School is almost out. Would you like your kids engaged in healthy, fun, and self-esteem building activities this summer? We are fortunate to have an extensive Summer Workshop Program right here on Lopez. Kids, as well as adults, can seize these opportunities without the hassles of leaving the island.

This year, the Lopez Island Family Resource Center (LIFRC) is offering over 70 workshops for children and adults in areas such as sailing, kayaking, theater, sports, creative arts, outdoor exploration, dance, and technology. The workshops run from June through August.

The workshops were begun in 1997 by Celia Marquis, executive Director of the LIFRC with small grants from the Lion’s Club and San Juan County because there were no summer activities offered to children on the island. The program has continued to grow in the number of participants and diversity of workshops. Last year there were 337 individuals, ages 3 to adult that participated in the workshops and 677 workshop slots filled. In addition to local kids, grandchildren and summer visitors are welcome to participate.

“It is a great way for island kids to meet new friends,” says Patsy Haber, Program Coordinator for the LIFRC.

Returning again this year are some of the core programs such as Sailing, Kayaking, British Challenger Soccer, Skyhawks Basketball and Multi-Sports Camps for youngers. The Seafaring, Voyaging and Camping trips in July and August will give youth the opportunity to spend 5 days on the water sailing, rowing expedition boats, and camping in the San Juans.

New this year is a Theater Camp. Kids can learn Stage Combat with an instructor from Seattle Children’s Theater and Acting with a veteran instructor from the Juilliard School. They will end the week with a “Festival Performance Night and Community Potluck” at the Lopez Community Center for the Arts.

There are also many new programs for younger children, which include two new puppet workshops with the Northwest Puppet Center, new outdoor exploration programs for adults, and new art programs as well as several returning local artists.

The Resource Center is committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of financial or logistical factors, can attend a workshop. Class fees are kept low and financial aid is available, made possible by the generosity of local churches and organizations, United Way, and individual donors. In today’s economy, more donations are welcome and needed.

The LIFRC also relies on many volunteers, such as the Sailing Committee, who maintains the boats year-round and keeps the program alive. This year they will be offering Splash Racing every Wednesday on Fisherman Bay.

Check out all the Summer Workshop options online at www.lifrc.org Brochures are available at Lopez Village Market, Lopez Library, and the Lopez Chamber of Commerce or stop by the LIFRC office in the village above the Children’s Center 468-4117. Sign up soon as some classes are starting to fill.