Effingham Park District Has Planned a Big Summer of Activities

The Effingham Park District has released its Summer Fun package, offering what the District terms "60 days of action-packed fun right outside your backdoor".

New this year is a series of Wild Wednesday trips.  The District is offering three day trips this summer to include: zip lining (must be 10 years old to attend), laser tag, and a day at the Decatur Zoo.  Children must be 8 years old to attend the laser tag and zoo trip; prices will vary according to the trip offered.

Effingham Park District is offering 15 camps. Some of the newer camps include:  Theatre, Water Polo, and Capture the Flag.  They’re also offering Oldies but Goodies such as Baseball, Basketball, Dodge Ball, Jump Rope, Archery, Cheer & Dance.  Clinics are generally held Monday through Friday afternoons; participants must be K-11 years old. Cost is $10 or a bonus summer pass allows admission to all clinics for $30.

Join the Park District for a five day musical adventure on Monday, June 24th – Friday, the 28th.  The 3 -5 year olds will meet from 9:00 – 9: 45 and 6 – 11 year olds will meet from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.  Jessica Closson will be the instructor for both programs.  She is the music instructor at Neoga School District.  Cost for both programs is $35.

Tumbling will be offered the week of June 17-21st.  There will be two separate sessions, one for 3-5 year olds and a session for 6 – 11 year olds. Cost will be $15, which is not included in the pass.

Three new Mad Science classes are being offered.  Classes will meet on Thursdays.  Two different sessions are offered: 1:00-2:30 p.m. and 3:00-4:30 p.m.  Participants six and older may participate; cost is $8.00.   The new Mad Science classes this year are:  Mystic Magnets, Defying Gravity, and Optical Illusions.

For the culinary chef, there are four available cooking classes:  Pizza Party, Candy Bars, Hawaiian Summer, and Colorful Concoctions.   Children will create three different recipes and eat the finished product.  Participants must be 8 & older; cost is $10.   Classes meet on Thursdays, two different sessions are offered: 1:00-2:30 p.m. and 3:00–4:30 p.m.

The Park District is also offering an Advanced Cooking class for those who love to cook and are ready to advance to the next level. This class is geared towards 11-14 year olds. The following classes will be offered:  Walk the Wok, I Scream for Ice Cream, Ooey Gooey Desserts, and “Grillin”. These classes will meet on Tuesdays from 1:00-2:30 p.m.; cost is $10.00.

Craft classes meet on Monday afternoons from 1:00-2:30 p.m. & 3:00–4:30p.m. Children must be K-11 years old to participate. This summer’s line-up includes: Angry Birds, Tie Dye Shirts, Bracelets, Canvas Flower Creations, Duct Tape Flower Pens, Fourth of July T-Shirts, Ribbon Headbands, and Spa Day Products.  Prices will vary according to the craft.

Wiggles & Giggles classes are available for 3-5 year olds.  These classes offer youngsters the opportunity to learn thru play, music and crafts.  Classes meet on Fridays from 10:00-11:00 a.m.  Cost is $8.00.

Every Monday thru Thursday, 6-11 year olds can join in on Morning Playground (9:30-11:30 a.m.) at either Bliss Park or Evergreen Hollow Park.  There is a one-time fee of $15.  Tuesdays & Thursdays 4 -5 year olds meet @ Community Park from 9:30-11:00 a.m.  The cost is $15. Three year olds meet @ Community Park on Wednesdays from 9:30-11:00 a.m., cost is $10. These activities provide structured craft and game opportunities. 

On Fun Day Fridays, they’ll explore a new adventure each week.  This will include a trip to RMC theatre, bowling at Pagel’s Silver Dollar Lanes, putt-putt at Evergreen Mini Golf, swimming and fishing.

The never ending baseball pick-up game continues this summer on Wednesday mornings at the Southwest diamond at Community Park from 9:30-11:30 a.m.  Participants must be 9 & older.  Games are supervised by staff, at no cost.

The Park District is also going to offer adult Water Aerobics class from 11:00–12:00 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays @ Kluthe Pool.  This is a fun, low-impact class geared to tone muscles and strengthen your heart. Cost is $5 per session or you may purchase a $60 aerobic pass.

Participants for all classes must pre-register and pre-pay to reserve a slot. Classes begin the first week of June. Most classes are located at the Ron Diehl Center.  Registration forms are available at the Ron Diehl Center, 1906 S. 4th Street.  You may also download a registration form off the park district web site. The full summer guide can be found by clicking here.

For further information, please contact the Park District office @ 342-4415.   A complete listing of programs are also available at the above listed web site.