Summer officially began this week, with the solstice marking the year’s longest day on Wednesday.
For hundreds of Wrangell children, the months-long break between school years began at the end of May, and programming to keep them active and socially engaged started up soon afterward.
Wrangell Parks and Recreation kicked off its summer activities at the start of June. The library’s summer reading program began June 1, and young residents have already begun taking lessons in horseback riding and swimming.
A fee structure is in place for participation in such programming, with day passes and weekly and season-long passes available at a discount. The department maintains an assistance grant of up to $50 as well; applications are available at the front desk at the pool and rec center.
So far over 30 kids have signed up for the various programming, with 20 to 22 participating each day. In addition to the aforementioned activities, there are cultural and educational components too, explained Parks director Kate Thomas. In one, a Native dancing group imparting traditional songs and dances to local youth has been arranged by one resident.
Parks and Recreation is always open to new ideas for summertime programming, and its four to five seasonal staff members often partner with community contractors, organizations and volunteers for projects.
“We discuss a number of program ideas in house,” said Thomas. “With those ideas that are generated we reach out to various community members.”
Later next month, the department will be partnering with Wrangell Cooperative Association’s environmental office to get kids out onto the beaches. The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (IGAP) has since last year been monitoring area shellfish for toxicity caused by roving algal blooms.
IGAP technician Kim Wickman explained the joint activity is intended to get kids acquainted with local shellfish, making a game out of finding clams and mussels. She said the activity will also make them aware of some of the dangers posed by eating them and the science behind measuring samples for saxitoxin and other compounds.
IGAP will not be the only federal teammate Parks and Rec will seek out this summer. Partnering with the Forest Service, every Tuesday morning the city department holds a “Forest Explorers” hike to learn about the island’s flora and fauna.
Wrangell’s Ranger District has a number of its own programs it maintains during the summer. A pair of interns have been brought up to assist this season, organizing a collection of events to help keep Wrangellites outdoors and engaged.
“They’ve been doing pretty well,” explained USFS interpreter Corree Delabrue, who heads up the annual effort.
A big component of their summer is youth activities. For instance, last weekend USFS staff helped equip and assist junior anglers at Pats Lake. Different lure-building and crafts stations were set up at the site, while kids were able to cast for trout from the shore.
The USFS also joins forces with Irene Ingle Public Library’s seasonal reading drive each week. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday mornings younger children are invited to “Read with a Ranger,” getting some quality story time with an ecological message.
The Forest Service will also be holding its 6:30 p.m. potlucks at Nemo Point each Friday through the summer months. Some special presentations may be arranged for the gatherings, but mostly it is an opportunity for people to get together for a group meal.
Both USFS and Parks and Rec may be holding other activities through the coming months. Check with their programs’ updates at their respective offices or websites.
Reader Comments(0)