| These days, it seems like everyone is looking for | | | | offer for youth. These programs can take the |
| a bargain. With the economy in shambles and | | | | shape of reading programs, art programs where |
| unemployment reaching levels that haven't been | | | | kids learn to paint or use pottery glazes, or |
| seen for awhile, it's tough to justify any new | | | | physical education programs that encourage kids |
| expenses. That's why a place like a community | | | | to get off the couch and be active. While these |
| center can be such a lifesaver for the average | | | | programs are all educational, perhaps the best |
| family. Many community centers have things like | | | | thing about them is they don't necessarily seem |
| arts and crafts classes where children can play | | | | educational to the children. Since they are fun the |
| and learn things in a safe and fun environment. | | | | children don't even realize that they are learning |
| Sure, they may need to pick up some expenses | | | | valuable skills they can use in other situations. |
| like buying their own American art clay to bring to | | | | Regardless of what you do at a community |
| the class, but that may be a small price to pay | | | | center, however, it's a great thing to simply be |
| for what you are getting. In addition to the class | | | | involved with others in your community. Many |
| itself is the interaction the child and parent get | | | | times it's hard to really feel like you're integrated |
| with others in their community. This interaction is | | | | into your city or town. By involving yourself in the |
| invaluable, and many items can lead to friendships | | | | various programs and activities offered at your |
| that would never have been cultivated otherwise. | | | | local community center, you feel a kinship with |
| Community centers are public buildings that are | | | | those around you. It's like you have a stake in |
| used as a gathering place for events, activities, | | | | your neighborhood, like you have roots. It doesn't |
| public information, and other purposes. They may | | | | matter if you're taking an art class and are |
| be used to hold meetings for parent groups and | | | | learning about clay bodies or if you attended the |
| civic groups, or they may have athletic facilities | | | | most recent school board meeting. The important |
| for youth and adult sports leagues. But what | | | | thing is you got involved and made your |
| many parents think about when they think of a | | | | community a more vibrant place to live. |
| community center is the programs they usually | | | | |