Byram sets summer programs for kids

Byram - The Byram Parks and Recreation Dept. has announced its Summer Initiatives morning programs for children ages two through 14. The program is divided into two sessions, each running two weeks from Monday through Friday. The first session is from July 10 to July 21; the second from July 24 to Aug. 4. Kids can be enrolled for one or both sessions. Snack time, trips, theme days and special events are included. Mommy/Daddy & Me is children who are two and three years old and parents. Children must be two by the start of the program. This activity meets from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays only, from July 12 to Aug. 2 at the Byram Civic Center. Cost is $25 for four weeks. Children ages four and five may join the Seekers program from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, at the Byram Civic Center. Cost is $75 per session, with optional parent/child trips on Fridays at an additional $12 per person. Kids ages six to 11 can participate in the Explorers and Searchers program from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost is $100 per session and includes Friday trips. Daily activities include games and physical activities, music, theatre arts, arts and crafts, and scientific exploration. Participants will also have time to explore individual interests. Trips, theme days and special events are included. The Adventurers program is for teens ages 12 to 14. It meets from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Byram Civic Center. Cost is $150 per session and includes Monday and Friday trips. Session I includes Jazz Band for musicians with one or more years experience. Monday Teen Trips are for the entire day. Friday morning trips for Seekers, Explorers and Searchers and Adventurers begin on Friday, July 14, at Aspen Ice in Randolph. Skates, arcade tokens, a slice of pizza and soda are included. On Friday, July 21, hikers will need to wear sturdy shoes and bring a bag lunch to visit Tillman’s Ravine at Stokes State Forest. In case of rain, campers will go to Sparta Lanes in Sparta. A trip to the Hackettstown Pool is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, July 28. Participants must bring or buy their own snacks. The rain location is Sparta Lanes. Finally, on Friday, Aug. 4, kids will travel to Pax Amicus Theatre to see Beauty and the Beast. The trip includes a ticket and a meal at a fast food restaurant. The Summer Initiative morning program provides for the social, mental and physical growth of children in a safe and fun environment. Children will engage in organized activities with their peers under the guidance of teachers and counselors. Teachers will lead daily activities, including games and physical activities, music, theatre arts, arts and crafts and scientific exploration. Participants will also have time to explore individual interests. Permission slips, medical forms and releases for each child must be completed prior to the beginning of the program. Children should bring a snack each day and wear lace-up athletic shoes without heelies. Non-Byram residents must pay an additional $5 fee per course $50 and under, and an added fee of $10 per course $51 and over. Mail-in registration or in-person registration is acceptable. Payment is due at time of registration. For information, call 973-347-2500, ext. 160/161 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. any weekday.