Youth play, have fun in Grove program

They competed against each other in a lighthearted game of dodge ball on the tennis courts.

Earlier in the day they shot some hoops and played kickball while they mingled on the playground.

Surprisingly, they even used chalk to play a good old-fashioned game of tick-tack-toe on the macadam.

Above all else, the youth who participated in Lehighton’s Grove program Tuesday morning were energetic and had fun.

The free program runs the next two-and-a-half weeks from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, weather permitting. On Thursdays, the program is at Baer Memorial Swimming Pool.

For students in grades 1-8, the program hosts between 25 to 30 students on its best days, and averages about 15 kids per day, according to Dan Baka, a camp coordinator.

“It gives the kids something to do,” Baka said. “They play sports, meet new people.”

Those were the exact reasons soon-to-be seventh-grader Justin Hosier said he chose to attend.

“It’s fun,” he said. “You make some friends.”

Ariel Barthol, who will enter eighth grade, said the program enables her to stay active.

“We do some sports,” she said. “Some people we know told us about it, and we started coming.”

Megan Kusse, who will also enter eighth grade, shared what she believes are some of the best aspects of the program.

“Making new friends, meeting new people,” she said.

Baka said the program has been held for about the past 30 years.