Summer Rec is up and running

Hannah Gross 
NLJ Correspondent 
 
Tamara Allen has been involved with Double AAces for 14 years, and despite things looking a little different this year because of the pandemic, as the director, she has decided to continue with the summer recreation program so that the kids in the community can keep themselves busy and active. Double AAces is a grant-funded K-8 program offered through Weston County School District No. 1 to bring learning opportunities to kids beyond school hours. 
“It was important to continue this year in some format as my grant requires,” Allen said. “We wanted them to be able to get out a bit, if possible, (and) be physically active and actively engaged in enrichment opportunities.” 
Originally, the plan was to go forth virtually by sending boxes home with the kids, but when they were told they could meet in person in smaller groups, they decided that would be a better option. 
To make sure that social distancing regulations and safety precautions would be followed, Allen said she submitted her plan and received approval from Dr. Michael Jording, the county’s public health officer. Those precautions included social distancing, sanitization of areas and supplies, the taking of temperatures, COVID-19 safety questionnaires and records of the various activities offered.
Disposable items are often used to make the cleanup process easier, but if items are not disposable, such as hot glue guns and paintbrushes, they are cleaned between each session, Allen said. Participants are also required to sanitize their hands immediately upon arrival. All programs this year are facilitated by the Double AAces staff team.
“Staff is also required to wear face masks if they are within 6 feet of participants. We wanted to limit exposure and number of people in the activity area,” Allen said. 
Despite not offering any programs with outside facilitators, Allen said, Double AAces is running a full program, so attendees still have a wide variety of options to choose from. Open field, track and field and open gym all occur at one time, and other activities are held in the Newcastle High School Commons, where participants still abide by the 6-foot rule, she said. 
“We purchased individual camping tables with attached chairs. These are easily sanitized and can be moved easily,” Allen said. 
Participants can attend dog walking, service to the community, open athletics, science, culinary and arts classes. Culinary can only have eight kids at a time, but they make it work, Allen said. Additionally, single-serve items are made to take home rather than “shared group meals.” 
“Some of the kiddos attend these every day and are going to be showing off their growth this time next year. They are blowing us away,” Allen said. “We have very talented kiddos in our community.” 
While the numbers are down this year, more than 100 kids attend regularly throughout the week, according to Allen. Coming up with new ideas and activities proved to be an easy task. 
“Activities were easy to find. We are like kids ourselves, and we get excited finding cool activities we think our students will enjoy,” Allen said. 
The activities are quieter because the students are more spread out, and Allen said she misses the visiting and interaction among students. Even though things aren’t as convenient and take longer, she said, they found a process that is efficient and specific, considering the circumstances. 
“Parents are so supportive of the program and constantly showing appreciation. The kids are so appreciative, too, and excited! That is why we do this,” Allen said. “We will continue to do what is best.” 
The future still holds a lot of unknowns, but summer has proved to be a success as they’re learning how to operate under a new process, according to Allen. Students interested in participating can register online, and if they have any questions, parents can call the office at 746-6813. There is limited capacity, so if anyone has to cancel, it’s important to notify the summer rec staff as soon as possible.
“We will see what the school year brings, but summer has worked out well and we have been able to keep kids engaged in a safe manner. It has been a lot of work, but worth it when we see the kids’ faces,” Allen said.