By Amy Baskin

Austin Public Schools Community Education Director

The calendar tells us summer is just around the corner, but the weather makes us wonder if that is really true. One thing for sure is in a few short weeks the students at Austin Public Schools will be released from school for summer break. Summer break is kind of like Christmas. The kids are excited! They count down the days and plan what they will do with their time off. Some parents worry about the plans their children are developing and about how to keep their kids engaged and safe. Austin Community Education has lots of options to help with that. The summer enrichment books have been sent home with students K through fifth grade and are online at www.austin.k12.mn.us/clc.

Back by popular demand are math and science camps, Lego Engineering, Science Explorers, Master Gardeners, Kids College, horsemanship and many art and craft classes. Summer Park has been redesigned into two three-week fitness and reading boot camps. These camps will run from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. two days a week, and will include a variety of academic and fitness activities and free lunch. New this year is a high school drama camp, high school band, fused glass classes, yoga, historical classes and Preschool Fun Shops.

Free summer lunch will once again be offered to all children 18 and younger at Austin High School, Neveln Elementary and Southgate Elementary School. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning June 6. Adults can dine with their children for just $3.50. Readers Café, our free book exchange and activity center, is open Mondays through Thursdays at Austin High School and Neveln Elementary lunch sites. Austin Public Library is also offering a variety of programming with evening activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m.

Families that need summer childcare will want to check out the Kids Korner Program. This affordable, quality childcare program is open from 6:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our summer program features themed, age appropriate camps, in-town and out-of-town field trips and free lunch. Our high-energy staff keeps kids engaged and active and provides a safe, fun and structured recreational environment where learning is emphasized through experience.

Summer weather will come. The children will get outside to play and parents can find lots of safe, fun and affordable activities right here in town through Austin Community Education. Register today at http://austin.revtrak.net or at the Community Learning Center. We look forward to serving you and your children this summer.