Hello, summer!

Published 12:00 am Saturday, May 21, 2011

Lilly Centner, 5, and her brother, Thomas, 9, are ready for summer. |Stephanie Nelson/Star-News

W ith only days remaining in the school year, it’s only a matter of time before parents begin hearing those two annying words: “I’m bored.”

There are many opportunities for enrichment in the arts and sports, as well as day events at area public libraries.

However, there still might be a few parents who turn to grandma and grandpa for summer care, so The Star-News asked its Facebook friends to sound off about how they keep their grandchildren occupied over summer break.

We asked, “Hey grandma and grandpa – Are the kids about to invade for summer vacation? Tell us how you plan to keep the little darlings occupied until their mom and dad gets home from work.”

Robert Johns said: Here’s an idea. Get ‘em a job like I had growing up. From the age of 10, I worked after school till 8pm everyday and 7am till 8 pm Sat. In the summer it was 7 am till 8 pm Mon. thru Sat. Wonder how kids today would like that way to spend summer? 🙂

Kaci Brackins agreed: It would be good for them. We are relying too much on technology these days.

Donna Fountain said: It is called “Sponge Bob Square Pants” and a game system. I have low maintenance grandkids. I love technology. And before anyone pounces on me, I am not my grandchildren’s “social director.” I’m their granny. My job is just to love them. I raised my kids.

Angelia K. Fink said: Just wish my boys were closer and could invade.

In the event grandparents aren’t an option for your school aged child this summer, there’s lots happening to keep them happy.

Reading:

The Andalusia Public Library’s summer reading program, “One World, Many Stories,”  will “lift off” at 3 p.m. on June 2 with balloon lift on June 2 at 3, and continue on Thursdays through June 30.

June 9 – AKC Kennel Club

June 16 – Skip the Magic Guy

June 23 – Puppets, juggling and silly antics

June 30 – Disney cartoon day, with visits from Woody and Buzz.

Storytime will be held on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

The APL also is holding an art contest and teen photography contest. Details are available in the library.

The Florala Public Library also is celebrating “One World, Many Stories,” and will have children’s events for ages kindergarten through fourth grade on Thursdays in the month of June from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Arts:

If arts are more their thing, there are a host of options to choose from:

At LBWCC: The LBWCC Child Development Center Art Camp will be held June 13-17 for children age 6-8.

In addition to creating art projects, campers will also have the opportunity to exercise at Dream Park and the LBWCC nature trail and more.

Cost is $100 per child and is limited to 12 to ensure a quality program.

Registration must be completed in person by May 31. Call (334) 881-2321.

At the LAAC: For budding artists, there are multiple opportunities to learn about art from the people who know it best. Located at 116 E. 3-Notch Street, LAAC’s first session is preschool art for 4-and-5-year-olds on June 6-10 from 10:30 a.m. until noon. For students in first through sixth grades, there are two sessions – June 13-17 and June 20-24. Classes will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Cost is $60 each week per child.

The LAAC drama camp will be taught by Cathy Powell July 6-15 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. for those age 8-14. Students will present “Aesop’s Fables” at the conclusion of the camp. Cost is $75 per child.

Call 222-3205 for more information.

Sports:

The City of Andalusia, Dept of Leisure Services is gearing up for some summer fun.

• Tennis: Registration for youth tennis will begin May 23 from 1 p.m. until 5 pm, Mondays through Fridays, at the Johnson Park office. Cost is $35 for each program. Family discounts and scholarships are available.

Tennis camps will begin June 6 and run Mondays through Thursdays through June. Camp times are: 8 a.m. for 5 and 6 year olds; 9 a.m. for 7-and-8-year-olds; 10 a.m. for 9-and-10-year-olds; and 11 a.m. for Bulldog team tennis for 11-year-olds and up.

• Golf: Registration is also on May 23. Play will begin Wed., June 1, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Evans Barnes Golf Course. Spaces are limited for children ages 8 to 18. Golf will meet every Wednesday through July 27.

• Swimming: Lessons for ages 5 and up will begin June 6 at Cooper Pool. Registration for the first two-week session will be held on Thurs., June 2, and Fri., June 3, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Johnson Park office. Cost is $30 per swimmer. Lessons are offered at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. during each session.

Session II runs June 20 through July 1 and session III runs July 4-15. Registration will be held the Thursday and Friday prior to the start of each session.

Dance:

For the dancers among us, the Andalusia Ballet will hold “Dance With Us” June 27 through July 14. “Dance With Us” is a three-week, fun-filled, action-packed experience for boys and girls ages 3 and up.  No dance experience is necessary to attend this exciting summer workshop.