Kids can hang out at U-46 gyms this summer

The Hanover Township Summer Open Gym program kicks off Monday, June 8, and runs until July 31. Township youth ages 5-18 are eligible to participate in a wide variety of free recreational, educational and social activities in School District U-46 gyms as well as the township's Izaak Walton Center & Reserve, in Elgin.

At the reserve youth will experience the outdoors with nature walks, team building exercises, cookouts, scavenger hunts and other outdoor activities in the sprawling acres of green space offered at the Izaak Walton Center and Reserve.

The Open Gym summer schedule is: Noon-4 p.m. Mondays (ages 5-16) at the Hanover Township Izaak Walton Center and Reserve, 899 Jay Street, Elgin; noon-4 p.m. Tuesdays (ages 5-14) at Bartlett Elementary, 111 North Ave., Bartlett; noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays (ages 5-14) at Parkwood Elementary, 2150 Laurel Ave., Hanover Park; noon-4 p.m. Thursdays (ages 7-18) at Tefft Middle School, 1100 Shirley Ave., Streamwood. Fridays are Field Trip Fridays and locations and times will vary. Open Gym will be extended an additional week at the Hanover Township Izaak Walton Center and Reserve, from noon-4 p.m. Aug. 3- 7; ages 5-16 are welcome to attend.

"With over 20 years of Open Gym, we have seen our program grow tremendously both in the number of participants we serve and the activities that can be offered," said Hanover Township Supervisor Brian P. McGuire. "Last year over 13,000 youth attended Open Gym at one of our programs throughout the township."

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. Two years ago, Open Gym grew from five after school schools to nine. After School Open Gym, youth participate in physical fitness, 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. The program 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 James Mix at Hanover Township Youth and Family Services at (630) 483-5799.

• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.