The Kroc Center’s summer lineup features a kick-off carnival, innovative camps, free lunches for kids, swim lessons, spray park fun, and activities for every age.

ASHLAND – Summer isn’t officially here on the calendar, but it is at the Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center of Ashland.

Between new offerings and returning favorites, the center has something for everyone.

New this summer

Summer Splash Membership Sale – June 5-Only

Make a splash all summer long with a Summer Splash Membership! From June 5–August 31, enjoy unlimited access to the waterpark and fitness center, free group fitness classes, and discounts on programs.

Normally $234 for a family, the Summer Splash Membership will be available for just $140.40 during our Member Appreciation Day and National Donut Day Celebration on June 5—a savings of 40%. Single adults, couples, and youth memberships will also be 40% off for one day only, according to the community announcement.

Camp Invention – June 8-12

The Ashland Kroc Center is partnering with Ashland City Schools to host Camp Invention for rising kindergarten through sixth-grade students. This nationally recognized STEM-focused camp will take place June 8-12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with before and after care available. Campers will participate in hands-on activities that encourage creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Register today by going to: invent.org/mylocalcamp.

Ashland Kroc Youth Theatre Camp – July 27-30

Local youth are invited to find their voices and to take the stage during The Ashland Kroc’s first Youth Theatre Camp. No experience is needed; young performers ages 8-15 years are welcome to join us July 27-30, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The sessions will feature vocal training and musical numbers, dance and movement workshops; acting and character development; team-building and confidence growth; and a final performance for family and friends. Member Cost: $80 | Community Members Cost: $120. Scholarships are available.

Returning summer favorites include

Summer Kick-Off Carnival – June 8

Celebrate the beginning of summer with Kroc’s Summer Kick-Off from 12:00-12:45 p.m. June 8. The Kroc will be kicking off both the opening of RJ’s Spray Park and the start of our Summer Food Service Program. Enjoy free lunch for youth ages 18 and younger, along with games, balloon animals, glitter tattoos, cotton candy, popcorn, water gun races, duck pond, ring toss, cupcake walk and more. Kona Ice will also be on-site with treats available for purchase.

After the celebration, RJ’s Spray Park will remain free and open to the public Monday–Friday from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. through August 21 (hours based on past usage and availability).

In partnership with the Cleveland Food Bank, they will continue serving free lunches Monday–Friday through Aug. 7 from 12–12:45 p.m. on our back patio. Kids of all ages are welcome — no questions asked.

All-American Glow Skate – July 2

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with an All-American Glow Skate from 5 to 7 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature music, glow items, skating fun, and patriotic celebration for all ages. Cost: $5 per person | Member Cost: Free

Swim Lessons: July 7 – Aug. 13

The following swim lessons are available:

Cost: Members – $60 | Non-Members – $80 (Scholarships available).

Vacation Bible School – July 13-16

Local kids are invited to learn more about the nature of God during this year’s Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School, which will take place July 13-16 from 5-7 p.m. for children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Kids will enjoy Bible lessons, science experiments, games, snacks, and a special Family VBS Finale and exclusive waterpark party on July 19.

Registration is available at https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=YDByf1ysZESjiV8r7UtHc2gESOhDyY9BhA5rQUhXxwpUOTU0Qjk1MDVWNVo1T0VKQzVQNDZOQ1lJTC4u&origin=QRCode.

Kroc Kids Safety Town: July 21 – 23

The Kroc Kids Safety Town is now accepting registrations for children who are entering kindergarten. This year’s session will take place July 21-23, 3:30-5 p.m. Each participant will receive a bike helmet and a certificate of completion, as well as learn valuable community safety basics over a three-day period, including fire safety, bus safety, bike safety, and more. Cost: $35 per child.

Ashland Chautauqua Youth Workshop – July 21

All kids are invited to participate in the Ashland Chautauqua Youth Workshop: Freedom Concerts for the Future. Led by Rebecca Marks Jimerson, participants will learn about civil rights history through music, storytelling, art, and creative expression while creating their own songs, poems, and artwork.

Additional information and registration

To see the full offering of classes and activities at The Ashland Kroc Center now through August, please go to the Program section of The Ashland Kroc Center’s website and download a digital version, or stop by one of the Welcome Desks during regular business hours and pick up a hardcopy.

Unless otherwise noted in the program descriptions, online registration is available at https://ashlandkroc.usaeast.org/s/registration. Please note that you will have to create a user account in order to do so.

Membership information is available at: https://ashlandkroc.usaeast.org/s/membership.

If you have any questions or would like to register for a class over the phone, please feel free to call The Ashland Kroc Center at (419) 281-8001.

To stay up-to-date on the latest classes and events, please follow Ashland Kroc Center on Facebook or @AshlandKroc on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Summer fun awaits at the Ashland Kroc Center

Reporting by Staff Report / Ashland Times Gazette

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