The Harrison Township Recreation Commission will host activities and athletic programs next month aimed at preschoolers ages 2 to 5.
Among them are the USA Sports Squirts fall program on Thursdays from Sept. 12 to Oct. 17 at Ella Harris Park; Tumblin’ Tots, a 12-week program on Fridays from Sept. 6 to Dec. 13 at American Legion Post 452; and the Aquatic Program, a 10-week swimming course on Saturdays from Sept. 14 to Nov. 19 at Kennedy Fitness.
“There aren’t many programs for preschoolers out there,” said Recreation Coordinator Sharon Chew. “That age group is a tough age and it’s real important to have programs like these to help them.”
USA Sports Squirts is a continuation of a partnership with the organization of the same name to teach sports to youth nationwide. Preschoolers can expect to participate in lacrosse, soccer, baseball and track-and-field events.
“This program is meant to improve the balance, agility, movement and hand-eye coordination of the kids,” Chew explained.
This program is split into three groups: parent-assisted classes for kids ages 2-and-a-half to 3-and-a-half from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.; squirts classes for kids from age 3 to 4-and-a-half from 4:20 to 5:05 p.m.; and senior squirts for ages 4 to 5-and-a-half from 5:10 to 5:55 p.m.
Parents can sign up and look for ticket prices at the USA Sports Group website.
Tumblin Tots is doing something similar with the organization of the same name by using exercises, movement, music and more to help kids develop listening skills, the ability to cooperate with others and to form bonds with others.
“It’s a fun fitness class for the little ones,” Chew noted. ““They do stretching, obstacle courses and so much more. The commission provides the registration while they (Tumblin’ Tots) provide the service.”
The sessions are split into two, with the first for kids from 2 to 3-and-a-half from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. and the second for ages 3-and-a-half to 5 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. The classes each have a maximum of 12 kids per session. Parents can register their kids on signupgenius.com.
The aquatic program is a township-sponsored one that will teach kids the importance of water safety and a foundation of swimming skills. Parents are required to attend with their children.
Kids are split into age groups for the classes. The first, Water Babies, is for children 6 months to 2 years old and will take place from 10 to 10:30 a.m. The toddler/pre-K class for 3-and-a-half to 4-year-olds is scheduled from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and from 11 to 11:30 a.m. There is also a combined class for both groups from 3:30 to 4 p.m.
Following those will be classes for older kids on beginner and intermediate swimming, both for kids ages 5 to 7, from 4 to 4:45 p.m. and 4:45 to 5:30 p.m., respectively. Closing out the program is the development swim class for kids 7 and up from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.
Parents can register for those classes on signupgenius.com; each class has a maximum of 10 kids each.
Chew believes the sessions will build a connection with kids inside and outside Mullica Hill.
“Many of the kids continue to interact even after the classes end,” she said. “It’s a good outlet for the kids to let loose. It helps kids with low self-esteem and helps shy kids come out of their shell a bit. It also helps them learn about important concepts, like sharing, before they eventually get to school.”
