Shadows-on-the-Teche history campers battle to see whose handmade raft will survive the seas made rough by their own hands.

Teche Area activities abound for school age children

Breaking from school routines is what summer is all about. That doesn’t mean the learning has to stop for children in the Teche Area. Experiencing new things and learning about hobbies, special interests, cultures or the arts are just part of the summer of fun waiting to begin.

New Iberia Recreation Department is offering a variety of sports for little tots, and others, bringing back tennis, T-Ball and Slow-Pitch. In addition are swimming lessons, Aqua Zumba and more water activities for a variety of ages. Stop by the NIRD offices for a complete schedule or call 369-2337.

Still Registering

The week-long Bayou Teche Museum camp is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon June 6 through June 10 and will take place at the museum, 131 E. Main St., and next door at the Sliman Theater, 129 E. Main St. Children ages 7 to 12 are eligible.

The programs are directed by certified teachers and include interactive demonstrations, games, music, arts and crafts and a downtown scavenger hunt. Attendees explore the Teche region’s Native Americans, Spanish Founders, Acadians, Iberia Resources and Main Street. Camp is $75 per camper and includes daily snacks and a memory bag at week’s end. Registration forms are at www.BayouTecheMuseum.org. Stop by the museum or call 606-5977 for more information.

Registration for the Shadows History Camp for children ages 6 to 11 will continue until filled. The five-day camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 13 through June 17 at 317 E. Main St. Campers will experience seven different activities daily based on this year’s theme, “Peeling Back the Layers of the Past.”

Just announced is a visit to the fire station, a library field trip and presentations by musician and teacher Bob Morgan. This is a first for the camp.

The week culminates with an exhibit of campers’ art projects inside the Shadows Visitor Center Friday afternoon. Admission is $125. Request a form via email at cschramm@savingplaces.org or by calling the Shadows at 369-6446. For more information, call Catherine Schramm, Shadows Education Curator.

The city of Franklin will have dance and art classes beginning in June and St. Martinville continues Bushcraft on Saturday, part of its year-long park experience.

Lots of fun ways to spend the summer, that is if you’re a youngster in the Teche Area or one of the lucky volunteers. Those programs are sure to make summer fun for so many and give parents exciting ways to interact with their children.