Scott City working to expand youth programs starting with Kids Day

Summertime activities are in full swing throughout the area, but a group of organizations in Scott City is thinking about next year.

The Kiwanis and Women's clubs as well as the parks department are working to expand youth activities in the city.

Paul Schock, a member of the Kiwanis, said the group originally explored starting a Boys and Girls Club. Group members found it would cost too much money, so they are taking a more grassroots approach to raise funds and plan programming on their own, he said.

To get the ball rolling, the group will host a Kids Day on July 27 at the city park. Parents will fill out surveys after the daylong event.

"We want to know from the parents and the kids what they would like to see happen," he said.

Level 1 instructor Jackie Bader helps Tori Burger practice her back float during swimming lessons at the Scott City pool on Friday, July 9, 2010. About 90 kids are currently enrolled in the swimming lessons. (Kristin Eberts)

Once the group gets direction from the community, Schock said it will pursue grant funding to start programs next year.

He said summertime activities are limited mostly to those offered by the school district. Because of state funding cuts, summer school was in danger but the program survived statewide this year.

"I think ultimately down the line, if we lose the summer school program, there's going to be a need for a summer day camp," he said.

The parks department already offers summer activities like swim team and swimming lessons, said park director Phyllis Crump, who is also involved in the effort. The most popular program, a youth league for baseball and softball, has about 280 participants, she said.

By expanding opportunities, the organizations would go beyond sports, into activities related to arts and science.

"I think the kids would want to venture out on something else that's not always sports-minded," Crump said.

Schock said he talked to teachers and other people in the community who have offered to teach classes for a summer program.

"There's a lot of resources in Scott City," he said. "It's just a matter of utilizing the resources."

Kids Day will include demonstrations from the police and fire departments, outdoor activities, art projects and free swimming at the pool. Schock said the group is hoping to host a similar program with activities for seniors in the fall to increase programming for the city's older citizens.

Anne Smith, a member of the Women's Club, said the club and Kiwanis work throughout the year on fundraisers to support city youth. The summer project, she said, will increase community pride and keep children from leaving to seek summertime opportunities elsewhere.

"We're not Cape," she said. "We're Scott City."

While the organizations are mostly considering day camp activities, she said future ideas include after-school programming.

"I just know that my grandchildren are here, and I want this to be the best city it can be," Smith said.

Kids Day, which is for children ages 7 to 12, will be from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 27 at the city park. It will be free for children who register before July 18, otherwise the cost to attend is $10. Registration forms are available at city hall.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

Scott City Park, Scott City, MO