Monday, December 29, 2008
Needing a baby sitter while the kids are off school? Try the YMCA.
Staff Report
YOUNGSTOWN — Though Christmas is over, kids are still on holiday break, and for those parents who have to go back to work, the YMCA has a quick, fun fix.
The YMCA is offering an Off School Program during the break at the Youngstown Central Branch, 17 N. Champion St., and the Davis Family YMCA, 45 McClurg Road, Boardman.
Parents of children age 6 through 13 can take their children to either location for full days of activities, including crafts, sports, gym games, swimming and special field trips, all supervised by the Y’s staff.
“This kind of program is beneficial especially after Christmas when all the presents are unwrapped and parents often find that their kids are bored,” said Tom Grantonic, branch director for the Davis Family YMCA.
“It lets parents have their kids involved in a safe and interactive environment,” he said.
Grantonic called the staff members who head up the program a “creative group,” and said there is something fun for every child.
“I think parents appreciate a structured environment,” said Grantonic of the program being organized, Yet it is entertaining and energetic for the kids, he said.
The program is open to members and nonmembers. The cost is $25 a day per child for members and $30 a day per child for nonmembers. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but parents can choose extend hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for an additional $5 a day per child.
There are two days left in the program, and both days include appealing field trips that will provide two different experiences.
On Tuesday, the program is featuring a trip to the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, where the kids will get to see a movie in the Omnimax Theatre. The field trip fee is $25,
On Friday, the YMCA will take the kids on a local trip to the Ice Zone in Boardman, where they can put their skating skills to the test. There is no additional fee for the Ice Zone trip.
For more information on the program at either YMCA branch, visit www.youngstownymca.org, or call Jordan Shaver, youth program director, at (330) 480–5656.