Summer Outreach kicks off with fun in the sun

Of the 27 years that The Counseling Center’s Summer Outreach program has been operative, Clarence Parker has worked as coordinator of the program. Parker works as Prevention Program Director for The Counseling Center.

Parker, who is retiring after 26 years, said it was a bitter sweet day.

“This is the kick off of our Summer Outreach Clubs, and this is a bitter sweet day for me,” Parker said. “I have worked with this program for many years, and it has been great working with both the kids, parents, staff, and all those who we work with us to put opportunities together for the children to experience.”

He said he is looking forward to Summer Outreach, and expects attendance to soar.

“I am looking forward to the program this year. It appears that we are going to have bumper crop attendance,” he said. “We’ve already had 95 kids to register, and 65 actually showed up today, so it should be a really big year as it relates to attendance.”

The 2016 Summer Outreach Club will run June 6-Aug. 5, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Club is free to boys and girls ages five to 12. Participating children will also enjoy free breakfast and lunch served daily sponsored by Scioto County Community Action Organization.

The kick off included a cookout out front of the 14 Street Community Center, fun with inflatables from Party Pros, and a host of games for the participating children to enjoy.

Summer Outreach Club will also include a variety of games, sports, field trips and prevention education. Special attention is given to developing coping skills, good behavior, confidence and improved self-image. Cirque D’Art, Southern Ohio Medical Center, and staff representing Portsmouth City Schools will provide presentations for students for the Arts, nutrition, and crafts.

“We will be swimming again this summer. Once a week we go to McKinley Pool to swim, and the kids love it, and we enjoy taking them,” he said. “Then, of course is the end of the year trip which we are still working out the details for. This will be a trip to The Beach which is located near Cincinnati. What we normally do is divide the group, and on Thursday, August 4th we will take the five to eight year olds, and then on Friday, August 5th we will take the nine to 12 year olds.”

He said they are anticipating another great year. Concerning a replacement for his position, Parker told The Daily Times that The Counseling Center has not made a decision as of yet.

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Portia Williams | Daily Times
Clarence Parker (back row center), accompanied by Summer Outreach Club participants during the kick Monday at the 14th Street Community Center in Portsmouth.
http://portsmouth-dailytimes.aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2016/06/web1_thumbnail_FullSizeRender-2.jpgPortia Williams | Daily Times
Clarence Parker (back row center), accompanied by Summer Outreach Club participants during the kick Monday at the 14th Street Community Center in Portsmouth.

By Portia Williams

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Reach Portia Williams at 740-353-3101, ext. 1929, or on Twitter @PortiaWillPDT.

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