By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Kids are getting out of school.
While children cheer, parents ponder the logistics of work schedules, the availability of sitters and child-care. Niles Parks and Recreation have a number of answers for the question: What will the kids do this summer?
"We offer a wide variety of activities for all children from those just entering the first grade to those entering the sixth grade. Out of town visitors in that age range are also welcome. We have had some of the children with cousins visiting for a week, who brought them along. All are welcome," Joe Racht, Summer Camp Coordinator, said.
The program is offered at East Side, South Side and Clevenger (Cherry Street) parks. Activities begin this coming Monday and continue until Aug. 3., running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
There are a wide variety of activities to keep the children involved and eager to attend. They include arts and crafts, outdoor fun and games, and special field trips.
New this year, are staff from the Singing Sands Girl Scout Council, Inc. who will be attending each Tuesday.
"Our staff will be providing programming involved with nature crafts. We will also bring some special games and other activities for our time there," said Joyce Liggett, the membership development manager of the council based in South Bend, Ind.
The program is provided free of charge, however, parents should know that some events may require money for the children's participation. Permission slips will be distributed prior to any field trips.
"This year's field trips will involve outings to Galaxy Roller Rink, Hacker's Golf and Games, Mega Play in South Bend, the Curious Kids Museum in Saint Joseph, the Southwestern Michigan College Museum, South Bend Chocolate Factory and Joey Armadillo's Bowling Alleys," Racht said.
Niles Fire Department will be conducting fire safety and awareness classes.
Friday, the counselors for this summer's camps were at the fire department for training in first aid. There will be two counselors each at Southside and Clevenger parks and five assigned to Eastside Park.
"They will be giving the youngsters training in drop down and roll in case of a fire. We will let them know about the importance of smoke detectors, how they work and why they need to remind mom and dad to test them each week and replace their batteries twice a year. They get to talk about 911: how to call, what information to give the dispatcher and how it is not to be used except in case of emergency. We show them the different parts of the fire truck, get out the hose and spray a little to have some fun," said Bill McAllister, program coordinator and trainer.
Parents are encouraged to review the rules that accompany the registration forms to be sure that they and their children are familiar with what is required of them. For instance, any bikes brought to the park must have locks.
Children need to be aware that no "fighting, rough play, swearing or name calling" will be tolerated. Kids will not be allowed to climb trees.
This is not an answer to babysitting and child-care requirements. Parents need to have arrangements made to be sure children are picked up promptly at 3 p.m. regardless of when their own workday might end.
"Our goal is to provide the children with a lot of fun experiences in a variety of ways. Eastside Park will normally attract about 100 campers, while Southside and Clevenger average about 25 kids. Some parents choose to take the child where the crowd is smaller," said Racht.
In the case of inclement weather, the park program could be cancelled. Should this occur, it is the parent's responsibility to arrange for the child to be picked up if the park is closed for the day.
Children are not allowed to leave the park during program hours unless they are accompanied by a parent or in the case of an emergency. Should a child leave the park without their parent, they will not be allowed to return for that day and repeated violations could result in their being removed from the program entirely.
All rules are geared to keep the children safe and parents responsible.
"We want parents to know they can sign up on the spot anytime during the program. Each location will have enrollment forms on site," Racht said.
East Side Park is located on Sycamore Street between 16th and 17th streets. Southside Park is found at the corner of 15th St. and Silverbrook Ave. and kids attending Clevenger Park will be at the corner of Fifth and Cherry streets.
Those wishing more information on the programs may call 685-4700.