The City of Norwich Youth Bureau offers free summer recreation programs to kids in the community. This includes, sports, swimming lessons, trips, and various clubs and activities. Find out more by visiting their Facebook page. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The City of Norwich Youth Bureau's free summer recreation programs begin on Monday, July 6. Director Anthony Testani says families can still sign up, even after programs start. Registration links are available on the Youth Bureau's Facebook page and the city website.

“Every program still has multiple spots available,” Testani said, “We'll take as many kids as our instructors can handle.”

The Youth Bureau hired approximately 40 staff members this summer, including lifeguards and program instructors. Children from outside the city are also eligible thanks to partnerships with North Norwich, the Town of Norwich, Preston, Plymouth, and Pharsalia.

Programs run Monday through Thursday, with Friday reserved for the Youth Bureau trips so children don't have to choose between playing their favorite sport and excursions. Free offerings for ages 6-13 include cheer, soccer, flag football, basketball, baseball/softball, and karate. Youth ages 8 -17 can participate in tennis and pickleball.

“The programs are instructional in nature. We try to teach the kids a sport and get them to have fun while doing that,” Testani said.

Younger kids ages 5-9 are can join the Summer Fun Group which will feature arts and crafts, playground time, and pool visits. Free swimming lessons for youth aged 0-21 also begin Monday at the Kurt Beyer Pool, taught by Red Cross certified instructors. The Youth Bureau also offers free art classes, ceramics, glass art, guitar lessons, and a gaming club some evenings.

“We don't charge anything for the kids to participate or take our trips,” said Testani.

Most of the Youth Bureau's summer trip spots have already been filled including Water Safari, Howe Caverns, The Rosamond Gifford Zoo, and the Science center, but the Roberson Museum Trip on July 10 still has about 20 spots left. Testani says families can reach out to sign up for the trip up until the day before.

New this year, the Youth Bureau will begin sign ups for a girls flag football program. The program will take place at the high school. “Flag football is a growing sport for girls. It's now a scholastic sport at the high school level. And so we're just trying to get more kids interested in that activity,” said Testani.

When asked what he hopes children gain from these experiences Testani said he wants kids to develop confidence, skills, and have new experiences.

“I hope they learn to enjoy the sport and continue on playing throughout their high school careers and on,” he said “And as far as the trips, I hope they enjoy some time outside the city, doing things that they might not get a chance to do normally.”

Earlier this month, City of Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey praised Testani's leadership and his excellent work developing the youth programming in the city.

“Anthony Testani does a really phenomenal job as Director of Youth Bureau to get these programs up, running, and available, and coordinating the employment of all the coaches and supervisors that we have,” said Jeffrey. “He works tirelessly at ensuring the programs are quality.”

To sign your child up for summer programming, you'll find links to forms at the top of the City of Norwich Youth Bureau Facebook page at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066677711836 and on the city website at www.norwichnewyork.gov/government/youth.php