SCHOOL’S OUT FOR THE SUMMER
BY HEATHER WOOD
I just adore summer and everything that it brings with it. It is undeniably my absolute favorite season of the year and I always think life just seems so much more appealing and relaxed during summer.
Summer is the time when kids build memories. And kids will look back at vacations, day trips, picnics and other outings with nostalgia. But that is not all they will remember. Although most kids look forward to summer break, many of them grow bored by the second week of vacation. And sadly, many bored kids spend their summer vacations staring at their electronics. With a little help from you, however, your kid can make this summer the best summer ever! Here are the best summer activities for kids that will keep your child happy, fit, and healthy.
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Beach chairs? Check! Blankets? Check! Ingredients for a healthy picnic? Check! Sounds like you are ready for a new season of Kernersville Parks and Recreation Summer Movies in the Park series! Summer Movies in the Park is the largest free and family-friendly outdoor movie series in Kernersville! Shows run May, June, July and September at Harmon Park. Each movie event gives residents a reason to visit their local parks after dark and bring additional safety and security to residents’ favorite locales. Events begin as early as 6 p.m., though actual movie start times are 15 minutes after sunset. Before the movie, we provide additional entertainment like games, music, dancing, vendors and food trucks. This month’s featured presentation will be “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” on Friday, June 21. We hope to see you there for this fun, free, family-friendly event!
STORYTIME IN THE PARK
We are happy to announce, in partnership with the Kernersville Public Library, the return of Storytime in the Park at Fourth of July Park. Storytime in the Park will return on Saturday, June 1 and July 6 at 10 a.m. Storytime in the Park can be an effective way to strengthen reading habits during the summer; children of all ages are welcome! For more information, call the Kernersville Library at 336.703.2933 or email at kellumsm@forsyth.cc. Events may be cancelled in cases of bad weather. Check the FCPL4KIDS Facebook page for updates.
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, and baseball games, family reunions, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.
Each year Kernersville celebrates the Fourth of July with a bang! Along with viewing the dynamic fireworks show and attending the free concert at Kernersville Elementary School starting at 6 p.m., visitors can celebrate America’s birthday in a multitude of ways. Begin your morning with a good ole fashioned Fourth of July parade or 5K Run through the streets of Downtown Kernersville. Afterward, cool off at the Kernersville YMCA Community Pool and end your night gathering with family and friends for a community firework show at 9 p.m. We hope everyone has a fun and safe Independence Day!
We have covered a list of events to keep you and your family busy. Let us help promote activities that will keep your kids physically active this summer as well. With fewer sports activities, summer vacation can lead some teens to become sedentary, which is not good for their health. Here is how to prevent your kid from becoming a couch potato.
MENTOR TENNIS CAMP
Learn and/or improve your junior tennis skills at our Jr. Tennis Summer Camps with Coach Ron Pearson. We have also added a NEW 2-day High School Players Camp. Each day of camp, we will build on the different aspects of tennis – ranging from basic strokes to game play, depending upon class goals. As opposed to meeting once a week, these camps will run on consecutive days, thus increasing learning retention. We encourage you to send your registration asap, as classes do fill up fast. The first week of classes begin June 17. To see a complete list of week dates, times and cost visit www.kvparks.com.
MUSIC MOVERS
Parents/caregivers and their babies/toddlers will learn rhymes, finger plays, action songs, and music games. These classes will be 30 minutes of fun for everyone. Move, dance, play instruments, and sing with your children. Babies and toddlers will develop listening skills, language, sense of timing and rhythm, imagination, and more. Classes begin June 10 – July 19 on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Kernersville Community Recreation Center. To register visit www.kvparks.com.
DRAMA KIDS CAMP
This camp takes it up a notch! Does your teen have a passion for the dramatic and performing arts? Acting Academy campers will be challenged to express themselves creatively and collaborate in various aspects of the dramatic arts. At the end of the week, they will showcase their amazing talents and present them to friends and family. This program takes place at the Kernersville Community House, the week of June 24-28. Register at www.dramakids.com/nc1 or call 336.754.4385.
ACRYLIC PAINTING CLASS
Don’t forget parents to take a little time out for yourselves as well. After running family around, tap into your creative side and try our Acrylic Painting Class. Create beautiful paintings with step-by-step instruction and demonstration. Understand design, shadowing, and color mixing to achieve your artistic view. Materials are included but bring an apron and an open mind! Day and night classes are now being offered.