“We had a fantastic group this year. All the kids were really wonderful. Our leaders were great this year. So overall, I think it was a very productive and amazing year for everybody,” Washington-Allen said.

The program, which is open to children ages 6 to 12, gives kids the chance to spend their summer meeting new friends and learning more about themselves. Throughout the eight-week program, participants will go on field trips, hear from guest speakers, take part in a variety of activities, and, of course, play games.

“The staff that we have this year, they're very qualified, so it's encouraging to have a lot of yearly returners coming back and being leaders again for consecutive years, building relationships and bonds with everybody,” said Julia Washington-Allen, Summer Playground Coordinator. “It's also very important to us that we hire individuals who work with children throughout the year, so having teachers who are qualified to teach and to interact with these children and be positive influences is something that we strive for every year.”

“Our Gen-Next Makers campers will get to experience not only in-classroom activities that expand their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Amber Martin, coordinator of Workforce and Small Business Development, “but they’ll also get behind-the-scenes looks at industries and manufacturers in our community.”

Registration for the annual program begins Tuesday, May 20, with extended office hours at the Lima Parks Department. Parents can sign their children up at the department’s office in the City Garage on Collett Street from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 20 and 21.

The Lima Family YMCA hosted its final no-school day of the year for area students, giving them a chance to enjoy a fun day off from school.