Camp Selah provides after-school program

Medical Lake students who are looking for something to do after school can go to the Selah Day Scouts Day Camp after-school program at the Jensen Youth Memorial Ranch, 961 N. Stanley St. The after-school program is for K-6 grade boys and girls, and sanctioned by Medical Lake Girl Scout Troop 3673.

Kathy Van Aken, a leader for Troop 3673, is one of the facilitators of the program. She said Camp Selah gives children a chance to have help with their homework or play outside.

"There's no after school program for students K-6 in this area," Van Aken said. "Here kids don't have to stay inside and play video games while their parents are at work."

The Medical Lake School District provides a bus at Hallett Elementary to take children to the youth ranch.

The cost for a family to register a child is $7 a day and $5 for additional children. Margo Buckles, another program facilitator, said proceeds from the program would help raise money for seven Girl Scouts to go to Europe in July. Buckles said the girls would travel to Scouts' world centers in both London and Adelboden, Switzerland.

"We can take from 12-25 kids," Buckles said. "We just started so we have plenty of space. We're also thankful for the Jensen Memorial Youth Ranch for letting us use the facility."

Aken added that kids can play with the sports equipment or even take trips to the park or the lake.

"We'll have more activities for kids when we have more registered," Aken said.

Buckles and Aken plan on having the program last the entire school year. The camp will not operate during school vacation, snow days or other days when school is not in session.

Parents interested in registering their children for the program or want more information can call Buckles at 208-779-2199 or email her at gstroop3673@gmail.com.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.