By Cristen Feeney
The Smithtown Youth Bureau kicks off summer programs tomorrow night (6/25) at 6PM the first session “Safe Summer Nights Program” at Hoyt Farm in Commack. Youth in the Town of Smithtown who are entering grade 6 and older are invited to come down and hang out from 6PM until 9PM. This includes all public and private schools in Smithtown, Hauppauge, Commack, and Kings Park. We will have sports, games, arts and crafts, and more!
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Smithtown’s Safe Summer Night ProgramAfter finishing a hard year and passing all their finals, often, high school and college students struggle to find something to do over the summer. Sleeping and playing video games are only fun for so long, and a summer job may not take up all of your time. Some students may want to get out and explore what their community has to offer. In Smithtown, there are so many events and opportunities that many people pass up, simply because they do not know they are available. Regardless of your interests, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re interested in sports, Smithtown Recreation Department has Basketball, Soccer Lacrosse, Field Hockey, Swimming, Track and Field, Baseball, and tennis programs, for people between the ages of 4-16 (ages vary between programs). These programs run anywhere from 1-3 weeks and focus on placing children and teens in a safe environment for learning or improving their skills in any of the sports listed. If you’re older that 16 and still looking for something to do, they also offer various dance and fitness classes for anyone 18+.
If you’re interested in music, every Tuesday from July 2-August 13, the Suffolk County Executives Office sponsors concerts at the Nesconset gazebo across from Nesconset Plaza. They are completely free, and anyone is welcome to bring a chair or a blanket and come listen and dance to live music! If you’re closer to Hoyt Park Farm, in Commack, there are also concerts sponsored there by Smithtown Recreation Department every Sunday night starting June 30th.
If you’re interested in theatre or performance, and you’re between the ages of 7 and 18, Smithtown Performing Arts Center has a “Summer Theatre Enhancement” program. It is a 3 week long program for beginners and seasoned actors, alike. It is every Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm and there is a showcase at the end to show your family and friends everything that you’ve gained from the program.
If you’re interested in art, the Smithtown Arts Council, has summer classes for people of any age, but there is a camp program created specifically for students in grades 9-12. It’s a great way to keep up with your art during the summer, when art classes in school are not in session.
If you’re interested in getting a head start with school work for next year, SCOPE has a SAT/PSAT and ACT prep program. Part of the program is online, and anyone is welcome to join.
If you’re interested in volunteering or doing charity work, Sweetbriar Nature Center is always looking for volunteers to help in outdoor or butterfly gardens. If you don’t want to spend the summer inside, this is a great opportunity to get outdoors and help out.
There is something for every person to do this summer, whether you are 8 or 80, there is a way to get involved in your community and be a part of something great.
For daily events across Long Island this summer, you can visit http://long-island.newsday.com/events.