Boundary County Youth Recreation Program Set to Begin Season

Just as winter has transformed to spring, the Parks and Recreation program also has transformed and is looking forward to new beginnings and a lot of fun for Boundary County youngsters.

The former Parks and Rec program, under the direction of the county, has been dissolved and is now being run by the Fair Board.

"This is going to be a better system and needed to happen," said Angela Hittle, newly appointed director of the Boundary County Youth Recreation Program (BCYRP).

Angela explained that the new office of the BCYP is located at the Fair Board office at the fairgrounds.

"Our goal is to be self-supporting and self-sustaining," she said. "The fees to participate in the activities will be very low. We want all the activities to be safe, supervised, fair and fun for the kids. This is not an overly competitive sports program. It's about basic fundamental skills of each activity. It is also not a traveling program. It will be local kids and all of the events take place here in Boundary County."

Currently, registrations are being accepted for two of the six activities that will be run this year.

Bliss Gymnastics will offer gymnastics lessons on Fridays for ages three and up. The classes will be held at Bridge Way Assembly of God Church located one and a half miles east of Three-Mile Junction on Hwy. 2. The introductory fee for gymnastics is $20 per month.

Flag Football teams are now forming for boys and girls ages eight to twelve. This program will begin May 5 and continue until June 4 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. The participation fee is $20. The registration deadline for this activity is April 30.

Future activities planned by BCYRP will be the Hershey Track Meet to take place on May 21 for ages nine to fourteen. There will be field and track events of all types and will be held at Bonners Ferry high School's track. Volunteers are needed for this event.

Youth Tennis Camp will be held during the week of July 13 - 17 for ages six through ten. This tennis camp will run for five consecutive days. Jim Beck will be the instructor and the participation fee is $30 which includes a t-shirt and the use of a racquet. Tennis camp will be held at the Fairground tennis courts.

Tee-ball for boys and girls ages four to six will be held July 7 through August 6 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. at the fairgrounds fields. The participation fee is $20.

Soccer will begin August 11 and continue until September 24 for boys and girls ages four to 14. Games will be held at the fairgrounds fields and there will be a $20 participation fee.

Angela emphasized that volunteer coaches, referees and sponsors are needed for all of the programs. Anyone who has a desire to help the youth of the community and have a great time doing it is encouraged to contact Angela for volunteer opportunities.

"Hopefully we'll grow and add more activities in the future," said Angela. "The revenue generated from the participation fees will go back into the facilities. We'd eventually like to be a year-round program."

Information on all the programs offered by BCYRP can be obtained by calling Angela at 290-1068, or going to the Boundary County Fairgrounds Office or online at www.boundarycountyid.org. Angela can also be reached by email at hittle@meadowcreek.com or by mail at Boundary County Youth Recreation Program, Attn: Angela Hittle, P.O. Box 3098, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.