Local kids enjoy spring break camp

DePauw students may be on spring break but there is plenty of activity near the Union Building with community kids taking part in the Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department's spring break camp. Over 20 kids were playing Red Rover Tuesday afternoon with Greencastle High School Senior Dee Williams and Parks and Recreations Assistant Director Cathy Stiles.

The Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department's spring break camp is taking place this week from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the ballroom of DePauw University's Memorial Union Building.

Children visited the Julian Science Center and Physics Lab, built roller coasters and were playing Red Rover on Tuesday. They will work on lots of arts and crafts and explore the DePauw campus on Wednesday and Thursday.

Other spring programs at the Park include the Mommy and Me program and the Exploration Station.

The Mommy and Me program "Spring has Sprung," runs on Wednesday mornings from 9:15 to 11 a.m. at the Putnam County Library Kiwanis Room.

The program includes arts and crafts, music and movement, stories and finger plays and play.

The next session will begin April 8 and run through May 20. Topics will include flowers and mud, Earth Day, caterpillars and butterflies and bugs.

Cost for all seven weeks is $30 per child, $15 for each additional child from the same family. Cost per session for drop-ins is $5. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Day care groups are welcome.

Young children are also welcome to come check out Exploration Station, parks and recreation's new preschool program specially designed for young children and their caretakers.

During Exploration Station, children are given the opportunity to use their senses to explore a variety of seasonal thematic ideas. There will be art, snack, music, and of course lots of play.

Look for a new Exploration Station every month. Monday, April 13 will be a spring-based session and Monday, May 18 will be all about summertime.

The program runs from 9:15 to 11 a.m. at the Putnam County Library Kiwanis Room. Cost is $5 per child and $2 per each additional child from the same family. Day care groups are welcome.

The Parks and Recreation Department is also excited to offer the first Go Green! Week from April 18-26. This week long program is filled with ways to "green" your lifestyles and with activities designed to make a positive impact on the environment and community.

Program information is also available on the Greencastle city website www.cityofgreencastle.com

For more information about Park programs call the Parks and Recreation Department at 653-3395 or email cstiles@cityofgreencastle.com