The YMCA, USD 490 and Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital have partnered to offer a free after school program for all El Dorado Middle School students. The Program held it’s kick-off bowling party for the new school year. Grizzly Bowl was host to the party on Saturday, September 8th. But it’s not too late to join the fun.
Membership to the YMCA is not required. It is free to all EMS students but parents are required to fIll out an online form to register, which provides for consent.
According to Alison Oelfke, Youth Program Director, it focuses on “things from healthy eating, stress management to [a variety of] game situations to get them active to learn a little more about their health.”
The program developed out of a need for after school activities. Other than intramural sports, there were not a lot of options for the sixth graders, who tend to make the up the majority of those who attend the program.
A partnership with USD490 provides transportation to the YMCA after school, and if desired, transportation back to a community bus drop off location after the program.
The program operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the YMCA after school until 5:30p. On Tuesday, the focus is on “Club Time” for individual development and Thursday’s focus is on group activities which are designed to develop teamwork and good sportsmanship. For more information call the El Dorado YMCA at 316-320-9622.
Deanna Bonn 