West Sunset Rec Connect Free Classes

Children in the West Sunset area will be able to enjoy free afterschool programs for the spring and summer seasons of next year.

The West Sunset Rec Connect Program is offering free afterschool, evening and Saturday programs. The evening and Saturday classes will run from Jan. 11 to May 29, while the afterschool programs will run from May 4 to June 4. Registration for the programs began on Nov. 23.

The West Sunset Rec Connect Program is part of the Rec Connect Initiative, a program that "promotes youth and family centers in our public schools," according to the RCI website. The West Sunset Rec Connect Program began in 2007 and has been offering free classes since its establishment.

"We really believe in youth development, and a big part of that is youth participation," said West Sunset Rec Connect Program Director Ryan McCarthy.

McCarthy said that the program's top three values are "environmental sustainability, principles of youth development and technological integration." He also said the center practices environmentally-conscious habits like using alternatives to paper towels, paper cups and paper plates.

Among the free classes, the program offers courses focusing on exercise, web design and healthy meals. For instance, the program offers Dancing By the Beach, a class that allows children from 6 to 12 years old to learn hip-hop, jazz and modern dance; Mini-Meals, a class that teaches kids how to prepare simple and nutritious meals; Robotics Club, a course that teaches teens math and science skills to help design a fully-functional robot that could ultimately be entered in a state-wide competition; and Kids' Web Design, a class that teaches kids how to design web pages in a safe and responsible manner.

McCarthy commented on the fact that the selection of students for each class is based on a lottery system. "Our demand is a lot bigger than our supply," said McCarthy, adding that each class can fit about 15-25 kids. "It's the opposite of first come, first serve [because] we are trying to be fair."

More information about the classes can be found at www.snbc.org/news-press/west-sunset-rec-connect-free-programs. Individuals who are interested in enrolling for Rec Connect classes can register at www.snbc.org/recconnect. The free classes will be held at 3223 Ortega St. in the West Sunset Rec Center.