HANCOCK COUNTY — The lazy days of summer are here, but that doesn’t mean kids aren’t out taking part in constructive activities.
Officials from the City of Greenfield and Hancock County schools have scheduled summer camps and enrichment opportunities to help parents keep their children engaged and entertained during summer break.
Nearly 100 area youngsters in kindergarten through sixth grade, took part in Camp Invention at New Palestine Intermediate School this week where the theme was “Super Charged.”
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Click here to purchase photos from this galleryCathy Purciful, Southern Hancock fourth-grade teacher, was the camp director. She and the other certified teachers, with the help of district junior and high school students, hosted sections on deep sea mysteries, robots, high-tech farming, do-it-yourself innovations and games.
‘It’s all very engaging and all hands on,” Purciful said. “Kids tell us, ‘it’s like school, but fun.’”
The children learned about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills they may one day use in jobs yet to be created.
Jack Potter and Jack Peterson are both heading into the fifth grade. They described Camp Invention as an ideal thing to take part of in the summer for various reasons.
“You do stuff that’s fun for kids, things suited to your personality,” Potter said.
Both kids also liked the aspect of meeting new friends and working on projects they don’t get to in every day school.
“So far we’ve been creating some awesome stuff like little robots and costumes for superheroes,” Peterson said.
For students who missed Camp Invention at Southern Hancock, Greenfield-Central school is hosting one from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 15 through July 19 at JB Stephens Elementary School. For more information, contact [email protected].
In addition to Camp Invention, Southern Hancock school officials are offering enrichment programs at NPI. Block, Paper and Scissors Art Camp, from 8 to 11 a.m., and from noon to 3 p.m. Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 21, is one of their more popular summer programs.
The district is also hosting a Robotics Camp and Sphero Spectacular from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday, June 24, through Friday, June 28. In July, they’re hosting a Young Readers and Writers Camp, from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 12.
Outer Space Camp is expected to be a popular one. The camp is set from noon to 3 p.m. Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19. Cooking Camp takes place the same week, but from 8 to 11 a.m. The Girls Who Can Code program wraps up summer camps from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 28.
While spots for their camps are almost all taken, Wes Anderson, communications director, said there are a few openings here and there. Anyone interested should contact district officials at newpal.k12.in.us to sign up as soon as possible.
In Greenfield, from the Riley Park Pool and Splash Pad, to art camp and creative writing classes, there are plenty of fun filled activities.
Bobbi Anderson, Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department representative, said while their summer day camp from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, for ages 6 to 12, is full, there are still things parents can sign kids up to do.
Summer Art Camp is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, June 17 through Thursday, June 20 and then again Monday, July 8 through Thursday, July 12.
Kids in second through sixth grade are invited to attend a Creative Writing Summer Camp, from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26 at the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home, 250 W. Main St. Registration is $125.
Summers have become more fast-paced these days with lots of activities for kids, Anderson said, but that’s what he and other park officials love, seeing the pool area and their camps packed with children having fun.
For more information on activities in the Greenfield area, parents can email Anderson at [email protected] or call 317-477-4340.
Elsewhere, officials with the Hancock Wellness Center, 8505 N. Clearview Drive, are offering a week-long Summer Kids Camp that will keep kids active. The camp is from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday July 8 through Friday July 12 for kids ages 5 to 10. The cost of the camp is $50 a day or $200 for the week.
The registration fee includes snacks and a lunch each day, and will offer water activities, pool time, sports and exercise, and crafts. For more information, visit hancockwellness.org for the camp and other children’s programs.
Officials in the Mt. Vernon Community School Corp., are also offering a variety of summer enrichment programs for kids and teens. For children ages 10 though 14, the summer STEM workshop allows participants to build and program a three-wheeled robotic car.
Participants get to keep the robot they build. The cost for the workshop and all materials is $100. The camp meets from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, June 24 through Thursday, June 27, as well as Monday, July 8 through, Thursday, July, 11 and Monday, July 15 to Thursday, July 18.
They’re also hosting, a Filmmakers and Animators Workshop, open from 9 a.m. to noon over the same weeks, for $70. Participants will learn about character animation, computer modeling, filming techniques, special effects, lighting and audio. For more information on either program contact [email protected].
The YMCA summer camp is also a happening place for all county children. For more information on their programs visit, indymca.org/youth-development-center/summer-day-camp.
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Summer 2019 Free and Low Cost Activities
Hancock County Public Library Summer Reading Program:
“A Universe of Stories”
June 1 – August 1
Programs for children, teens and adults. Performers, school-aged programs and story times available in June and July.
All programs are free. For more information, please call (317) 462-5141 ext. 238 or visit online at www.hcplibrary.org.
The Bookmobile will be making stops throughout Hancock County throughout the summer — please contact the library for information on the location nearest you.
Legacy 9 Cinemas Free Family Film Festival
Wednesdays at 10 a.m. (doors open at 9 a.m.) through July 24. (317) 462-6831. Listing of films found at legacycinema.com.
Riley Pool – Greenfield Free Swim
Thursday and Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. Daily rate and pool passes also available.
Children age 10 and younger must be accompanied by someone age 16 or older to the pool, splash pad, waterslide and play structure. (317) 325-1467.
greenfieldin.org/parks/general-info/173-riley-pool
Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department:
All city parks and Pennsy Trail are free of charge to play and walk dawn to dusk.
Some facility rentals available. (317) 477-4340.
Bentley’s Buddies & Friends Sit, Stay, Read Program
June 19 at 9 a.m. to noon for grades kindergarten through second grade, June 27 from 9 a.m. to noon grades third through fifth. Registration is limited to 10 participants per day. Cost is by donation. 1220 W. Main St. Suite C. Greenfield (317) 642-7707. Call to register.
Entertainment on the Plaza, Friday evenings, 7 p.m. Now through July 26.
Hancock County Courthouse South Lawn and City of Greenfield Plaza. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. No rain site or rain dates. Portable restrooms. Visit gbcbank.com for more.
Fitness Festival June 15, 8 a.m. to noon at the Courthouse Plaza Held in conjunction with the SuperHero 5K run. Vendors, Obstacle Course, Bounce House, Fitness Demonstrations. Free rain or shine.
Hancock County Community Night, is July 30, from 4 to 9 p.m. Hancock County Fairgrounds, 620 Apple St. The Greenfield Police and Fire Department demonstrations. SWAT, K9, Hazardous Materials Response, vehicle extrication, hose streams for kids, smoke houses and more. There will be bounce houses, door prize giveaways and free food. Free school supplies and backpacks.
The Children’s Museum Indianapolis, 3000 North Meridian St., Indianapolis is hosting a First Thursday of each month event from 4 to 8 p.m. $5 per person. Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. (317) 334-4000 or 1-800-820-6214. Visit childrensmuseum.org for more.
The Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience, 3000 North Meridian St., Indianapolis. First Thursday of each month from 4 to 8 p.m. $5 per person. $7.00 if choose to visit the Children’s Museum during the same visit. Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (317) 334-4000 or 1-800-820-6214.
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