Club FUNset brings kids out to park

VALPARAISO | During the past year, Porter County Parks and Recreation has expanded its offerings to kids in the area.

Camp FUNset welcomed hundreds of campers to Sunset Hill Farm County Park last summer and, during winter break, a two-day camp was offered.

The growth is continuing this winter and spring with a new program called Club FUNset, a monthly get-together for kids ages 6 to 12 that begins in February.

Program Coordinator Katie Rizer, camp director for Porter County Parks and Recreation, said the idea for the new club came directly from the campers.

"We had so many campers that asked us to keep camp going and Club FUNset was our best answer to that request," Rizer said. "The kids are really taking ownership of the camps. They know that their ideas are heard and acted on at Camp and Club FUNset."

The first Club FUNset is 9 to 10 a.m. Feb. 11 at Sunset Hill Farm. Kids will have the chance to participate in hikes, outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, songs and a variety of other activities. The cost of the program is $2 per child.

"Porter County Parks and Recreation has been a leader in environmental education for years and we had an opportunity last summer to really ramp up our programming," she said. "We doubled the number of openings for our summer camps and, in response to such high demand, will increase openings in 2012. We've expanded the variety of camps, while maintaining environmental education at the core of our camps."

A free program will take place each month immediately after Club FUNset called Meet Farmer Ryan, during which Porter County Parks and Recreation Farm Educator Ryan Wilson will introduce kids to the goats and chickens at Sunset Hill Farm. Participants will get hands-on experience taking care of the animals and learn about the work that goes into managing a farm.

To RSVP for Club FUNset, contact Katie Rizer at (219) 309-0680 or krizer@porterco.org.