After-school program at Bay Oaks sees much success
Bay Oaks Recreation Center’s after-school program has been successful. They get anywhere from 25-35 children in attendance during school and closer to 40 during the summer.
“I’ve been helping some of these kids out since they were really young,” said Sarah Lisenko, one of the counselors in charge of the program. “We go from kindergarten to fifth grade, so I’ve watched some of the older ones grow up. I’m really proud to be a positive force in their lives.”
The after-school program goes from 2:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. And is $100 for member families and $135 for non-members families per semester.
The counselors help with homework, provide snacks, and keep the kids active during their time at the rec center. They are a town facility though, so funding is through regular budgeting from the Town of Fort Myers Beach, which has dwindled a bit over the years.
“We don’t mind it, we make do with what we have and we try to make it the best experience for the kids as possible,” Lisenko said.
It’s obvious the counselors care. You get little views into their relationships with each child, having spent a significant amount of time with them.
Along with craft days when the weather isn’t so great, they try to use the park’s pool on Fridays which is a huge hit in every group.
After-school programs have become a staple in most regions, but the Beach community has embraced all of the town’s efforts to help alleviate some of the after-school worries.
“The length of time is really the trick,” Lisenko said. “We keep these kids happy and active and in a safe place while they wait, and we try to have a good time and balance it with learning.”
We asked a couple of the kids what they thought of the program and what they enjoyed the most about it.
Emma Riggs, 9: Ashley is my favorite. She’s a ton of fun while still being in charge. We get to vote on games we want to play so it’s never the same thing. They give us snacks, and I don’t think they have to, so that’s really neat.
Britanee Collazo, 10: I like hanging out with my friends, but playing games with everyone is super fun.
Amiah Fansler, 10: I like how we’re allowed to be as expressive as we want but I really like the athletic games we get to play.
KJ Scoeppe, 8: I like playing dodgeball the most, but hanging out with everyone is my favorite.
Shelbi Phillips, 9: We play tons of games, and seeing my friends from school is fun. My favorite of all of our game is Buffalo. (Editor’s Note: Buffalo is a dodgeball-styled game on a “track.”)
Ava Maurer, 6: I really love being here with my friends and the counselors. We have a lot of fun.
Kloee Forbes, 9: I like crafts day, but playing Buffalo is my favorite.
Maveric Primm, 6: I like Buffalo the most, but free time is the best. We get to do whatever we feel like between running and the games and crafts.