Thursday, July 1, 2004
The multigenerational center has hired a youth program coordinator.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- The Girard Multi-Generational Center isn't just for senior citizens. Programs for children and young people have been developed since the first of the year.
"It's been pretty successful. We just keep adding" programs, said Laura Carey-D'Rummo, administrative director of the Trumbull Avenue center.
The latest is Camp Fun 2004, an educational summer program for children ages 5 through 12.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12-16, a camp will be held for children ages 5 through 8, and July 19-23 for those 9 through 12.
Some of the activities will include flag football, kickball, crafts, board games, nature walks, safety programs by the police and fire department, online visits to zoos and substance abuse awareness for the older children.
To register
The fee is $15, including snacks and supplies. Registration can be done at the center or by calling (330) 545-6596. The deadline is Tuesday.
Carey-D'Rummo said the camp is educational not only for children, but also for the five counselors.
The Trumbull County Department of Jobs and Family Services pays the economically disadvantaged young people minimum wage to serve as counselors through the county's Summer Youth and Training Program for those 16 through 20.
"It's a real learning experience for the counselors as well as the kids having something to do," Carey-D'Rummo noted.
Since the beginning of June, the counselors have created the activities, organized the camps and bought supplies and snacks.
A counselor who worked at the center for two summers is now studying education at Youngstown State University, the center director pointed out.
Kelly Bloom of Girard, who has her degree in education from the University of Akron, has been added to the staff as youth program coordinator.
Activities
Beginning Tuesday, the center will hold an open gym from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Arcade Night has been established on the second floor of the former school. It's open from 6 to 9 p.m. for teenagers ages 13 through 18 on Tuesdays and on Fridays for those 9 through 12.
Video games, board games, table tennis and two pool tables are available.
Movie Madness, the showing of family-oriented movies, is at 7 p.m. Saturdays. Snacks can be bought or brought from home.
Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an older sibling or an adult.
A basketball camp was held this spring and another is planned for the fall. Seniors who were athletic standouts in their day provide children with tips of the game.
The camp is truly multigenerational, she pointed out.
"We try to give the kids something to do," Carey-D'Rummo said, noting that the center's activities are coordinated with the schools to assure there isn't a conflict.
yovich@vindy.com