MAKING THE MOST OF SUMMER — The Sycamore Youth Center is preparing to hold its annual Sycamore Summer Fun Camp from Aug. 4-8. Last year’s event, above, drew several of the area’s youth between the ages of kindergarten through eighth grades. The camp is free of charge and features two returning instructors to assist in games, lessons and activities. Rebekah Cohen Morris, bottom left, serves as executive director of the Aim Women’s Center. She spoke with the older students and engaged them in discussions. At bottom right, instructor Roy Arbogast worked with the younger children, entertaining them through various hands-on activities. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Through the eyes of a child, summer always passes by too quickly.

It seems as if the end of one school year and the beginning of the next, happens faster with each passing year. And with classes set to resume in only a matter of weeks, there is not much time left for local youth to enjoy these last days of the season.

However, one area nonprofit is not letting the summer go by without offering Ohio Valley children another chance to enjoy themselves.

The Sycamore Youth Center is opening its doors for an exciting week of free summer programming for those who were enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade during the 2024-25 school year.

The Sycamore Summer Fun Camp makes its return Aug. 4 at the Sycamore center, located at 301 N. Fourth St. in Steubenville.

Camp will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will continue through Aug. 8. Check-in will begin daily at 2:45 p.m. A free, shelf-stable meal will be served to all campers.

Throughout the week, those participating in the camp will take part in various activities that are engaging and age-appropriate, according to Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of Sycamore.

Each group will rotate through sessions. Among the sessions being offered this year are a Bible stories class, hands-on arts and crafts, outdoor recreation and games and STEM-based learning classes that were designed to spark curiosity and creativity for the age range.

The week will conclude with a special Friday Finale on Aug. 8 during the nonprofit’s annual Sycamore and Aim Summer Block Party.

The block party is hosted by the Sycamore Youth Center and the Aim Women’s Center.

According to Bauman, the event is a “vibrant, family-friendly celebration that includes free hamburgers and hot dogs, inflatables, concerts, games and plenty of exciting surprises.”

Rebekah Cohen Morris, executive director of Aim, will lead the Bible lessons for students who are in the sixth- through eighth-grade group. Morris will also play a key role in organizing the block party, Bauman noted.

“I’m so honored to be a part of a week that pours into the lives of our community’s young people,” Morris said. “Whether it’s sharing about how God loves them, or creating good memories at the block party, we want every child to feel loved, seen and celebrated.”

More than 40 trained staff and volunteers will help guide campers throughout the week, ensuring a safe, structured and uplifting environment, officials commented. Campers will be grouped by grade level to ensure meaningful interaction and age-appropriate instruction.

“Our goal is to give children in our community a summer experience filled with joy, learning and a strong sense of belonging,” Bauman concluded. “We can’t wait to see the smiles and excitement on the childrens’ faces again this year.”

Registration is free and required in order to participate. Spots are expected to fill up quickly, organizers said. Families can sign up by visiting sycamorecenter.com. For information, contact Bauman at (740) 409-2986.

The Sycamore Summer Fun Camp is one of many free initiatives being offered by the Sycamore Youth Center.

The nonprofit organization serves more than 500 students every week through after-school classes, mentorship and community-building events.