SERIES LINEUP

August 24, 2023

An Evening with Crystal Gayle

September 14, 2023

Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone

October 5, 2023

The Wallflowers

October 19, 2023

Don McLean

January 25, 2024

RUMOURS: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute

March 9, 2024

Forever Motown

April 26, 2024

The Barricade Boys

May 23, 2024

An Evening with Roger McGuinn

Single tickets as well as the popular Buy 4 PAC are on sale now. With the Buy 4 PAC, you can save 10% or more on your choice of four or more shows during the 2023-2024 season. Tickets may be purchased online at www.fmupac.org, by phone at 843-661-4444, or in person at the PAC Ticket Office.

For more information on each show or to purchase your tickets, visit www.fmupac.org.

Students are excited to fill the leisure of their day with whatever they choose to do, and parents are preparing for the factors that youth may not think about. If the parent maintains a full-time job during the day, the concerns range from safety to breakfast and lunch for their children. If old enough, youth are left home with strict instructions from their parents. Often those instructions include not letting anyone in the home, not cooking, or doing anything illegal. Some parents search for the best summer camps and plan time for family summer vacations.

There are several programs to provide a solution for the concerns that parents may have during the summer. One solution is to enroll their child in a structured summer program. There are many benefits to enrolling youth in summer programs. First, youth are provided a safe environment in which they could continue to engage with their peers. Youth often have fun and continue to learn in the process. Students are provided with healthy meals during the day. They will strengthen their social and emotional skills as they work towards self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making skills, and relationship skills (Social and Emotional Learning Model).

Choosing the right summer program for youth is based on a few facts such as the parent's and children’s preferences, distance, transportation, and cost. The program must be accommodating to the needed schedule and provide age-appropriate services for youth. Students are in school for the majority of the year and the summer break offers a respite for students and educational staff. Even though parents seek structure and safety for their children, they agree with their child’s hope that their experience will also be fun.

story by Cynthia Ford

As we explore the available summer programs, one particular program that offers multiple options for youth is The Performing Arts and Science Academy (PASA). PASA is a 501C 3 afterschool and summer enrichment program for youth ages 5-17 in Marion, South Carolina. The program focus for PASA is science, technology, engineering, arts, reading, and mathematics. After receiving a grant from Duke Energy and Marion County Health Care Foundation, PASA designed an aerospace flight simulator as an additional learning resource for youth. Through the simulator, youth experience virtual tours in which youth learn about the solar system. The simulator also allows for an increase in reading, science, mathematical and technology goals. One unique advantage of the simulator is that it was designed by a former NASA employee who previously served as a staff member at PASA.

PASA also offers dance. The styles of dance include traditional, jazz, hiphop, ballet, and cultural dances. PASA’S award-winning dance groups are known to perform in various settings across the state. PASA embodies the total health of youth and ensures opportunities for physical fitness and healthy eating. PASA serves as a sponsor for healthy nutrition programs, delivering meals across the county and throughout the Pee Dee. Through this program, hundreds of students across the Pee Dee are fed at no cost to their parents after school and during the summer.

PASA serves as a program to help deter youth from involvement in at-risk activities. Students are taught to value themselves and to prepare for the best possible version of their lives. PASA is supported by donors and grants. With the help of the 21st Century grant, youth can participate in the program at no cost to their parents.

The Performing Arts and Science Academy’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Justine Roberts, turned her passion into a reality, using her educational and professional experience with dance to design a stellar program for youth. For additional information about their program visit www.pasakids.org.

The degree of detail in programs such as the Performing Arts and Science Academy creates a sense of ease and security for parents. The program not only engages youth but also creates space for parents to participate with their children through family night. Whether family night includes listening to a speaker or creating a craft together, this engagement creates a greater experience for youth and families.

Beyond the structure and fun, summer programs will also teach youth to be lifelong leaders. As you explore summer opportunities for your children, consider your options and be mindful to choose the program that fits best for your family. Request a virtual or in-person tour or orientation before making your final decision. Assess the benefits of enrollment in the summer program.

Did you know that Friends of Florence County Library provide critical support to library services and collections? This includes supporting children’s literacy through the Children’s Summer Reading Program and the Children’s Bookmobile, as well as by funding the library’s e-books and downloadable audio books (available through the Libby app, which can be found on the library web page at www.florencelibrary.org).

You can become a Friends of Florence County Library member for as little as $15 a year! Visit www.florencelibrary.org and select the Friends tab at the top of the page for more information.