Youth Enjoy Summer Filled with Many Exciting Activities

By JUDY WEEKS
Freelance Reporter

IMMOKALEE — The Immokalee Seminole Ranch and Recreation Dept. spent months planning a summer program that began on June 4. Alternating their efforts, staff members from both departments created a diverse program of activities that sparked interest from youth of all ages throughout their summer break.

“By pooling our resources, we stretched our finances and created a think tank of ideas and past experiences,” said Immokalee Recreation Dept. Director Johnny Boone. “You might say it was a matter of what does and does not work.”

The itinerary included bi-weekly fun days, a mini-water park set up at the ranch, a weekly movie day, skating, bowling, trips to the beach, supervised games and sporting events.

“Children always lean toward certain things, but it is important to balance their activities with creative learning experiences,” Immokalee Ranch Director Kenny Joe Davis said. “When I see children’s eyes open in wonder, hear them ask questions and laugh with joy, I know that we’re on the right track.”

Field trips to kid-friendly entertainment complexes including Boomers, Sunsplash Family Water Park, King Richard’s Family Fun Park and the IMAX® movie theater, broke up the routine. In addition, the ranch sponsored a trip to the Miami Seaquarium and the Recreation Dept. treated the group to day at Busch Gardens in Tampa.

The youngsters also threw themselves hook, line and sinker into a fishing contest on the banks of the Big Cypress Canal.

“Catching my big fish was awesome,” exclaimed Billy Fewell, who landed a bass that weighed about 12 pounds, earning him a fishing pole, tackle box and gift card.

Upon their return, the kids attended a short awards ceremony and dinner at the Immokalee Casino where each participant received a gift card.