Each summer, a Summer Fun Guide is published along with a Sunday edition of the Washington Daily News, which features a list of activities and programs for children and teens to participate in over the summer. This year’s guide will be inserted May 31.

There are a wide range of activities going on throughout the county that are headed by many different organizations and institutions. The activities and programs allow youngsters a continuation of their education, of sorts, as many programs are educational in some form. Other programs and events provide recreational and leisure activity for children and teens.

The N.C. Estuarium offers a wide range of activities and programs for kids to learn about the Pamlico River and its tributaries and how the ecosystems thereof are important. Beaufort County Community College offers its College For Kids programs, which, last year, ranged from boating and hunting safety to sewing classes to a class on how to make a video game. The Brown Library offers a Summer Reading Program for teens that features activities related to novels, book to movie events and other literature-related activities. The Boys and Girls Club offers movies, field trips and other opportunities to have fun.  Last year, the Turnage Theater offered programs related to musical theatre, theatre, film and acting. Goose Creek State Park offers environmental and educational programs for continued education. Other organizations that offer programs include Purpose of God Annex, Historic Bath Site, Little Washington Sailing School and local schools, which offer athletic camps. These are just a fraction of the offered activities and programs.

It is very important for kids to stay active during the summer months when they are not in school. Activities and programs offered by local organizations provide a way to keep kids stimulated — whether academically or athletically. It also is a good way to keep kids busy and out of trouble.

Beaufort County’s young minds need nurturing year-round. The activities and programs provide that when school is not in session. It is up to parents, grandparents and guardians to take advantage of the offers and help their children and teens have a fun and productive summer, which also makes the transition back to school at the end of summer a smoother one. One can check with some of these organizations to enroll, as well as reference the Summer Fun Guide by the Washington Daily News when it publishes on May 31.