Free Drop-In Program Will Keep Jesse Busy on School Vacation

Following your older brother to work doesn’t sound all that appealing, but for Jesse Romero, it means an escape from the boredom of home.

Jesse, 9, will spend his summer days at Maple Park Community Center, where his brother George is a recreation director.

Jesse said he loves going to the center because it gives him a chance to play basketball with his friends or do arts and crafts, like mixing sand and paint.

“You can do a lot of fun stuff,” Jesse said.

The “Parks Creating Futures” summer program is sponsored by Glendale Parks, Recreation and Community Services. This year the free drop-in program will offer Jesse and other participants instruction from trained specialists in such areas as visual arts and drama.

“We wanted to make it more of a well-rounded educational program,” said recreation director Shannon Hawley.

Glendale runs the “Futures” program from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Maple, Pacific, Fremont, Montrose, Palmer, Glenoaks, Carr and Dunsmore parks from June 22 to Sept. 5.

Each park program averages about 20 to 30 children from ages 6 to 15, Hawley said.

Glendale also offers summer day camps from Monday through Friday for children 6 to 11 at Brand, Dunsmore and Verdugo parks. And there’s a teen camp for kids 11 to 14 at Verdugo Park.

The camps, which include recreational activities and field trips, begin June 22 and end Aug. 21, except at Verdugo Park, which ends Sept. 4.

Camp costs $80 per week, but those who live or work within the boundaries of Glendale Unified School District get a $5 discount, as do those who register on a two-week basis.

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Wish List

Glendale Parks, Recreation and Community Services Division

(818) 548-2000

* Flash cards: $3

* Pencils: $2 per box

* Children’s books: $8 each

* Children’s dictionaries: $5 to $10

* Chalkboard: $50 to $75

* Basketballs: $15