Hanover Township Spring Break Open Gym set to begin

Spring is just around the corner and with it comes Hanover Township's Spring Break Open Gym program.

This spring, youth ages 5 -18 are invited to participate in a wide variety of recreational, educational, and social activities in School District U-46 gyms.

The 2016 spring break schedule for Open Gym is:

• Monday, March 28: Bartlett Elementary (Door #6), 111 E. North Ave., Bartlett, for ages 5-14

• Tuesday, March 29: Parkwood Elementary (Door #3), 2150 Laurel Ave., Hanover Park, for ages 5-14

• Wednesday, March 30: Tefft Middle School, 1100 Shirley Ave., Streamwood, for ages 5-18

• Thursday, March 31: Huff Elementary, 801 Hastings St., Elgin, for ages 5-14.

All Open Gym times are from noon to 4 p.m. Registration is required for Thursday at Tefft Middle School due to limited space. To register, call (630) 483-5799.

The Open Gym program will feature special events each day. Monday at Bartlett Elementary there will be an ice cream eating contest. Tuesday at Parkwood Elementary Fernando the Magician will be putting on a show. Wednesday at Tefft Middle School, DJ Reggie will be playing music, and Thursday at Huff there will be face painting.

Open Gym began in the summer of 1995 and quickly expanded to winter and spring breaks. In 2009, the Open Gym program expanded to every day, after school, until 6 p.m.

The program continues to grow with now more than nine schools participating in the program. Youth participate after school in physical fitness classes, homework help, skill-building activities and more. Open Gym continues to be, as it was since its inception, a free program designed to give youth a safe, fun and positive place to go.

Open Gym was first developed as a prevention program for kids of all ages; however, the program's atmosphere also promotes a sense of belonging and respect.

For information and to inquire about volunteering, contact Hanover Township Youth and Family Services at (630) 483-5799.