Smiles all around at Haven Summer Youth Program
LOCK HAVEN, PA – The new Haven Summer Youth Program is up and running every Saturday in Lock Haven and its backers are elated with the response. The new program began on May 20 and will continue through June 24 and so far is drawing an average of 40 young people to its events designed to provide kids with something constructive to do.
Developers include Nancy Hackenberg and Nick and Shonna Walker, all associated with Be One Healthy Fitness Center. All three were hard at work and having fun at the same time as they directed activities at Hoberman Park last Saturday.
The husband-and-wife team of Nick and Shonna Walker were passionate in discussing the program. Nick said he first had a dream for such a program 20 years ago as he grew up in a low-income environment. He said his was a past of few opportunities, one with drugs, and that the community was “not there” for him growing up in a difficult environment. Now, he said, his mission is to get support from the community so Lock Haven young people “don’t have to be a victim of their circumstances.”
Noting he has been in recovery for almost 13 years, he wants to “give back to the community,” working with the youth regarding drug and alcohol prevention. Wife Shonna added the Saturday activities also make for a way “to get kids to socialize; it’s good to get outside and play together and talk together.”
Laughs were plentiful last Saturday as the Walkers supervised, and at times, participated in multiple activities involving youth of all ages, kindergarten through 12th grade.
Activities included youth basketball, a tug-o-war and craft opportunities. The program will be back at Hoberman Park on Saturday, June 10 and June 17 and conclude Saturday, June 24 at Flemington Park; special events are planned in conjunction with the Flemington finale. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on those dates.
Previous Saturday activities were held at Hoberman Park and the Lock Haven Gardens basketball court.
Community supporters have included, in addition to Be One Healthy Fitness Center, Pizza House and the Kiwanis Club of Bald Eagle and Nittany Valleys. Community members wishing to support the effort may make contact through havensyp@gmail.com.
