2023 Summertime

City of Sumter Aquatics Center

YMCA summer camps

USDA summer meal programs

5 activities to keep children active

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SUMMERTIME 2023

L P City of Sumter Aquatics Center To the

The City of Sumter Aquatics Center, 1115 S. Lafayette Drive, is making plans for the 2023 season. Check the website www.sumtersc. gov/aquatics for exact dates.

This center meets requirements for competition swim meets and is equipped with a six swim lane pool, an electronic timer and touch pads, diving blocks, lazy river, open tube slide for all ages and wade pool with beach entrance and fountain. Other amenities include hot showers, concessions area, party rental, lockers and life jackets available for rent, certified pool operators, instructors and trainers.

Lifeguards and water safety instructors are certified American Red Cross lifeguards.

Parking is limited. Overflow

parking may be available at the South HOPE Center or along Red Bay Road.

• All customers must obey all

lifeguards, rules and listen for whistles at all times.

• Due to high volume attendance, we may be on limited capacity allowance; admission is first come, first served with a waiting list available.

• All customers must check in at Admissions - $3 per person (5 and under free)

• Payment methods: Cash, debit or credit card (Visa or Mastercard)

• Open swim hours: TBA

• Admission rate for ALL customers is $3 per person

o Anyone age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult

o Ages 5 and under are free

o NOTE: For the safety of children, please note that children 5 years and under must be supervised and within arm’s reach, in the water, by a guardian 18 years or older.

o Goggles and water safety approved life jackets are allowed

in the water; all other objects or items are not allowed in the pool.

• Recommend large groups to call ahead for admittance availability - waiting list available

• All customers must shower prior to entering the pool

• All customers must check out through the exit

• All customers are encouraged to:

o Stay 6 feet apart

o Stay home if you are sick

o Wash your hands

o Masks recommended to be worn by those not vaccinated

• Concessions and Swim Shop are open for purchases

• Coolers, outside food and beverages prohibited

• Official swim attire (nylon, spandex or polyester) to include shorts or shirts are required for entry (no cotton, thongs or street clothes). Swim diapers are suitable for the pool; however, it is recommended by the CDC that

Wilson Hallʼs Above and Beyond Summer Camps

Wilson Hall’s Above and Beyond Summer Camps would like to extend the registration deadline until May 26 but late registration may be available until the camp is at capacity. There are over 30 camps to choose from including all sports,

art, baseball, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, scrapbooking, STEAM science, READING & math, robotics, minimedics and babysitting CPR. Please contact Brooke Wilder at brookewilder@ wilsonhall.org to check camp availability.

Proudly serving the midlands for over

swim diapers and swim pants are checked frequently and changed away from the poolside.

• Ages 16 years and up must have picture I.D. or be accompanied by an adult

• Life jackets, noodles and locker rentals available for 50 cents and $1

• For more information call (803) 774-3998

ADVERSE WEATHER

If adverse weather occurs (e.g. lightning, torrential rain, cold temps, etc.), the pool will be forced to close and patrons will be directed to leave the water, deck and shower areas. Normal operations will resume after our weather systems signal all clear. No refunds are implemented for closures due to adverse weather.

Making the best of a short summer break.

Choose from one of our five camps to fill your child’s summer with fun and adventure!

Camps are available for children ages 3 and up! Learn more at www.ymcasumter.org or visit us at 510 Miller Rd in Sumter!

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTOS

A child enjoys the swimming pool at the City of Sumter Aquatics Center, 1115 S. Lafayette Drive.

The City of Sumter Aquatics Center, 1115 S. Lafayette Drive, also has a lazy river.

Full day camps Specialty camps

Fun Factory for ages 3-13, 7 a.m. -6 p.m.

Our traditional indoor camp is held at the YMCA main building. It is specialized to stimulate the spirit, mind and body with fun academic activities to help keep the camper’s brain stimulated over the summer break to prevent learning loss. We will engage the kids in various energizing, independent physical activities (yoga, zumba, nature walks etc.). Children must WEAR CLOSED-TOE SHOES. Parents must provide lunch for their children. Three-year-olds must be potty-trained.

Camp Mac Boykin for your 7- to 14-year-old, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

This outdoor camp focuses on building friendships, learning new skills and having some rugged fun in the sun. Located at 6425 Camp Mac Boykin Road, camp is nestled on 50 acres including a natural swimming area with water features and activities. Campers will meet at the Y in the lower gym and depart at a strict 8:30 a.m. Campers return to the park at 4:30 p.m. with the day concluding at 6 p.m. Campers must bring their own lunch, water bottle, sunscreen and wear closed-toe shoes.

Aquatics Camp for ages 5- to 12-year-old, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (pair up for Swim-n-Gym*)

Swimmers will have an exciting week of water fun. Each day will include – 1 hour of swim lesson instruction, scheduled activities, competitions, outdoor splash pad time as well as free swim. Please make sure to pack a small snack for mid-morning after swim lessons as well as plenty of water to drink.

*Swimmers registered for Swim-n-Gym must pack a lunch. After lunch at the Main Y, campers will ride our bus to the Gymnastics Center located at 220 Pine St. Pick up from Gymnastics Center by 4 p.m., unless registered for extended care.

Basketball Camp for ages 9-14, 7:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Let your children bounce their way through basketball camp and discover a new passion for the game that they might not have had. Help us unlock the many opportunities for your child to learn teamwork and fundamental basketball skills while building character and self-esteem.

Gymnastics Camp for ages 5-12, noon- 4 p.m. (pair up for Swim-n-Gym*)

Gymnasts will enjoy age-appropriate instruction in a fun, safe environment, working closely with our dedicated staff exploring our gymnastics equipment and developing new skills through fun games and drills. Please pack a small snack for a 10-minute break between activities. *Gymnasts interested in a full week of all-day fun are encouraged to register for Aquatics Camp at our Main Y. Those registered in Swim-n-Gym will have transportation options between both Y locations.

Nutrition Camp for ages 6-12, 9 a.m. - noon

Teaching the importance of wellness at an early age sets kids and teens up for a lifetime of healthy living. YFIT Youth Nutrition focuses on exercise and nutrition. We will teach nutrition education and application along with exercise classes and cooking demonstrations.

Extend your specialty camp

Specialty Camp Extension for ages 5-14, 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Specialty Camp Extended Care is available to campers attending our specialty camps. Counselors will assist with transferring campers to their specialty camp and then back to extended care to fill their day.

Sumter has five free spray parks to cool off in, and are open Memorial Day weekend.

1. Crosswell Park, corner of Lafayette Drive and Yeadon Street;

2. North HOPE Park, 904 N. Main St.;

3. South Sumter Park, corner of South Sumter and Atlantic streets;

4. Birnie HOPE Park, 210 S. Purdy St.; and

5. Palmetto Park, off Theatre Drive, between the tennis center and ball fields.

Place your hand on the hand print and see the water flow.

All five parks have playgrounds and green spaces for picnics. For more information, call (803) 436-2640.

SPLASH

www.theitem.com/podcasts

USDA summer meal programs available for children in need through July 13

BY USDA AND SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT

During the school year, many children receive a free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch through the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Program. When schools let out, many children are at risk of going hungry. Lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins and make children more prone to illnesses and other health issues. The Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option are designed to fill that nutrition gap and provide children with the nutritious meals they need and deserve. They are federally funded programs that provide free meals to school-aged children, 18 years old or younger, living in an area-eligible location. South Carolina’s Summer Food Service Program is the Summer Break Café. Summer Café sites are located in schools, public housing centers, playgrounds,

recreation centers, camps, parks, churches and many other facilities as long as the site meets the area eligibility criteria and other guidelines subject to approval.

A person 19 years of age and over with a mental or physical disability as determined by a state or local educational agency and who participates during the school year in a public or private nonprofit school program may participate in the program.

Dates of operation

The Summer Feeding Program in Sumter will operate from Monday, June 5 through Thursday, July 13.

Types of meals provided

Breakfast meals consist of one serving of fluid 1% or nonfat milk, one serving of a vegetable or fruit or full-strength juice and one serving of grain or bread.

Hot or cold lunch meals consist of one serving of fluid 1% or nonfat milk, one serving grain, one serving

meat/meat alternate, one serving of fruit and one serving of vegetable.

Snack meals consist of two food items from two different food components. Food components are 1% or nonfat milk, vegetable or fruit, grain and meat/ meat alternate.

Food pans, serving utensils, napkins, gloves, condiments and food transporting containers will be provided.

Meals must be served to children one hour after delivery or pick-up. All meals must be consumed on site, with the exception of whole fruits or closed packaged grain products.

Presented by

5 activities to keep children active

(Family Features) Everybody, no matter their age, can benefit from daily physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young children should be physically active throughout the day for growth and development. Despite the common misconception that children are in perpetual motion, the CDC reminds caregivers to encourage children to be active when they play.

it is critical in assisting with gross

“Physical activity is important because it is critical in assisting with gross motor development and helps support development in other areas,” said Khy Sline from KinderCare Learning Center’s education team. “Children thrive when we give them the tools to use their bodies and muscles in new ways and make mind-body connections.”

Consider these five activities to encourage children to get moving.

Blow bubbles. Appealing to children from infancy on up, seeing bubbles floating around can encourage babies to reach out and try to grab them, building arm strength and coordination. Toddlers and older children can run around the patio or lawn chasing bubbles and watching them pop.

Build a tunnel. Whether indoors or out, made from furniture covered with sheets or cardboard boxes, tunnels encourage children to move over, under, around and through, which helps them explore new ways of moving while also building coordination and balance.

Play hide and seek. As they dash around trying to find the perfect hiding spot, children build spatial awareness, their understanding of where their bodies are in relation to other people and objects.

Play red light, green light. This classic game helps children build coordination –connecting the verbal instruction with the physical movement – while also teaching them impulse control, an essential executive function skill. Be sure to get creative with instructions and add variations like tip-toeing, crawling, hopping and more.

Walk the line. Draw a line on the ground using chalk outdoors or painter’s tape indoors and encourage your children to walk along the line. This activity helps children improve balance and coordination. Get creative and add in a challenge by drawing a wavy or zig-zag line. Once your children get the hang of following the line, ask them to think of other ways to travel along that space, such as hopping on one foot or skipping. For more ideas to encourage physical activity among children, visit kindercare.com.

Sumter Library

STAFF REPORT

Sumter School District is partnering with Sumter County Library to keep students reading during the summer break. Students are challenged to read for at least 20 minutes per day. The library’s website has resources for both elementary and middle and high school readers to keep track of their reading, as well as recommendations for books.

Visit the Elementary Summer Reading Challenge page at https://bit.ly/41FIJiw

Visit the Middle and High Summer Reading Challenge page at https://bit.ly/3MebKfp

Also, parents can find tips on how to support reading for elementary students at home at these sites, also provided on the Sumter County Library’s website: https://bit.ly/43544TG https://bit.ly/3WeC9yn https://bit.ly/42JgZeh and https://bit.ly/3MAZEhZ

The Required Honors English Reading page for Sumter School District can be found at https://bit.ly/42K7MCp