For the past 30 years, the Blaine County Recreation District has been a catalyst for outdoor activity, inspiring youths throughout the valley to peel away from televisions screens and take part in healthy adventures.
This year, with former district protegee Piers Lamb at the helm of youth and teen programs, it is safe to say the positive spirit instilled by such activity has come full circle.
"It's great to be back in the valley, and it's rewarding to finally be doing what I spent years in college preparing for," Lamb said. "As someone who grew up participating in Rec District programs as a kid, I feel fortunate to find myself in a position to coordinate programs for the next generation."
The summer programs are in full swing, but also have plenty of room for kids to join, and the district is in the process of gearing up for its fall and winter activities.
Summer activities run the gamut from rock climbing and archery to cooking, golf, hiking, skateboarding and much more. Kids between the ages of 6 and 14 are sure to find many fun, well-supervised activities and games at the Rec District's Summer Day Camp. The district makes sure a maximum summer camper-to-counselor ratio of 1-to-8.
"The rock climbing has been really popular," Lamb said. "We're not just getting kids off the ground. We're belaying kids 30 feet up. It's a blast."
Summer camp begins at 10 a.m. and goes to 4 p.m. every Monday through Thursday until Aug. 24 at the Community Campus in Hailey. There are fees associated with Summer Day Camp. Those interested should contact the Rec District at its Hailey office.
With schools throughout the valley back in session at the end of the month, the HUB After School Program is preparing to pick up where class leaves off.
The HUB offers dozens of programs designed to educate as well as entertain youths from sixth through 12th grades. Whether its drama and theatre or tennis and floor hockey that sparks your child's interest, HUB has an activity for every curiosity. HUB will run from Aug. 27, the first day of school, to Dec. 20 and then from Jan. 7 to May 29, 2008. Activities will begin at 3:30 p.m. and end at 6 p.m.
This year, participants are asked to register at the HUB Youth Center at the Community Campus in Hailey to help the district with staffing and planning. Student IDs are also required for admission and equipment check out.
Perhaps the flagship program of the Rec District's youth-driven activities is the Teen Adventure Series. Beginning this fall, students from sixth through 10th grades can partake in an array of trips throughout the state of Idaho.
The first adventure will be Sept. 7 through Sept. 9, and will bring young explorers into the White Cloud Mountains for a two-day backpacking trip. The group will stay at Cabin Lakes and will spend relaxing days hiking, fishing and learning about the history of the area. Space is limited and interested parties are encouraged to contact the district.
On Sept. 21 through Sept. 23, the Teen Adventure Series will head south to the City of Rocks, where participants will learn the craft of rock climbing in one of the world's premier rock climbing arenas. Volunteer guides from the American Mountain Guides Association will lead the group through the maze of rock structures and will work to ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience, Lamb said.
"No experience is necessary ... just a desire to climb."
For the past 10 years, Lamb has spent countless hours rock climbing with his wife, Kirsten, and said he can't wait to "get outdoors with the kids."
The weekend of Oct. 19, the district will take Wood River youths to an Idaho Steelheads hockey game and ice skating in Boise. The Steelheads are the 2007 Kelly Cup champions.
On Halloween, the district will build a haunted house at the Community Campus. Youths brave enough to face the ghoulish district staff are welcome to take a peek.
On the weekend of Dec. 8, the Teen Adventure Series will head to Galena Lodge for a backcountry yurt trip. Only 45 minutes from Hailey, Galena is one of the gems of the Wood River Valley. The yurts at Galena have beds, fireplaces, stoves and lanterns. All kids need to bring are sleeping bags, snow gear and senses of adventure.
Costs vary from trip to trip and with limited space it is important to contact the district for information and to reserve a spot. The BCRD can be reached at 788-2117 or via email at info@bcrd.org.
Photo by Mindy Mays/
Wood River youths immerse themselves in bubbles provided by Wood River Fire and Rescue last week. This year, the Blaine County Recreation District has an activity for every curiosity.
