Kids' College back for summer

STAFF REPORT

link File photo

ENMU Kids College kicks off Monday with local children having the opportunity to interact with other kids in sports, art, swimming and more.

Eastern New Mexico University is getting ready to bring back another summer of fun and activities with their annual program, Kids’ College.

Ciara Gilliland, coordinator for Kids’ College, said the goal is to give children in the community a fun, safe place where they can learn throughout the summer without actually feeling like they are learning.

“The children are very active throughout the day,” she said. “They really enjoy how hands-on our activities are.”

The program is led by college-age counselors and a lead teacher, who provide daily actives for the children including science, reading, history, computing, art, music and physical education.

Gilliland said the program also includes field trips to the different museums around campus.

According to Gilliland, the program has a new lead teacher this year, Bonnie Griffith, who will oversee the day to day activities for the children.

“The theme this year is going to be ‘The Amazing Race,’ and so each week is going to have a different country theme,” Gilliland said. “Every day the kids will have different physical and mental research challenges to complete.”

The program’s most popular feature, according to Gilliland, is pool time that at the campus swimming pool.

“We have pool time every single day, and the kids really love that,” she said.

Gilliland added the program, which began in 2008, sees many familiar faces return each year.

“We even have kids who pass the age mark and still try to get in,” she said.

The program participates in the La Casa Family Health Center summer lunch program to provide breakfast and lunch for the children.

Gilliland said attendance is flexible; parents can bring their children for the whole eight weeks or one week at a time depending on what they prefer.

Space is limited and pre-payment confirms a place.

Groups are divided into ages 6-8 and 9-12.

Registration forms are available in the Office of Distance Education and Outreach in Room 102 of the Education Building.