DECATUR-On a Tuesday afternoon after school, kids do word searches and munch on popcorn.
"I think it gives them productive time, things to do," says board director Alida Graham. "They certainly enjoy being in a safe environment with their friends."
And they're keeping it up this summer with a program for free for kindergarten through seventh graders.
"It will give them some opportunities to improve their skills," Graham says.
Kids will work on reading, doing math and getting along with friends. At the OKOCC, they start registering kids on Thursday.
At the Boys and Girls Club, they're providing kids and teens with a positive place for the summer months.
Program Director Dannica Williams says they give kids educational opportunities and teach life skills. Especially for teens.
"There's better things than just hanging out on the streets," Williams said. "They can come here and be a part of our computer tech program they can be a part of our teen reach program, they can help out and actually volunteer."
To enroll in an entire summer's worth of programming (actually the entire year's worth of programming) at the club, it'll cost you, just one dollar. But Williams says keeping kids like these busy pays out dividends.
"They're little people, but we're trying to teach them to be great adults," Williams says.
To sign up, you can go to the Boys and Girls Club Center during business hours. Williams says they will make room for anyone who wants to be part of the program.
At the YMCA, there is also programming. They have a camp for kindergarten through eighth grade. Though there is a fee, there is financial aid and government subsidies available.
For more info on Camp Sokkia (through the YMCA): http://www.decaturymca.org/campinformation.htm
