MUSCATINE, Iowa — The Muscatine Community Y summer programs are under way and include activities to entertain the minds and hands of almost any  bored child.

Fitness, video games, community

service and crafts classes are all held at the Y while school’s out. Many of the activities are free to members and nonmembers and are intended for kids entering sixth-ninth grade.

“We want to make sure every kid has something they want to do and that they enjoy coming to the Y,” said Amy Hessel, character development director at the Y.

Programs such as Girl Power allows girls to discuss what’s on their minds, including fashion, healthy living, building a career, anger management and more.

The Guy Thing class is an alternative for boys and includes a community service project, martial arts, volleyball, trips to

the Muscatine Aquatic Center and other activities.

“We have a schedule and we do that activity for a few minutes and if they don’t like it we switch to another activity,” said Manny Gamon, 20, a youth worker at the Y.

Gamon also teaches kids boot camp classes and tries to come up with games that don’t seem like exercise but still allow the kids to get a beneficial workout.

Jadan Meeks-Williams was jamming to the band Survivor’s classic hit “Eye of the Tiger” on the Guitar Hero Wii game console during a Thursday morning Gaming Challenge session at the Y.

“I like playing this but I like Girl Power the most. We got to go to Capri College (in Davenport) to get our hair and makeup done,” Meeks-Williams said. The 11-year-old spends free time at the Y when her parents are busy or working.

Video games are not a primary focus, but offering such options helps Hessel attract kids into the programs.

“It’s a way to hook them. Then, hopefully, they’ll say ‘I’m going to stay for boot camp too,’” Hessel said.

Christian Keffe, 18, is a youth class instructor who was participating in a game of dodge ball last week in one of the racquetball courts.

“I like my job because there is not a high stress level. You’re playing games with kids, It doesn’t get any better than that,” Keffe said. He said the staff acts as mentors to the children, something which requires staffmembers to have a positive attitude.

Brandon Olson, 10, was working up a sweat while attempting to hit Keffe with a ball during the dodge ball game.

“I like doing the activities,” Olson said. “It’s better than sitting at home.”

Details

Summer programs at the Y through Thursday, Aug. 13

On Monday-Friday, the Muscatine Community Y offers daily programming as well as activities for sixth-ninth graders. The daily programs include different activities.

The programs are free to members and nonmembers.

For more information, call

Amy Hessel at 563-263-9996.

Schedule

Mondays — 1 p.m. The Guy Thing and Girl Power; 2:30 p.m. papier mache project;

4 p.m. variety arts

 Tuesdays — 10:30 a.m. Give Back and Take With You group;

1 p.m. teen fitness

 Wednesdays — 10 a.m. Girl Power; 4 p.m. games/crafts/arts

Thursdays — 9 a.m. dodge ball; 10:30 a.m. gaming challenge; 1 p.m. teen boot camp; 4 p.m. teen leaders

Fridays — 10 a.m. disc golf at Fuller Park and group choice all day (bring swimwear.)