Another summer of fun planned for local youth

Local youngsters are encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities being offered through Shaunavon’s annual Summer Active Program this year, including a couple of exciting new initiatives.

The Summer Active Program is a series of affordable and free activities available for youth between the ages of 5-18. It is sponsored by the Town of Shaunavon and Wellness and Leisure Committee.

The youth programs are a great way to get out and hang out with friends.

“We’re hoping to get kids out this year and try some of the activities we have,” said summer recreation co-ordinator Sara Illerbrun. “Hopefully, we’ve added a few new programs that people will find interesting and fun.”

Among the new initiatives is a 6 on 6 co-ed volleyball tournament (June 14), an open gym night (on Mondays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.), and an excursion to Cypress Hills provincial park (June 21).

Another big change will be seen in the Boys and Girls on the Move programs, as those two separate entities are being merged into a single co-ed program. The program’s new name is Surge and it will be open to boys and girls 10 years of age and older. The program will run on Thursday nights at Shaunavon Public School starting at 7 p.m. Group games and leadership challenges will be the focus, with activities ranging from karaoke, music videos, photos, scavenger hunts, movie nights and more.

Illerbrun also says that if there is enough interest, she will plan to organize additional evening sessions for “girl’s only” or “boy’s only” activities.

Historically, one of the most popular Summer Active initiatives is the After School Program, which got underway last week and will run every Tuesday and Thursday (3:30 – 5 p.m.) at the Shaunavon Public School. Last year the program, drew on average about a dozen kids per session. The program includes indoor group games and crafts in the school’s gym. Some activities are also held outdoors when the weather is suitable.

All of the after school programs are held on a drop-in basis and do not require pre-registration.

Many of the activities connected with the Summer Active initiative are free of charge, while there are some minimal fees for a couple of the programs.

Other events this summer include the annual Whale of a Beach Party (June 20) for students between Grade 7 and 12.

Things will get really hectic in July with the launch of a number of other activities such as the Summer Reading Program and Afternoon at the Museum (both on Wednesdays), as well as the Playground Program (Tuesdays and Thursdays).

The playground program is especially popular, with morning sessions open to kids 5-8 years of age and afternoon sessions open to kids 9-12.

Kids will enjoy games, crafts, snacks and theme days twice a week. The cost is just $2 a day or $20 for a summer pass.

Summer Active organizers will also be working with Alley Oops Fun and Games for after school and summer bowling activities.

The rec street hockey league is also scheduled to start on June 4, with games taking place at the skate park on Wednesday nights. Kids aged 10-13 will play at 7 p.m., with the older group (14-18) scheduled to play at 8 p.m.

Several sport clinics are also tentatively scheduled for the summer, including tennis, paintball, scuba diving and rugby, as well as a skateboard/BMX camp.

For more information on the youth and adult programs contact Sara at 297-3029 or visit their facebook page.

Get More The Shaunavon Standard →