Discover

Story By LAUREN KEATON
Staff Writer

School's out, summer's here - and it's time to have fun! Thanks to area organizations, this season will be jam-packed with activities for kids of all ages. The summer begins with a bang, as parents can kick back and let the little ones play. From sports camps to crafting, boys and girls are sure to be active and entertained with the programs offered in coming months.

BASKETBALL SKILLS CAMP

Basketball Skills Camp begins June 9 at the Glass Recreation Center, 501 W. 32nd St., Tyler. The camp will last through June 13. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. each day.

Kids will learn offensive basketball skill positions through individualized instruction, and there will also be a daily 5-on-5 scrimmage.

Awards will be given to campers as they compete in skills competitions. All campers will be given a T-shirt, a certificate and a medal.

Campers will be grouped by skill level as well as by age. Ages 10 to 16 years are invited to participate. Cost is $70 per camper. For more information and a registration form, call the Glass Recreation Center at 903-533-1397.

CHEERLEADER CAMP

Girls are invited to hone their dance skills and coordination at Cheerleader Camp on July 14 and 15. Registration will be through July 7.

A dance/cheer coordinator from East Texas Pop Warner and Tyler Parks and Recreation, will instruct girls for two days of fun while learning new skills in cheerleading.

Students will learn chants, jumps and dance routines while gaining pride and confidence. Each participant will receive a T-shirt and certificate. Cost is $40 per camper.

BASIC ACTING

To cultivate the creative and dramatic side of children, The Tyler Parks and Recreation Department and the Rogers' Children's Theater will provide an introductory workshop to basic acting. Participants, ages 5 to 14, will learn about various aspects of the theater and acting.

The program is offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 16-17 at P.T. Cole Park, 101 S. Vine, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 18-19 at Winters Park.

DeAnna Hargrove will instruct the free classes. For more information, call 903-593-7827.

DAY FOR KIDS

Toward the end of the season, The Boys and Girls Club of East Texas will host a free "Day For Kids," sponsored in part by the Parks and Recreation Department.

The event will be on Sept. 20 at Tyler's Bergfeld Park on South Broadway Avenue.

There will be games, arts and crafts, puppet shows, entertainment, free goodie bags with T-shirts, among many fun activities.

More than 10,000 attended last year's event, organizers said, so mark your calendars. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 903-593-9211.

ACTIVE BRAINS

In an attempt to keep kids' brains active while school is out, the Tyler Public Library hosts educational activities all season. For information on the summer schedule, visit www.tylerlibrary.com.

Remember, these are just a few offering for the kiddos. For a full list of activities offered by Tyler Parks and Recreational Center, visit www.cityoftyler.com.

Grownups

But, why should the youngsters get to have all the fun?

Don't worry. They won't with the season's line-up for adults and teens.

POWDER PUFF MECHANIC

Joe Thompson and Tyler Parks and Recreation are making sure the community is well-versed in automobile maintenance during the free "Powder Puff Mechanic" workshop at the Glass Recreation Center parking lot, 9 a.m. - noon June 21.

During the program, each attendee will learn the basics of car maintenance and emergencies such as changing a flat tire and how to use jumper cables to boost your battery; how to check oil, water, tire pressure, brake fluid and much more.

Attendees must be 16 or older. For more information, call the Glass Recreation Center at 903-533-1397.

CHARCOAL ART CLASS

Adults will summoning their creative side in June, as a beginner Charcoal Art Class begins at the Glass Recreation Center in Tyler.

Beginning at 6 to 8:30 p.m. each Tuesday, from June 3-24, students will learn from artist Betty Shepard, who has many years art experience in this form of art.

Materials will be included with the $43 registration fee. For more information, contact the Glass Recreation Center at 903-533-1397.

COOKING CLASSES

Throughout the summer months, things will be spicing up at Harvey Convention Center.

Cooking classes are offered starting in June and running all the way through November.

The classes range from adult-only to adult and teen. For specific information on the program, call Debbie Isham, special events/recreation supervisor, at 903-531-1214.

(Staff File Photo)