Summer time is often met with mixed emotions by working parents. As children count down the days until school is out, parents lament how they will fill the vacant hours of their children normally taken up with school.

The Auburn community is fortunate to have available some wonderful programs in the downtown area. These programs likely go unnoticed by people who don't have a need for summer care. However, for parents who begin worrying about summer vacation at the end of spring break, not only is there child care available, but amazing programs. Here are highlights of just three of the programs offered in downtown.

The YMCA's numerous summer camps, classes and child care are a long-established tradition for generations of Auburnians. Children can experience a broad range of activities including games, art, acting, sports, and of course, no summer would be complete without swimming. Each summer the YMCA provides approximately hundreds of children with action packed summer fun.

A special tradition that is unique to Auburn is the Summer Art Classes at the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center. For six weeks a few dozen children explore their inner creativity. Children can take one class or all six during the summer. Each week, children are introduced to a new medium for art expressions such as drawing, painting, fibers, cartooning and ceramics. At the end of each week, these young artists put on an art show of their creations. This is a program that nurtures and cultivates children's appreciation for art as well as their self-esteem. There are still three more weeks this summer. This program services early elementary children 6 to 8 and older children 9 to 12. There is still some space availability. For more information, contact the staff at the Schweinfurth at 255-1553 or register online registration at www.schweinfurthartcenter.org

A new tradition is in the making at the Auburn Public Theater this summer. APT is offering two programs for children teaching the joys of creative expression through the theatrical arts. Mariolio Puppet camp is in its second year. Mario X. Soto is giving young children a first-time experience not only in puppet making but also acting and producing a performance. Older children have taken on the even more ambitious task of putting on a full-length play of “Winnie the Pooh.” The Enchanted Black Box, run by Ron Ritchell and Polly Hogan, is billed as theater for young people by young people. The puppeteers are the opening act for “Winnie the Pooh,” providing a 15-minute performance. Performances were held last week.

In the short time since Angela Daddabbo and Carey Eidel first opened APT, they have brought so much to our community. This is an amazing new addition to their repertoire. Mark next year's classes on your calendar, and sign up early. After this year's success and the completion of the construction downtown, there will be a waiting list for next year's classes.

Each year it seems that the summer ends just as soon as it begins. With programs like these in our community, parents and children alike have the opportunity to build lasting memories of time well spent.

A heart felt thanks to the many people involved in the programs that enrich our children's lives, keep them active and safe during the summer and provide peace of mind to parents.

Michele Tarnow is a former executive director of BID.

To lear more

For more information about these programs visit the Web site's for each organization:

www.auburnymca.org

www.schweinfurthartcenter.org

www.auburnpublictheater.com