Keep the kids busy next week

By ASHLEY LUTHERN

aluthern@vindy.com

A week without school looms ahead for local students, but parents don’t have to worry about a lack of post-holiday activities for them.

Several organizations are offering programs during the break, including the D.D. & Velma Davis Family YMCA on the corner of McClurg Road and Market Street.

Children can attend the Boardman YMCA’s Off School Camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and extended hours are also offered from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., said Jordan Shaver, program director.

The cost is $25 per day for YMCA members and $35 per day for nonmembers. The price includes use of fitness facilities, like the pool, and field trips like a trip to the Youngstown State University planetarium Dec. 29.

“I think there’s huge benefits of kids staying active through the holiday season with the Y or family activities like sledding,” Shaver said. “If you maintain your daily routine it keeps your mind active and will help the kids when they go back to school.”

There will be plenty of opportunities for children to coast down Sled Hill during the break at the Wick Recreation Area, said Linda Kostka, development and marketing director for the Mill Creek Metroparks.

“We do have a snow machine up there, so as long as temperatures stay cold, there will be snow on the hill,” she said.

Kostka added that sled riders should dress for winter weather and take advantage of the warming house at the top of the hill. Although it’s not required for sledders to wear helmets, park officials recommend it.

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County has also planned programming for children during winter break.

“We realize that this is a time when people are busy and will just stop in for a few minutes to pick up materials,” said Jo Nolfi, manager of children’s services. “We’ll have independent craft programs at all of the branches for people to make and take crafts.”

The library will continue its activities for babies and toddlers and provide seasonal books for visitors of all ages.

“It’s a documented fact that when kids don’t read continually, especially beginning readers, they lose their skills,” Nolfi said. “In the rush of the holidays, it’s a good idea to continue to make time to read, because even that brief time could set them back.”