Community centers offer an alternative to high-priced youth activities

 

 

It is no secret that kids today spend far too much time in front of the TV, chatting online, playing video games or texting at mind boggling speeds. Many parents are concerned about the inactivity of their kids, yet have no idea how to fix the problem.

 

Leading experts agree that kids who participate in organized sports and extra curricular activities are far less likely to become involved with gangs or experiment with drugs. Studies have shown that these same children have a greater chance of graduating high school and attending college. Involvement in sports and extra curricular activities provide opportunities for children to develop roles in leadership and socialization, as well as learning how to handle success and failure, deal with stress, and problem solve. They develop a strong self esteem, build lasting relationships and form healthy, dynamic bonds with adults.

 

While the benefits are inarguable, they can also come with a hefty price tag. Locally, team sports can cost an average of more than a hundred dollars, per child, for a single season on a team; not including the additional costs that come up throughout the season…shin guards, pom-poms, mouth guards…it all adds up. With the economy continuing to struggle out of the economic slump, many families simply can not afford the cost.

 

“I would love to have my kids playing sports instead of sitting around complaining that they are bored,” says Casey, a single mother, “but there is no way that I can afford it, it would cost more than my car payment”

 

Community Centers around the city are providing a solution to the problem. Operating at over 25 Community Centers in the city, San Antonio Parks and Recreation have developed diverse, quality programs at every center. Seasonal sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, and flag football are available, costing only five dollars per child for a season.

 

Also offered are culturally based art and dance classes, music lessons (thirty dollars for an eight week session), and martial arts classes for less than fifty dollars a month. Most centers hold free teen socials and have childcare opportunites avialable when school is out.

 

“We are constantly evolving and improving so that we can continue to meet the needs of the community,” stated community center leader Travis Davey, “for many of these kids, our community centers are the only thing keeping them off the streets.”

 

Staff and Volunteers go above and beyond to provide an appropriate outlet for all kids, regardless of age, race, or social status. Extra time, effort and care are put into developing programs, organizing teams, and managing performances put on by local centers. And the kids love every minute of it.

 

“I could come here every summer and never get bored,” says eight year old Corbin.” It’s really cool and everything.”

 

If you are interested in registering your child, need more information, or would like to learn how you can help support your local community center, please visit www.sanantonio.gov or contact Travis Davey at 654-7749.

  

*Activities and sports vary by center.