Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
It is time for children and youth to gear up for a summer of fun with the Smoky River Family and Community Support Services team.
FCSS community programmer Nycailah Belsher says FCSS summer programming is set to start on July 2, with a whole summer of exciting activities planned leading up until the end of August.
This year, the Summer Program will be manned by Belsher and the summer youth programmer Kayla Bessette.
“Children and youth that attend FCSS summer programs will have the opportunity to make new friends and learn new things,” says Belsher.
“On Tuesdays, there will be Fun in the Park activities such as messy science, carnival games, Nerf waters, water wars with the Smoky River Fire Department, and more.”
She adds Wednesdays will see Bessette teaming up with Falher Library staff for their summer reading club from 2-3 p.m. Bumble Buddies will also be running all summer long on Thursdays at the Falher Library from 2-3 p.m.
“We are hoping to do a few youth trips as well as potentially a sponsored swim at the Falher pool,” says Belsher, urging families to keep an eye on the FCSS Facebook Page for updates as the trips are planned, and any new events.
“Summer programming encourages children and youth to spend time outdoors, socializing with their peers.”
She adds that FCSS newsletters are distributed each month and parents can also pop by the office in the Town of Falher office building or give them a call at (780) 837-2220.
“This is a great opportunity because children and youth may get to do things they aren’t able to do at home and may get to go places they’ve never been,” she says.
“We try to offer programming for different age groups and at different locations to try to be as inclusive and accessible as possible.”
Belsher says Fun in the Park activities, the summer reading club at the Falher Library, and Bumble Buddies are all free programs, these are all drop in programs.
“There is a fee associated with youth trips though subsidy may be available upon request,” she notes.
“Youth trips require registration which can be done in-person, at the FCSS office or over the phone.”
Belsher urges any parents in the Smoky River Region looking for fun activities for their children and youth during the summer months to consider FCSS programming.