Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Tuesday, October 19, 2010

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The YMCA after-school program's activities include chess, checkers and other board games.

Parents picking up kids in Glendover Elementary’s after-school program find their youngsters engrossed in activity – some drawing pictures, some building with Legos, others doing homework and still more playing tag outside.

And it’s all coordinated by the YMCA of Central Kentucky’s child development staff, who oversee the programs at Glendover and eight other sites in Fayette County Public Schools.

“It’s super well-run and well-organized, and I never worry about him when he’s here,” said Kim Fisher, who has a third-grader at Glendover. “There’s never been a day I picked him up when he was unhappy,” she added.

Her son, Will, is always excited about the different “clubs,” where kids rotate among tables in the cafeteria for board games like chess, puppetry, and arts and crafts. He also likes to test his trivia knowledge and meet new friends.

“We get to go to the gym and outside,” Will said, ticking off his favorite activities in the Y program. “And if it’s raining, we go to the library.”

One week a year, the YMCA puts on a celebration called “Lights On Afterschool.” It’s an opportunity to showcase the after-school program for families and highlight the Y’s three main areas of focus: healthy living, youth development and social responsibility.

Monday at Glendover, for instance, the children colored paper light bulbs and wrote what they like best about their afternoon activities. They also planned to enjoy yogurt granola and a “go green” activity with Bluegrass PRIDE this week.

At other schools, students are having a dance-a-thon and a clothing drive, hosting a pink lemonade stand for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making fruit kabobs and painting pumpkins.

The YMCA, which has served Lexington and the surrounding area since 1853, is the largest provider of after-school programs. The organization recognizes that many families have limited options for child care, and studies show that 3 to 6 p.m. are the peak hours for youths to make unwise choices and get into trouble. The afternoon programs provide a structured and healthy solution.

Brian Stevenson, another Glendover parent, says it’s the best choice for his first-grader, who benefits from socializing with other kids and always brings home a craft project.

“She has loads of planned activities. Plus, it’s inexpensive and right here at school,” he said.

Fourth-grader Lauren Adams, who likes playing “capture the flag,” summed it up for the Glendover kids: “It’s much more fun than just sitting around at home.”

For more information:

The cost of the after-school program varies, depending on level of participation (hours per day and days per week). Call Nicola Fleming at (859) 226-0393 or e-mail nfleming@ymcaofcentralky.org for details.