Boredom will be less than likely for local school children during their upcoming winter break, when several local organizations will offer a variety of fun activities for them.

With an outdoor adventure at the Sterling Nature Center, cup stacking at the Seymour Library, Girl Scouts' days at the Seward House and various arts and craft classes at the Schweinfurth Art Center, children will have the opportunity to pick and choose the events that appeal to them.

Jim D'Angelo, director of the nature center, said children will get a chance to explore and learn about the outdoors while searching for insects and looking for animal tracks.

“We are just trying to get people outside to realize there is more to winter than the snow and the cold,” D'Angelo said.

People who come are encouraged to check the weather ahead of time and to dress accordingly.

Children who want to stay inside and tackle a new art project will have a chance to break out the paint or clay during a series of Schweinfurth classes aimed at entertaining kids between the ages of 6 and 12.

“It can be too cold to be outside all day, and with these classes, we can keep the children creative during the week-long break,” said Stephanie Schuster, assistant director of the art center. “And it's cheap, so parents won't have to make a big financial commitment.”

Children who want to tap their competitive juices will be able to participate an various board games and cup stacking contests in Auburn's Seymour Library.

Sheila Mikkelson, the library's director, said that in addition to a fun and fast-paced game, cup stacking challenges children mentally.

“Cup stacking is a very popular event with the kids,” Mikkelson said. “There have been studies that it engages both sides a child's brain, so not only is it fun for them, its good for their development.”

Nate Robson

253-5311 ext. 248

nathan.robson@lee.net