Rec program gears up for harvest break
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
MARS HILL — Youth in Mars Hill won’t be able to complain they have nothing to do during harvest break, thanks to the efforts of staff and volunteers at the Rec Department.
“We’re excited to be launching a new Harvest Rec Program. While many schools are deciding if harvest break is worth it or not, Mars Hill still has it for all grades, preK-12. This year in an attempt to keep kids busy during this down time, the Rec has started a Harvest Rec Program,” said Jamie Guerrette, a rec volunteer who helped develop the program.
The program will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and is full of various activities — inside and outside — including crafts, hiking, day trips, science camp and more.
“We are excited about launching this new program in our little town. When speaking with Town Manager Dan McClung, he asked me to see if I could shed a little positive light on this program. We are looking to get the word out to parents and others in the community,” said Guerrette.
Guerrette said the program is designed for children in grades 1 and older.
“Children 4 years old and older may attend with a parent/guardian. High school-age students seeking to volunteer are also welcome, with hours counting towards CAHS graduation requirements,” she said.
Transportation by bus will be provided to activities taking place away from the Rec Department.
A survey of area residents led to the creation of the program.
“I conducted a rec survey this summer to see what was working well and what was needed. This was a direct result of that survey. Parents and children were looking for something more — more than just soccer. Harvest is three and a half weeks and the kids were looking for some activities. Several parents and business owners jumped on board and volunteered their time and services to pull this program together,” said Guerrette.
“Input from children and their parents was greatly appreciated,” she said.
Prior to this year’s program, activities for children during harvest break were extremely limited.
“We had soccer a few afternoons a week. Kids wanted more. Kids could travel out of Mars Hill for activities but often at a cost and that was difficult for working parents. It was time to try some new activities, day trips, Zumbatomics, family activities, arts and crafts, and more — all through our own local rec,” Guerrette said.
Guerrette and other organizers are hoping this proves to be a successful program.
“We are hoping this program is successful and that we are able to continue throughout the summer with similar programming. We are hoping to offer outdoor adventure activities, arts-based programs, science programs and more,” she said.
“If anyone has a talent or a skill they would like to share, please contact us and we will try to fit it into the summer programming,” said Guerrette.
Deadline for registering for the harvest program is Wednesday, Sept. 12. For more information, call Guerrette at 227-7194 or Rec Director Murph Collins at Fort Street Elementary School at 429-8514. Harvest begins Sept. 14 and runs through Oct. 17.
For a complete listing of events during the Harvest Rec Program, see the Mars Hill column
“Harvest recreation schedule announced”.
