The Stephentown Memorial Library in collaboration with the Stephentown Youth Commission launched a pilot afternoon camp program this summer for Stephentown children ages 5 through 12. Twenty children participated in a two hour afternoon program housed at the Library, starting with free lunch through Rensselaer County.
[private]Programming has included experiments in physics and engineering with Libby Cass, senior at Tech Valley High, sculpture with local sculptor Mark LaRiviere, basketball and soccer clinics led by Berlin Middle/High School JV and Varsity players Jordan Cahill and Lyndsey Miller and art instruction by professional water artist/art teacher Kathy Ramey and art therapist Marney Schorr. Executive Director of the Wyomonack Conservation Center, Thom Pecoraro, visited to talk about habitat destruction and build birdhouses with the group, and area high school senior Mike Krajeski taught hip hop and pop n lock dance moves to keep everyone limber and strong.
The program’s creator, Libby Cass, said that she wanted to show local kids that science is fun and exciting, take advantage of the Library’s beautiful setting to introduce conservation concepts and build on Michelle Obama’s Get Moving physical fitness initiative. Cass also supplemented the lunch program with healthy additions such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains, which have proven very popular.
Library Director Laurenne Teachout praised the program’s innovative approach to making learning exciting. She noted, “This program has been very successful in drawing on the many talented members of the Stephentown community to share their expertise in programs that introduce children to new careers and new ways of thinking about the world.” She also explained that the children are encouraged to find more information by using the Library’s large collection of books, magazines, DVDs and internet programming. She noted that there is no better way to maintain academic skills though the summer than by children voluntarily exploring their own interests through the Library’s many educational resources.
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