The Howland Youth, Sport and Recreation programs have begun in the township for children ages 6 to 13.
The program is designed to provide children the opportunity to learn the basic skills needed to participate in a variety of different recreational activities. The camps provide fun for the children in a controlled, interactive environment, while promoting individual and group skills.
''It gets kids off computers and gets them active over the summer,'' said Katie Gray, special events coordinator for the summer camps.
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Mason Glinn, 10, left, gets help setting bait on his fishing pole from camp adviser Michael Tricomi at the Howland summer camp program held at the township park.
''It also encourages parents to encourage children to participate, she said.
Many children come back year after year, Gray said, and participation is not limited to Howland residents.
All camps take place at either the middle school, high school or the township park. Bowling camp is held at Echo Lanes on Elm Road.
Camps are staffed by local experts who are qualified in each recreational activity, including teachers, coaches, students and volunteers from the township, local communities, colleges and universities, Gray said.
Each camp is offered for one week from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Parents are advised to pick their children up at noon at the end of camp each day. In the event of lightning, campers with outdoor programs will be moved to an indoor facility, usually the covered pavilion at the park.
The cost for one week of camp is $20 for residents and $35 for non-residents. All campers are encouraged to bring a water bottle and snack, if needed.
Camps include fishing, arts and crafts, sports, scrapbooking, painting and drawing, basketball, wrestling, track and field, bowling, tennis, golf, football, cheerleading, volleyball, soccer and outdoor adventures.
Schedules for each camp and sign-up sheets are available at the administration office or for information, call the Summer Youth, Sport and Recreational Hotline at 330-856-2340.
Registration forms must be turned in to the administrative offices by noon on the Friday preceding camp.