they go to public or private schools.

The program will run from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. M-F.  Breakfast and lunch will be served and the ratio of adults to children will be 1 to 15.  Summer Y care will start on June 4th and run through August 8th.  Early registration for this summer will begin on May 1st and end May 12th.  Cost is 55.00/week if you do early registration and is 65.00/week if you sign up after early registration.

To sign up your child(ren) you can go to the YMCA located at 2023 Chester Blvd.  (behind Reid Rehab Center).  According to director, Erykah Carter, the program took care of 30-40 children per day last summer.  For questions you can email Erykah at erykahc@richmondfamilyymca.org or call 765-962-7504.

Stay tuned as we update the Summer Fun In Wayne County list each week.  Also coming up is a schedule of Richmond Parks Department outdoor movies, concerts and other fun events.