BridgeWays planning many programs, events
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By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
A relatively new program for Coosa County youth, BridgeWays has numerous upcoming programs and events for youth and adults alike to enjoy, including a fundraiser and day camps, plus more.
Programs for December include day camps when students will be out of school and can attend BridgeWays while their parents or guardians work, as well as nights out when youth can participate in the BridgeWays program while their parents enjoy the night “off” to shop or relax.
Friday, December 16, will be an e-learning day for Coosa County students rather than an early release day. BridgeWays will open its School’s Out Day Camp that day since working parents will need somewhere their children can be.
BridgeWays has Wi-Fi at the program center so students will be able to work through school assignments in the morning before “launching into an afternoon of fun,” according to Lynn Anne Castleberry, BridgeWays regional director for Coosa, Tallapoosa and Talladega counties.
For the December 16 day camp, breakfast, lunch and two snacks will be provided, and the cost is $18 per child. Drop off is as early as 7:30 a.m., and pickup is as late as 5:30 p.m.
However, the students can stay even later if so desired, as that same evening will be the monthly Kids Night Out, featuring their inaugural Christmas party and caroling event. The evening will start with supper and end with hot cocoa after caroling through Rockford.
The drop off time for the night out is at 5:30 p.m. with pickup by 9 p.m. The cost is $12 per child for the night out program.
For youth attending both programs, the Day Camp and Kids Night Out, the cost is $25 per child for both. The BridgeWays Rockford Program Center is located at 9922 U.S. Highway 231, Rockford.
For the week of December 19-23, School’s Out Day Camp will also be available. Breakfast, lunch and two snacks will be provided each day.
The cost for this program is $18 per child per day or $80 per child for the entire week. Drop off is as early as 7:30 a.m. with pickup as late as 5:30 p.m.
Students will go on a field trip that week, as well. Parents or guardians are encouraged to watch the local BridgeWays’ Facebook group for more details at www.facebook.com/groups/bridgewayscoosacounty.
The registration link for all programs is https://bridgewayscoosa.campbrainregistration.com.
Additional School’s Out day camps will be available early next year, as well. Those dates for the program when school is out of session are January 16, February 20, the week of spring break from March 20-24, and April 21.
The Kids Night Out program is held the third Friday of each month. Upcoming dates for that program, after this month, will be January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, and May 19.
In addition to these upcoming programs for youth, BridgeWays invites everyone to join them for the inaugural Holiday Quilt and Art Show. This two-day event to raise funds for the program will be held next Friday, December 9, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Saturday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during Rockford’s Christmas event.
“Funds raised during this event will ensure that every child BridgeWays serves will get the support they need to succeed in school, in work and in life,” Castleberry said.
The Quilt and Art Show will be held indoors at the Family Life Center of Rockford Baptist Church, located along U.S. Highway 231 in Rockford.
Castleberry shared that handcrafted artisans will be selling pottery, ceramics, paintings, drawings, sewn and quilted items, jewelry, and more. There will also be a beautifully handcrafted quilt someone can win during a silent auction, and quarts of homemade soup will also be available for a $10 donation, as well.
“You are sure to find some exquisite items for your holiday giving at this event,” Castleberry said.
In addition, the event will feature quilts spanning the past 100-plus years on display. Admission for the event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated as the event also serves as a fundraiser for BridgeWays.
As of press time Castleberry said that they still have some vendor space available, and they are also in need of quilts to display.
Those interested in offering quilts to display or registering to be a vendor are asked to call or text Castleberry at 813-363-0495 or email LynnAnne.Castleberry@BridgeWaysAL.org.
For more information on the BridgeWays program in general, visit www.BridgeWaysAL.org.