THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 25, 1995 TAG: 9506230215
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: BY JANIE BRYANT, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 116 lines
School's been out more than a week now and the thrill of that summer freedom is probably giving way to every parent's nightmare - bored children.
Not to worry.
There are countless ways to turn those long, hot weeks of summer into a vacation to remember for the younger set.
It's a kid's town, after all.
Besides the Children's Museum, there are plenty of dance classes, steel drums, playgrounds, swimming pools and other offerings to keep children happy from Downtown to Churchland.
If you're still on the hunt for activity, here are a few ideas we rounded up this week still open to registration.
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
The Portsmouth Public Library has named this year's summer reading program the Louise Rapoport Fenster Summer Reading Program in memory of one the children's department's most dedicated benefactors.
The Fenster Foundation has made donations in the past for computer software and equipment for children. Rachel Enrich, children's librarian, said the most recent donation funded the special events, activities and crafts of the summer reading program at all four of the branches.
This year's theme is ``Amazing Library Kids'' and children up to the age of 13 can sign up any time. The program started last week and ends July 29.
It is designed to encourage children to read books with prizes and special activities, ranging from stories and games to videos and contests.
Calendars listing each activity and end of the summer parties are available at each branch.
Library locations are the Main Branch, 601 Court St.; Manor Branch, 1401 Elmhurst Lane; Churchland Branch, 3215 Academy Ave.; and the Cradock Branch, 28 Prospect Parkway.
URBAN ARTS CENTER
The Portsmouth Community Development Group hasn't completed the renovation of its cultural center on High Street.
But that won't hold up this year's summer offerings for children.
Once again members of the Trinidad and Tobago Pan Professionals from Trinidad will come into town to teach junior high and high school students to make and play the pan, beginning July 5 and continuing through Aug. 18. The Pan Yard is located on Queen Street between Green and Washington streets. For information, call No Limits, 393-1221.
In addition, the Dance Project will offer young people an opportunity to learn about other cultures through dance, rhythm and movement.
Participants also will take part in an Interpersonal Development program designed to build on the self-discipline and other positive traits promoted in the steel drum and dance classes.
The classes are free, and transportation is available to children who need it. To register, call 399-0925.
PORTSMOUTH YMCA
The YMCA's summer camps are filled, but there are still plenty of sports clinics and dance and fitness classes to sign up for.
Five-week dance and fitness classes will be offered for children, ages 7 to 12. The classes meet at 1 p.m. Saturday or 10:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The first session started June 24 but is still open. A second session will begin July 29.
The cost is $10 for Y members or $20 for non-members.
Several one-week sports clinics will be offered throughout the summer. The clinics are half-day programs, mostly 9 a.m. to noon. But afternoon activities are available for children who need an all-day program.
Afternoon activities range from arts and crafts to games and swimming. Children should bring a lunch, drink and two snacks. They may be dropped off as early as 7 a.m. and should be picked up no later than 6 p.m.
Sports clinics scheduled include:
Horseback riding, ages 8 to 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Halstead Ranch. Three sessions - June 26-30, July 17-21, and Aug. 7-11. Cost, $110 for members ($145 full day) or $135 for non-members ($180 full day).
Soccer, ages 8 to 14, July 10-14. Cost, $50 ($85 full day) for members; $60 for non-members ($105 full day).
Cheering, ages 6 to 14, July 24-28. Cost, $40 for members ($85 full day); $50 for non-members ($95 full day).
Volleyball, ages 13 to 17, July 31-Aug. 4. Cost, $50 for members ($85 full day); $60 for non-members ($105 full day).
Basketball, ages 8 to 14, Aug. 14-18. Cost, $50 for members ($85 full day); $60 for non-members ($105 full day).
Gymnastics, ages 8 to 14, Aug. 21-25. Cost, $50 for members ($85 full day); $60 for non-members ($105 full day).
To register for activities, call 483-9622.
YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
Norfolk State University offers a program for children and teenagers, ages 10 to 16, through July 22.
The program includes sports such as softball, tennis, weight training, touch football, basketball, swimming, physical fitness, volleyball, track and field, dance and bowling.
Funded by a National Collegiate Athletic Association grant, it also includes instruction in health, nutrition, education, job opportunities and AIDS education.
Free meals are provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Free transportation is provided participants who do not live within walking distance of the campus.
For more information, call Tom Morris at 683-8055.
YOUTH SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM
There are still openings for the Girls Inc. Center day camp, which began June 19 and continues through Aug. 25.
The program is designed for boys and girls, ages 5 through high school, and offers activities ranging from arts and crafts to outdoor sports and field trips.
The camp meets 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and participants must be members. The cost is $55 weekly (family rates available) in addition to a $10 registration fee and $25 annual membership.
For more information, call 393-9812. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by GARY C. KNAPP
Laura Manning, 13, left, and Kim Cole, 12, take advantage of the
programs offered by the Portsmouth Public Library.
by CNB