Kids and their parents stopped by Bryant Elementary School for a one-stop shop of free school lunches and free summer kits filled with activities for students to do throughout the week. The summer kits are provided by the Helena Parks & Recreation as a replacement for summer camp.
"This summer, because we were unable to do those in-person camps, we are supplying a take-home camp every week," says Kait Perrodin, the Recreation & Aquatics Program Manager for the City of Helena.
The Lewis & Clark Library also got in the mix and began a similar program by giving students art and crafts kits every week along with Helena Parks & Recreation.
"People have been stuck at home for a long time, it's a weird summer. The library is not offering any in-person programs this summer. So, we are trying to offer craft kits, activities, things folks can do at home and still be connected to reading in our library," says Heather Dickerson, the Team Services Librarian for Lewis & Clark Library.
The Lewis & Clark Library and the Helena Parks & Recreation Department will give out new kits weekly for the rest of the summer with new activities to do each time.
"Anything we can do to keep our children entertained and active, and not sitting at home under all these COVID circumstances. Anything to preoccupy, it is great," says Bayard Leonard, a father to an 11-year-old.
The two programs will be at Bryant Elementary every Friday for the rest of the summer passing out kits. You do need to register for the kits provided by the Helena Parks and Recreation. You can do that through their website and click on the “Kay’s Kids” tab.
You may also register by phone through the Helena Parks & Rec. phone number, 406-447-8463.
