Community Corner
Louisville Mayor Joins Agency Leaders, Partners And Basketball Standout Robbie Valentine To Announce Winter Break Program Options
"It's important that our school children keep their minds and bodies active during this break," the Mayor said.
December 6, 2021
Mayor Greg Fischer joined representatives of Louisville Metro Parks & Recreation and other agencies and partners today to remind families of programs and activities available for youth during the upcoming winter break from school.
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“It’s important that our school children keep their minds and bodies active during this break,” the Mayor said, “and Louisville has a lot to offer.”
And among the highlights, he said, is a free three-day youth basketball camp that local basketball standout Robbie Valentine is hosting, with the support of sponsors, at the Cyril Allgeier Community Center. During this camp geared toward boys and girls of all skill levels, youth will learn the fundamentals of basketball as well as the principals of teamwork and individual responsibility.
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Valentine today thanked the local sponsors that help make the camp possible:
“I truly believe that one of the biggest positives in Louisville is the way that our community really steps up in times of need,” he said. “And it means so much to me personally that generous adults continue to help kids stay safe and grow to be productive men and women.”
In addition to learning fundamentals of basketball, participants will hear from guest speakers who will stress the importance of education and its connection to success.
The basketball camp will take place December 27, 28, 29 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Cyril Allgeier Community Center and is open to 100 students ages 6-16. Papa John’s pizza will be provided to participants for lunch. To register, click here or visit bestparkever.com and click on “Robbie Valentine Sports camp” in the green box. Participants are encouraged to wear proper basketball attire.
“We are thrilled that Robbie is back, teaming up with us, to offer this opportunity to kids throughout the city,” said Mayor Fischer. “A huge thank you to him and the great sponsors for making this programming possible.”
For questions about registration or camp, please call (502) 574-PARK (7275).
In addition, city officials noted that registration is now underway for Louisville Parks and Recreation’s youth basketball leagues taking place this winter. Leagues are open to youth 6-16, with registration ending December 31 (or when leagues are filled). Games will take place at the Southwick, South Louisville, California, and Molly Leonard Portland community centers.
More information on available leagues and how to register can be found at bestparksever.com or by calling (502) 456-3261.
During today’s news conference, other speakers outlined other winter break options. They include:
Louisville Free Public Library
For a list of over 50 free events, click here.
“School is almost out, and the Louisville Free Public Library is ready to help keep kids and teens engaged over winter break,” said Library Communications Director Paul Burns. “All LFPL branches will offer FREE activities, books, movies, and more that are sure to entertain and educate without putting a dent in the household budget.”
JCPS
Virtual Literacy and Coding – Winter Break Edition
Monday, December 20
The Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Diversity, Equity, and Poverty (DEP) Department is hosting a virtual winter break camp called Literacy & Coding. This camp is designed for JCPS students in the third through fifth grades. The lessons are pre-recorded, and videos will be available on December 20. In this program, students will listen as a JCPS teacher reads Sasha Savvy Starts It Up by Sasha Ariel Alston and Whoosh! by Chris Barton, and they can engage in literacy activities and learn to code using the free program Scratch 2.0. Students will need access to the internet and a laptop or tablet. To register, please click here. For more information, contact Taylor Utley at taylor.utley@jefferson.kyschools.us.
Kentucky Science Center
School's Out Science Camp
When school’s out, science is in! Kentucky Science Center’s mission is to help children learn, even when JCPS is closed. In School’s Out Science Camp, children will develop skills and make friendships that will last a lifetime. Camp encourages all campers to play, tinker, and investigate the world around them with plenty of time to explore their favorite science center.
For information on how to acquire a community access membership, click here. “At Kentucky Science Center, we believe that science should be accessible for all,” says Membership Manager Josh Poole. “Our Community Access Membership Program provides that accessibility for families who may not otherwise be able to afford to visit us. We're proud to have served 3,200 families this year through this program and look forward to serving many more."
The Louisville Zoo
With smaller class sizes, enhanced zoo experiences and safety measures, new in-person camp programs are the perfect choice for families who want to give their child a fun, safe, camp experience this winter. All camp groups will have the opportunity to experience the Zoo’s attractions including the carousel, traveling exhibitions, exclusive experiences, and enjoy up-close encounters with our small animal ambassadors! After-care is included in all camp programs and include curbside drop off and pick up for all families.
Cost: $70 Members / $75 Nonmembers per day
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. per day
Dates: December 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29
Ages: 6 – 8
This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.