Parents in search of a place their kids can go during the summer while school is out or who simply want their children to have more interaction with kids their age may find what they are looking for in the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi’s Summer Enrichment Program.

Registration is currently under way and Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Ricky Hood said now is the time to sign up because clubs are filling up quickly. 

“This summer program provides children a chance to do something during the summer besides just sitting around the house,” Hood said. “It also helps them to retain the knowledge they already have, while giving them the opportunity to have a fun safe summer doing age appropriate activities in a supervised environment.”

This year’s program is scheduled from May 31-July 29, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and is open for children ages 5 to 18. Kindergarten and first grade students must show a birth certificate. 

A $200 registration fee per student is required; the fee includes breakfast and lunch.

Hood says daily activities will include academic programs, safety lessons, recreational activities, arts and crafts, sports, community field trips and more.

“The trips we take are for learning purposes,” Hood said. “The students read books and then they get a chance to travel to those places they read about. “It helps to broaden their educational base and foundation.”

Hood said it is important for children to learn how to get along with other children from different backgrounds.

“We have kids that visit during the summer that are staying with their grandparents, and we have some that only come during the summer months,” Hood said. “Our priority is to make sure they are safe, learn, and on top of that have fun.”

An added attraction for teenagers this year is a tour of nearby college campuses.

“We have been to sporting events at places like Jackson State, Acorn State, Ole Miss and Mississippi State, but we want them to see the academic side of college life, too.”

Hood said 700 children participated in the summer program last year.

“We are only scratching the surface; there are so many more children that need an environment during summer break opposed to sitting at home,” he said. “Parents need to reach out and do their research to see what is available for their children during the summer months.

“There are other programs out there like ours that provide services for children during the summertime,” Hood said. “They just need to be somewhere in a good environment during the summer.”

Applications to register are available at the West End Unit, located at 1717 45th Ave., Velma Young Unit (Velma Young Center), Northeast Unit (Northeast Elementary), Southeast Unit (Southeast Middle School) and Neshoba County (Philadelphia Elementary School). Registration hours are from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information call 601-482-2544.