Beaufort County students will have plenty to do this summer, thanks in part to the City of Washington’s summer activities and camps.

Coordinated by the Parks and Recreation Department, “10 Reasons to Love Summer” gives children 27 options from which to choose this year, an increase from last year, according to Teresa Hamilton, events and facilities supervisor at Parks and Recreation. The programs are designed for children ages 6-14.

Hamilton said she is incorporating new activities into the program list this year, including a revival of the previously popular tennis and kayaking lessons.

Among other choices for this year are: painting with Lisa Jordan, Washington’s spinoff of the nationwide Kids in Parks programs, cruises on the Schooner Jeanie B. and the Belle of Washington, skateboarding, a trip to the North Carolina Estuarium and a playground hop, as well as swimming at the Hildred T. Moore Aquatic and Fitness Center, an East Carolina University basketball camp, the Optimist Club’s soccer camp and movie camps from Arts of the Pamlico.

“We’re filling up on some of them, but there is still plenty of room,” Hamilton said. “We do have a lot.”

She said another big change is allowing 13- and 14-years-olds to participate, a decision made after hearing feedback from parents. Hamilton said she hopes the athletic activities and boat cruises will appeal to young teenagers.

The success of “10 Reasons” is largely dependent on partnerships and connections made within the community, according to Hamilton.

“In the beginning, I’m wondering what in the world I’m going to do,” she said. “I start with (Lisa Jordan) because her stuff is the most popular, and I start building from there.”

The City of Washington covers half the cost of hosting the summer activities, and participants are asked to cover the rest. The activities are relatively low cost, however, so a lot of the fees are $10 per student, Hamilton said.

She said she doesn’t know the exact number of participating students, but it is a good opportunity for children to have something enjoyable to do.

“It could be the same children doing everything, or it could be 27 times 10,” Hamilton said. “Every day is a different adventure.”

Registration for “10 Reasons to Love Summer” officially ends May 13, but may continue until spots are filled. Activities will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. To register, call Teresa Hamilton at the Parks and Recreation Department at 252-975-9644.