The ongoing economic slump has forced many families that once had a stay-at-home parent to have both now toiling in the workplace, and even single parents to take on second jobs.

    The impending school break for summer may leave these work-laded families searching for a safe place for their young children and teens to be during the regular work week, while no supervising adult is at home.

    The North Central News has compiled a list of summer youth programs available in the area, including those based at school sites, those offered at local recreation center, and program available through other organizations.

 

Community Centers
    Programs at the below listed community centers are offered by the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department. Activities may include arts and crafts, sports, games, recreational reading, and more. A weekly activity calendar and program information flier will be available the first day of the program. Participants should bring a sack lunch (no glass containers) and wear non-marking gym shoes every day.
    To register for any of the community center programs online, visit http://online.activecommunities.com/ phoenix/.
    Recreation Pass Membership is required for all facility patrons 3 years of age or older. Required membership must be active before attending the first class/program. Cost is $5.

Sunnyslope Community Center
802 E. Vogel Ave.
602-262-6661
    Summer fun at the Slope, for ages 6-12, takes place 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Session I (Program #56021) runs from June 1 through July 2, and Session II (Program #56022) runs from July 6-31. Fee is $200 for Session I and $160 for Session II.

Washington Activity Center
2240 W. Citrus Way
602-262-6971
    WAC holds its Summer Youth Recreation Program, for children also for ages 6-12, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday in the gymnasium. Session I (Program #57603) runs from June 1-26, and Session II (Program #57604) runs from June 29-July 24. The fee is $125 for each session.

Longview Neighborhood
Recreation Center
4040 N. 14th St.
602-534-6570
    Children ages 6-12 can enjoy the Summer Spectacular at the Session I (Program #57587) runs from June 1-12; Session II (Program #57588) takes place June 15-26, and Session III (Program #57596) runs June 29-July 10. The fee is $80 for Sessions I & II, and $72 for Session III.

Summer PAC Programs
    Activities for “PAC Summer Adventure 2009” include arts and crafts, sports, games, recreational reading, and much more. A monthly activity calendar and program information flier will be available the first day of the program. School sites include the following:
    • The PAC at Longview School, 1209 E. Indian School Road, runs Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., June 1 through July 24 (Program #54828). The fee is $240.
    • The PAC at Desert View Elementary, 8621 N. 3rd St., runs 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday only, June 8 through July 23 (Program #54840). The fee is $210.
    • The PAC at Maryland Elementary, 6503 N. 21st Ave., runs 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 8 through July 24 (Program #54841). The fee is $210.
    • The PAC at Sunnyslope Elementary, 245 E. Mountain View Road, runs 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 8 through July 24 (Program #54843). The fee is $210.
    • The PAC at L.C. Kennedy School, 2702 E. Osborn Road, runs 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 1 to July 24 (Program #54820). The fee is $240.
    To register for any of the summer PAC programs online, visit http://online.activecommunities.com/ phoenix/.

For Teens
    Finding somewhere for your teenager who is not old enough to find employment poses its own challenge. Below are some available options:

Boys and Girls Clubs
of Metro Phoenix
Rosenzweig Branch
2242 W. Missouri Ave.
602-249-1338
    Youth ages 13-18 can find a lot to keep them entertained in the large Teen Center from 1 to 8 p.m. weekdays. There is no cost for the Teen Center, but if the teen is not a member of the club, there is a $15 annual membership fee. Some field trip fees may apply. Visitors need to bring a sack lunch and snacks; vending machines are available. There is a refrigerator on site. Youth can sign themselves in and out; no parent needs to be present.

Chris-Town YMCA
5517 N. 17th Ave.
602-242-7717
    This summer the Y offers a Counselor in Training program for youth ages 13-17. Teens will serve as day camp counselors and assistants for the Y’s summer camps for younger children. Teens will have the opportunity to learn leadership, conduct classes, participate in field trips, and more. Cost is $130 per week for Y members, $140 for non-members. Register at front desk or call Molly Cash at 602-433-6332 for more information.

Sunnyslope Youth Center
1701 W. Peoria Ave.
602-534-5089
    The center has a drop-in program for youth ages 12-18 during the summer for only the cost of a recreation card ($5 for all before July 1, $10 for ages 18 and older after July 1).
The young visitors can play video games, make use of the center’s foosball table and pool table, or join in one of the regular classes including a hip-hop dance class. There also is a weight room. The center will be open 12-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, from June 8 to July 31 (closed on July 3). The center is a stop on the free SMART shuttle bus.
Longview Neighborhood
Recreation Center
4040 N. 14th St.
602-534-6570
    Teens are welcome to drop in the center anytime during the day to enjoy ping-pong, foosball, and board games in the lobby. Also, there will be open gym time during the day (when not being utilized by summer day program for younger kids).
    The center also is seeking teen volunteers, ages 13 and older, to assist as Day Camp Counselors for the summer program. For more information, call Jason Gitkin at 602-534-6570 or stop by and pick up a volunteer application.