Summer recreation programs, such as the one at Grice’s Recreation Center in Marion, offer more than just babysitting children.
“We have fun,” 8-year-old Kayla Foxworth, said recently. Foxworth is one of many attending the program.
Outside in the park, many of the children play basketball, such as Johnakin Middle School basketball team members Key’Essence Foxworth, Alasha Wiggins and Laquasha Kinney, all of whom are working on their game with other camp participants.
Shaqone Knowlin, Ronnie King, Darren Grant, Keyshawn and Kayshawn Rowell were also showing off their skills on the court.
The six-week summer program started June 8 in the Gurley Street center. Organizer Ellen Baldwin, in conjunction with the Pee Dee Community Action Agency’s Summer Feeding Program, welcomed a number of children looking for something to do during summer vacation.
“We went from 40 to over 60 kids during the course of the week,” Baldwin said, adding that the program invites community leaders and agencies to come visit daily.
On one recent Friday, Sen. Kent Williams arrived to speak with the group and encourage them to be productive students and citizens, along with Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Willie B. Ellison who made a presentation geared at helping to keep them away from crime.
Baldwin said kids between the ages of 3-17 are participating and the camp was offered to help keep students active and to give them a place to go during the day.
Baldwin said a number of volunteers assist with the program, including Marion High School junior Kayla Perkins, Kourtney Perkins and her mother Donna. Anthony Lester presents a daily bible study session for the kids.
“We had volunteers help with reading stories, passing out snacks, monitoring and just talking with the kids,” Baldwin said, adding that participants arrive shortly before the 8 a.m. start time and stay until nearly 1:30 pm.
Team work, such as what is shown on the basketball courts is important, Williams told the children. “You want to get along with your peers.”
Sen. Kent Williams stops by for a visit and speaks to the youth about the importance of being attentive and focusing in school.
Kids enjoy a few weeks of summer camp at the Grice's Recreation Center in Marion, playing air hockey in the air conditioned indoors, cooling off in the city's swimming pool and participating in other activities.
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