Summer youth activities are heating up

WAITSBURG-Summer youth programs kicked into gear this weekend for kids in Waitsburg, Dayton, and Prescott.

The Waitsburg Christian and Waitsburg Presbyterian churches offered Vacation Bible School to preschool through sixth-grade students from June 26 through 28. This year's "Breaker Rock Beach" theme was a hit with more than 40 kids who enjoyed the beach decorations, crafts, songs, games, and other activities.

On Saturday, June 29, from 9 to 11 a.m., the two churches and Waitsburg's Firemen's Association put on a bicycle rodeo to provide kids safety tips before heading out for summer fun. Over 30 kids, ages 2 to 12, and a few adults enjoyed riding through the obstacle course.

Karen Huwe

Young John Langford dominated the obstacle course at the Bike Rodeo.

Karen Huwe

Corben Kettelsen proving the Bike Rodeo course was a challenge for all ages.

Attendees got their bikes tuned up by Tim Hulce from the Bicycle Barn and learned bicycle safety from Waitsburg School District paraeducator John Langford.

The event, in honor of Pam Conover, was organized by the Christian and Presbyterian Churches, who also provided water and ice cream. The Firemen's Association, Waitsburg's Resource Center, and the Bicycle Barn joined together to bring free helmets to those without or in need of updating old helmets. Volunteers from the Christian Motorcyclists Association were on site to assist with activities. 

Waitsburg's Weller Public Library is offering activities through August. Reading Bingo, take and make crafts, reading time, and other activities for kids have been planned for Wednesdays through Saturdays. Learn about the library's open hours and summer events at WellerPublicLibrary.com.

The Walla Walla YWCA's Fun Factory will offer free arts and crafts activities to kids ages five through ten in Dayton, Waitsburg, Prescott, Touchet, and Starbuck, Wash. On Mondays, the mobile activities program will be in Waitsburg at Ten Ton Coffee from 11:10 to 12:10 p.m., at the Dayton Library from 1 to 2 p.m., and at Starbuck School from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

On Thursdays, the Fun Factory moves to the Prescott Pool from 11 to noon and the Touchet Library from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m.

In Dayton, The Liberty Theater has begun its free Summer Kids Movie Series, with free matinees on Tuesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. "Dolphin Tale" will play July 5, and "Detective Pikachu" is next on July 9 and 12, with free admission and $2 small concessions. Go to libertytheater.org for more information and the schedule.

In its regular scheduling, The Liberty will screen Pixar's "Inside Out 2" for two weeks, from July 5 to 16.

The Liberty will host a free live event on July 8 at 1:30 p.m. with magician Jeff Evans, a show that will engage audiences of all ages. Other stage productions include the Missoula Children's Theatre production of "Treasure Island" in August. Registration begins July 30 through August 2 at the theater.

Waitsburg School District will hold its Preschool and Kindergarten Camp from 9 to 11 a.m., August 5 – 8. Students must be three to five years old and registered for school in the Waitsburg School District.

Free meals will be provided by the Waitsburg School District to those 18 years and younger through July 19. Breakfast Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

The Friends of the Dayton Library is sponsoring the Kid's Summer Lunch Club. Full lunches will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays at the Methodist Church and Wednesdays at the Dayton Memorial Library.

Waitsburg Schools will provide free meals to those 18 years and younger through July 19, at the Elementary multipurpose room. Meals will not be served on July 4. Breakfast is served Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 9 a.m., and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

The splash pad at Waitsburg's Preston Park has added new water features, increased water pressure, and an extended area for more hot weather relief and fun.

Since Waitsburg's public pool remains closed, the city offers to reimburse 50% of the cost of family passes to the Prescott and Walla Walla Veterans Memorial Pools. For more information, contact Waitsburg City Hall.

Waitsburg's family passes can be used at the Prescott or Walla Veterans Memorial Pools. The Prescott Pool is open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. The schedule for Walla Walla's pool is at the City of Walla Walla website at wallawallawa.gov.

The city has also completed the fencing around the pickleball court at Preston Park and opened the Waits Mill Dog Park.