Even though the winter vacation is underway, many programs throughout the city are making sure students are still learning.

During the mid-winter break, several activities have been planned to keep youngsters learning, active and engaged.

At the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club of Jamestown, students have a variety of activities and programs to choose from, said Dianne Woleen, assistant executive director.

She said this week is focused on Black History Month and African American culture, which falls in line with a five-week culture series the club is featuring this year.

On Wednesday, the club offered activities such as capture the flag, target basketball, a pool tournament and a virtual Black History Month museum tour in the computer lab.

“We have someone from that cultural community come in and do a training with our staff,” Woleen said, adding that the staff then create activities which focus on the weekly theme and what they’ve learned. “We try to keep everyone interested and active, maybe even learning a little bit along the way.”

Area youth are able to participate in music, drama, arts, games and swimming activities during the winter break’s programming, Woleen added.

To join, a membership application is required along with an annual membership fee of $15. However, if families need help paying for the membership, she said there are scholarship funds available.

“We really want them to apply and take advantage of those funds,” Woleen said. “We always welcome new members. Our mission statement is we serve those who need us most, so we try to work with everyone.”

Another special week, called the “Boys and Girls Club Week”, is planned for March 7-12 with events planned every day.

“The staff is working on a lot of stuff. We’ve got cool things happening in the pool, and a whole lot of fun (planned),” Woleen said.

The club is generally open during school vacations from noon to 5 p.m. and when school is in session from 3-5 p.m.

There are also a variety of other activities such as public swimming, swimming lessons, sports leagues and more with schedules available on their website, bgcjamestown.org.

CULTURAL WORLD TOUR

Children are also gathering at Infinity Visual and Performing Arts for a special Cultural World Tour Camp throughout the winter break.

Students are given a chance to “visit” other countries, learn about their culture and receive a stamp in their passport. The camp covers countries such as Russia, China, France and more.

David Chatterton, instructor and camp coordinator, said the students were having a blast as they “traveled” around the world.

“They learn everything you would expect if you were to travel to these countries,” Chatterton said. “We try to make it as educationally friendly and unique as possible. I think what they are losing a lot in schools is having the process be fun.”

Each day, the students learn a dance, create crafts, work on art projects and more, he said.

“It is really impressive what they come up with,” Chatterton said.

He said the week will culminate in an art and talent show for parents where students can show off what they have learned.

Another camp focusing on arts and music will be held during the next break from March 21-24 which is geared toward older children, but accepts students from ages 5 to 12, Chatterton said.

“Really, if parents are looking for their kids to do something rather than sit at home, and they want to keep them stimulated intellectually, this is the perfect place for them,” he said. “This is one of the few places that offer camps throughout the year, and I can’t think of a better spot for their kids.”

Kate Chatterton, program coordinator, said it is important for children to know about other cultures and understand that there are both differences and similarities.

“Today, we played a game from Russia that most of the kids have played at other camps here,” Kate Chatterton said, adding the students are learning that while people are different, they are very much the same when it comes down to it.

She said the programs have been running for a few years at Infinity with great success.

“We love having the kids of all ages and we love hearing their ideas,” Kate Chatterton said. “We like to hear what the parents and students want and meet their needs.”

For the summer, she said other camps will be held, including a new galaxy art camp focusing on space.

For more information on Infinity and its program, visit infinityperformingarts.org or find them on Facebook.

LIBRARY PROGRAMS

The James Prendergast Library is also offering families a variety of fun activities this week to coincide with the break.

Anne Plyler, special projects manager, said the calendar is chock full of activities for families and students.

“We knew families were looking for things to do,” Plyler said. “The library is a nice, safe and cozy place to come do something fun. It’s education and it’s fun.”

Plyler said a special addition of the Lego Club has been planned for today which will run from 3-5 p.m. to allow for a lengthier project, as well as the Knitting4Peace Community Purls Chautauqua County meeting which welcomes both adults and teens. The group creates items for those in need in the community, and will meet from 3-4 p.m.

A poetry slam workshop has also been planned for today at 3:30 p.m. for individuals of any age which will allow the group to prepare for the Big Read Poetry Slam.

On Friday, the library will host a teen movie night for teens age 13-18 at 3:30 p.m., as well as an art reception for the Chautauqua County Camera Club from 6-8p.m.

“All ages can come to the reception,” Plyler said. “It’s a very nice exhibit.”

For more information on upcoming activities at the library, visit prendergastlibrary.org or call 484-7135.