--Look into teen classes, said Carol Weston, advice columnist for Girls’ Life magazine. Central Texas College in Killeen offers College for Kids, a summer enrichment program, in June and July for children age 3 to 17 years. The courses are designed to be fun and include lots of hands-on learning activities. Early registration is recommended since classes often fill early. Most courses have limited space in order to maximize the positive learning effects of a concentrated teacher-student ratio; however, children may be registered until the first day of class. For information, call 254-526-1586.
--Help kids find work, such as baby-sitting, car washing, dog walking or lawn mowing, said Weston. Perhaps you know someone who could use some extra help in the office. Kids want to make extra money.
--Check churches, soup kitchens, senior centers, animal shelters and the like to see if they need volunteers.
--The Lions Junction Family Water Park will open May 23 for weekends only and daily on June 5. Season passes can be purchased online at www.ci.temple.tx.us/index.aspx?nid158 or at the Wilson Park Recreation Center, Sammons Community Center and Summit Fitness and Recreation Center. A season pass includes free admission to Clark and Walker pools all season long. If purchased online, take the receipt to one of the above facilities to have your picture taken or wait until the park opens and bring it on the first visit. The water park is at 5000 S. Fifth St. For information, call 254-298-5920.
--Even if kids are stuck at home, they can do more than watch television. The Temple Public Library offers Teen READ 2009, a weekly program, for ages 13-18. The program begins on June 1. Visit the library starting May 26 to register and pick up a reading log. Beginning at 3 p.m. June 9 and continuing each Tuesday until July 14, teens will meet at 3 p.m. in the McLane Room on the third floor of the library to have their time logged and collect prizes.
--Consider a kid swap, suggests Weston. One parent can take the kids on an outing one day, another can take them somewhere another day.
--Explore summer camp options. Many have programs for teens. For pricier specialty or residential camps, ask about financial aid or a group rate if several kids enroll.
Find local creative camps at www.tdtnews.com/life/camps.php and watch the Saturday edition of the Temple Daily Telegram each week to learn about upcoming vacation Bible schools.
The ’s Megan K. Scott contributed to this article.
