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Before/After School Project Proves It's Fun To Stay At YMCA

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By CARL ORTH

The Suncoast News

Published: August 1, 2008

TRINITY - Schools start the fall semester in about two weeks, but a YMCA Before/After School Care program is aiming to make sure the fun doesn't stop for students.

Youths from nine area elementary schools and Seven Springs Middle School are transported by bus to the Youth Activity Center at the James P. Gills Family Branch YMCA.

"The kids love it," program director Kristen Stieber-Downs said.

The students have plenty of options. All of the YMCA unit's clubs and activities - ropes course, swimming, arts and crafts, dance classes, karate - "all that's included," Stieber-Downs said.

A homework club also is available. In addition, this year, snacks and juice will be provided after school.

The program has grown every year since it started five years ago, Stieber-Downs said.

About 120 children were signed up last year, and Stieber-Downs said she wouldn't be surprised to see more faces this year. Working parents still need a place for their children before and after school.

The YMCA program offers programs on days when school is out, during holiday breaks and camps during the summer.

Fees are kept low, Stieber-Downs said. YMCA has an open-door policy, so no one is turned away because of an inability to pay.

The program at Gills YMCA serves nine elementary schools - Anclote, Longleaf, Deer Park, Mittye P. Locke, Trinity, Trinity Oaks, Seven Springs, Sunray and Cotee River - and Seven Springs Middle School.

Registration continues until school starts, Stieber-Downs said. The Gills YMCA phone number is (727) 375-9622. Its Web site is www.suncoastymca

.org.

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