NORWICH – With summer right around the corner, the Norwich City Youth Bureau is recruiting local kids for a number of programs to help them beat the summertime blues.

“Our goal is to have kids get out and have a healthy alternative to sitting inside during the summer,” said Norwich Youth Bureau Director Robert Mason. “We don't want to use our programs to create highly competitive individuals, but instead give them a chance to explore healthy hobbies or maybe get into something that they're interested in.”

The Youth Bureau will open registration for summer programs from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Youth Bureau office located in City Hall on East Main Street. Most programs begin June 30 and continue through Aug. 8.

This year’s list of programs includes swimming lessons at Kurt Beyer Pool for individuals ages five through 20, competitive swim team for ages eight and older at the Norwich High School Pool, and playground time for kids ages five through nine.

More competitive activities include two programs for soccer at the Perry Browne Intermediate School for kids in kindergarten through grade four, tennis for kids ages eight years and older at the Norwich high school, and pickleball at the Conkey Avenue Courts.

“Some (programs) will fill up quickly, but we can usually get someone in if they're really interested,” said Mason. “There’s a lot of people who really look forward to some of these program. This is our busiest time of year and participation seems to increase a little every year, which is a good thing.”

In addition to summer youth programs, the Borden Avenue Skating Facility and Skateboard Park will be open throughout the season, he added.

The Norwich City Youth Bureau is also sponsoring four educational and fun trips this summer. On July 8, a bus will make its way to WonderWorks at Destiny USA in Syracuse. The second trip will be to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park in Syracuse on July 16; and the third trip – partially sponsored by the Guernsey Memorial Library – will head to the Museum of Science and Technology in Syracuse on July 30.

While details are still being worked out, plans are to have a fourth trip to Enchanted Forest Water Safari in mid July, said Mason.

For details including age restrictions, times and availability of upcoming programs and bus trips, visit the Norwich Youth Bureau website at norwichnewyork.net/government/youth.php or call 334-1206.

The City of Norwich Youth Bureau organizes and directs summer and winter activities designed to benefit the youth of the City and townships of Norwich, North Norwich, Plymouth, Preston and Pharsalia. Most programs are offered free of charge.