Jackson Township Parks and Rec sponsors the Tiny Tracks program each summer for kids ages 3-5. Tiny Tracks explores new activities and themes each week - the July 1 session described below features a "Stars and Stripes" theme. Each session provides a coloring page, story, movement exercise, games, snack and art project. All sessions are held at the North Park pavilion off of Fulton Road in Jackson.
This is our second year in the program. Tiny Tracks is a favorite in our home - the kids specifically ask to go and talked about it all winter. The pictures give you an idea of what Tiny Tracks sessions include.
Each session typically starts off with the children getting their nametags and coloring pages related to the theme of the day. Then Josh reads a related story (today, "Duck for President"). He does a good job of getting and holding the group's attention and dealing with the kids' questions and comments. Next, Jessica or Carmella will do some sort of movement activity with the kids. Today it was learning motions to the song "You're a Grand Old Flag". It gives the kids a chance to wiggle around before doing the art project(s).
The art project is often something messy that involves, paint, glue, glitter or a combination of the three. The kids love it and I don't have to clean it up! Perfect! They always have supplies available for clean up (i.e. a large bucket of water for washing paint off and paper towels to dry hands and clean up spills). Today, they used their handprints, foamies and glitter paint to make a picture of fireworks on a page with the National Anthem on it.
There is always a game involved at some point (i.e. a parachute game, obstacle course, ball toss). It's usually something easy for both younger and older kids. Today it was a relay race where the kids had to march with a flag. No real competition involved - just for fun.
The kids get a theme-related snack after games - today it was a sno-cone with the flavoring of their choice. A big hit for all involved! They also got to stomp on "Poppers" or caps to celebrate Independence Day. The whole program lasted about one hour. At our session you would see moms, dads and grandparents assisting the kids - it's a good mix.
What I Like About the Program:
1. All sessions are held under the North Park pavilion, which provides protection from the sun/rain and ample seating.
- 2. Having 4-5 different activities each session ensures that there is something for every child.
3. The mess is contained! The kids can have fun creating, but I don't have to clean up the mess.
4. They always provide cleaning supplies - if the project is painting, they provide a large tub of water for washing and paper towels.
5. The program is the right length - not too short for the older kids, but not too long for the younger ones.
6. Older/younger siblings are accomodated depending on attendance - when I bring my 6-year-old along, they usually have enough supplies so that she can participate instead of just sitting around watching her brothers.
What I Would Change About the Program:
Provide online enrollment! Most of us are used to online enrollment or at least enrollment by phone for other free programs (i.e. library workshops) - currently you have to send the registration form via snail mail or drop it off at the office on Wales.
INSIDER TIPS:
***Bring an old shirt to the session for those messy projects.
***Make sure you have a spot in the car for safely transporting those wet "masterpieces" home or you'll end up with tempera paint and glitter everywhere.
INTERVIEW:
With all of the budget cuts we're seeing, I asked if the program was renewed year-to-year or whether it is ongoing. Josh says that the program is relatively easily sustainable and low cost, so the Parks department envisions it as an ongoing offering - they are planning on continuing to offer it yearly. This year, enrollment has gone up to more than 80 children, so they added a third session. Currently there are two sessions on Wednesdays - 9-10am or 11-noon. The new session is at 1-2pm Wednesdays. The following are the themes for the remaining sessions:
July 8: Rumble in the Jungle
July 15: Slumber Party
July 22: Touch a Truck (9am session starts at 9:30am today only)
July 29: Country Western Day
August 5: Silly Science
August 12: Amazing Astronauts
REGISTRATION:
You can still register for the remaining six sessions in July and August. The program is free but registration is required - to register, print and complete the registration form located on the Jackson Township website, and mail or drop it off at the Jackson Township Parks & Recreation Department, 5735 Wales Avenue NW, Massillon, OH 44646.
Reviewer: Allyson - full-time mom of 3 kids age 6 and younger
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