By Eraina Hooyer
Staff Reporter
School’s out for the summer and it’s finally time for some good fun and games. The Ponoka Youth Centre is offering a summer program for the youth of the community that offers games, crafts, life skill development, field trips and more.
Beth Reitz executive director of the Ponoka Youth Centre believes that the summer program is a great way to get kids out of the house and involved in social activities as well as giving parents a peace of mind.
“It keeps them busy throughout the summer,” said Reitz. “It also gives parents the opportunity to work without having to find someone to take care of their kids or to have a break and let kids be with their friends.”
There is a fun activity planned for each day and a day-long field trip set for once a week. The field trips include places like the water park at the West Edmonton Mall, Heritage Park in Calgary, Telus World of Science and other fun-filled places.
Reitz is pleased with the staff at the PYC and believes that they offer more than just security and fun activities.
“The program has a great staff and is well-supervised,” she said. “They not only look after the youth, they also teach life skill positive things and the staff are able to mentor the youth.”
The summer program runs from July 2 to August 22 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Reitz encourages those wanting to participate in the summer program to sign up as soon as possible.
“Each year we sell out right away,” she said. “If people are interested they should sign up as quickly as they can.”
Registration is available now and it is on a first come first served basis.
There is room for 50 youth a day, 35 in the six to 10 age category and 15 for the 11 to 13 age category.
For more information contact the PYC at 403-783-3112.