'Schools Out' Programming Available To HoCo Kids On Wednesdays

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The county department of recreation and parks has launched a new "Schools Out" program featuring art, cooking, drama, nature, LEGO and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) activities geared predominantly toward students in grades kindergarten through fifth. Offered this fall and only on Wednesdays when students have asynchronous school days, each program will be treated as a one-day event, allowing participants to pick and choose which weeks and activities they’d like to try.

Programming will be offered at several county-owned buildings, including the Robinson Nature Center; North Laurel, Gary J. Arthur and Roger Carter community centers; Kiwanis-Wallas Hall; Schooley Mill and Cedar Lane Parks’ activity rooms; and Pfeiffers Corner School House, as well as at Pump It Up of Elkridge and the Drama Learning Center. Programs will run all day, starting at approximately 8:30 a.m. and ending between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., with a few half-day options also available.

“This is just another way our department of recreation & parks is striving to provide our youngest residents with a safe outlet to interact with their peers while schools are virtual this fall,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

All COVID-19 safety protocols will be enforced, including groups of 15 or less (13 students and two adults), temperature checks upon arrival, self-screening questionnaires, cleaning procedures and more.

“These one-day events provide children a safe and fun environment to try new activities without committing to an entire session,” said Howard County Recreation & Parks Director Raul Delerme. “Children can try building new LEGO sets one Wednesday, build a robot the next week and then see if they have a passion for art or drama another week.”

As space is limited due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, recreation and parks officials encourages residents to register today to secure their child’s spot. For a list of these special, Wednesday programs and/or to register, visit recreation and parks’ registration website and search "asynchronous." You can also register by calling recreation and parks’ program information and registration line at 410-313-PARK (7275).