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Carmen's Corner: Beating the Summer Blues
- By Carmen Watkins
- Published 06/1/2009
- Editorial and Opinion
- Unrated
Carmen Watkins
Carmen Watkins is president and CEO of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston.
View all articles by Carmen Watkins
I recently was excited by the thought that as a parent this would be the first year that I would not be spending countless hours looking for enough quality activities for my darling daughters. I was overwhelmed with utter euphoria with the thought not having to interview locations, work out a budget (summer fun is expensive) work out logistics (getting them there can be overwhelming).
And then reality set in....if I don’t guide my 16-year-old through this process...she and her friends would take it upon themselves. (That will not happen).
So, I do have empathy for parents who have waited until the last minute to get the task done. So with some mixed emotions, over my happiness and my despair, I will share some great locations that I identified throughout the greater Houston area.
City of Houston Parks and Recreation
Enjoy arts and crafts, games, entertainment, special events, sports, water fun, nature explorations and a variety of day camp style activities at HPARD Community Centers throughout Houston. This is a low cost summer program at $30 per child, per week and open to youth ages 6 – 13, register at a community center near you. For more information call, (713)865-4508.
Jet Learning Laboratories
JLL Summer Enrichment ‘09 offers exciting learning opportunities in mathematics, science, and software for motivated students. Several mathematics and science topics are available. Students are guided to significantly advance their knowledge in mathematics and science fundamentals. Enrollment is limited; call (713)524-MATH (6284) TAKS TUTORING also available.
Hershey’s Track and Field Games
Young athletes ages 6–14 are invited to compete in the 2009 Hershey’s Track and Field Games! Join hundreds of school children for the Qualifier Tuesday, June 9 and the Local Finals Tuesday, July 7, at the Barnett Sports Complex in southeast Houston! This program is FREE, but registration is required. Registration forms are available on line at www.houstontx.gov/parks/hersheytrackfieldgames.html.
Lone Star College- Kids College
Lone Star College hosts a variety of programs just for kids. These offerings include summer camps and other educational -- but fun -- activities to shape young minds. Participating in our programs means your child has a unique opportunity develop skills and learn new ones in a warm, friendly environment led by knowledgeable instructors. For more information log onto www.lonestar.edu/youth-classes.html.
AACCGH Entrepreneur Camp
The Entrepreneurship program prepares and empowers youth to become successful leaders and future business owners in their community, in the classroom and at home by focusing on leadership development, business etiquette, decision making, marketing, product development, networking, and financial planning. Call 713/ 692-7003 for more information. Enrollment is limited.
And thanks to stimulus funding, 3,000 summer jobs are available for Harris County teens and young adults ages 14-24 from economically disadvantaged homes. Job start dates will be June 1, June 15, and July 6 and some pay up to $9.50 per hour.
Youth job seekers may also apply at the 28 career offices located around the city. Hours include Thursday evenings until 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Career office locations can be found at www.wrksolutions.com.
Carmen
And then reality set in....if I don’t guide my 16-year-old through this process...she and her friends would take it upon themselves. (That will not happen).
So, I do have empathy for parents who have waited until the last minute to get the task done. So with some mixed emotions, over my happiness and my despair, I will share some great locations that I identified throughout the greater Houston area.
City of Houston Parks and Recreation
Enjoy arts and crafts, games, entertainment, special events, sports, water fun, nature explorations and a variety of day camp style activities at HPARD Community Centers throughout Houston. This is a low cost summer program at $30 per child, per week and open to youth ages 6 – 13, register at a community center near you. For more information call, (713)865-4508.
Jet Learning Laboratories
JLL Summer Enrichment ‘09 offers exciting learning opportunities in mathematics, science, and software for motivated students. Several mathematics and science topics are available. Students are guided to significantly advance their knowledge in mathematics and science fundamentals. Enrollment is limited; call (713)524-MATH (6284) TAKS TUTORING also available.
Hershey’s Track and Field Games
Young athletes ages 6–14 are invited to compete in the 2009 Hershey’s Track and Field Games! Join hundreds of school children for the Qualifier Tuesday, June 9 and the Local Finals Tuesday, July 7, at the Barnett Sports Complex in southeast Houston! This program is FREE, but registration is required. Registration forms are available on line at www.houstontx.gov/parks/hersheytrackfieldgames.html.
Lone Star College- Kids College
Lone Star College hosts a variety of programs just for kids. These offerings include summer camps and other educational -- but fun -- activities to shape young minds. Participating in our programs means your child has a unique opportunity develop skills and learn new ones in a warm, friendly environment led by knowledgeable instructors. For more information log onto www.lonestar.edu/youth-classes.html.
AACCGH Entrepreneur Camp
The Entrepreneurship program prepares and empowers youth to become successful leaders and future business owners in their community, in the classroom and at home by focusing on leadership development, business etiquette, decision making, marketing, product development, networking, and financial planning. Call 713/ 692-7003 for more information. Enrollment is limited.
And thanks to stimulus funding, 3,000 summer jobs are available for Harris County teens and young adults ages 14-24 from economically disadvantaged homes. Job start dates will be June 1, June 15, and July 6 and some pay up to $9.50 per hour.
Youth job seekers may also apply at the 28 career offices located around the city. Hours include Thursday evenings until 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Career office locations can be found at www.wrksolutions.com.
Carmen