By Julie Summers
Special to the Islands’ Weekly
Not too long ago, Lopez parents may have had difficulty finding safe, engaging and affordable summer activities for their children. But since the establishment of the Lopez Summer Workshops program 16 years ago, kids and adults alike have had plenty of summertime opportunities at their fingertips.
Run by the Lopez Island Family Resource Center, Lopez Summer Workshops encompass a wide variety of classes, including performing arts, kayaking, sailing, sports, creative arts and technology.
As always, this year’s program is a mixture of tried-and-true staples and exciting new options. Berta Vaughn will once again teach swimming, including the popular Toddler and Me class introduced last year. British Soccer Camp is back, bringing dynamic British coaches to work with soccer players ages 4-13.
LIFRC Program Director Patsy Haber is particularly excited by the return of Missoula Children’s Theatre, a unique program that will allow youth grades K-12 to star in a full-scale musical production of “Cinderella.” Two instructors will arrive on island with a set, lights, costumes, props, make-up, and everything else needed to put on a play – except the cast. At the beginning of the week, the team will hold an open audition, casting up to 60 kids and selecting two assistant directors. A week of rehearsals will culminate in two performances open to the community.
Haber said she enjoys expanding the program’s horizons with off-island instructors, but always strives to harness the creativity of locals as well. Many classes taught by local instructors still have openings, including a lavender workshop for young children and parents with Susie Teague, a summer memories collage class with Sue Roundy, beaded bracelets with Peggy Means and a wilderness backpack trip for girls ages 13-17 with Susan Wilson and Faith VanDePutte.
Participation has steadily increased each year since the program’s inception, with 432 participants last year. This year’s enrollment may break that record.
“We have significantly more people signed up and more classes filled than last year at this time, so we encourage people to sign up as soon as possible to get the classes they want,” said Celia Marquis, LIFRC Executive Director.
Marquis wants to make sure people know that no Lopez child has ever been turned away for lack of ability to pay. Because of donations from United Way of San Juan County, the Lopez Lions Club, Lopez Thrift Store, Grace Churc and a number of individuals, program fees are kept low, and confidential scholarships are available.
Brochures detailing this year’s program offerings are available at locations around the village. You can also check www.lifrc.org for the class schedule, registration form, and a list of classes that are full or nearly full. Call 468.4117 to get more information, inquire about a confidential scholarship, or register.
And if you’d like to get involved in another way, consider providing housing for instructors. Marquis is still seeking housing for two British soccer coaches (July 8-14) and one theatre instructor (July 29-August 5). Contact the LIFRC if you can help.
