By Andreas Yilma Citizen’s News
NAUGATUCK — The 5th annual Gunntown Kids program is back for children beginning this month.
Park Commission Chairman Linda “Gigi” Ramos is bringing back the several month long programming which runs from May 21 until October 22. The events are free for children between the ages of 3 to 12.
The programs are open for children who live outside of the borough as well. Parents will have to accompany their children.
Ramos said the program is about learning but enjoying and having fun at the same time.
“It’s a great learning program,” Ramos said. They get to socialize with other children. This makes them feel comfortable. You’re meeting new friends and making new friends.”
All the events will take place at Gunntown Passive Park and Land Preserve on Gunntown Road with most of the events having two time sessions. The first event is the Gunntown Kids 5th Anniversary Celebration. It will take place on Saturday, May 21 and include pizza, ice cream, a magician and crafts.
Other events include a scavenger hunt, rock painting, interaction with butterflies, meeting the Naugatuck police companion dog Indy and pumpkin painting and decorating. The police dog is the only other event with just one time. The other events will have a time session of 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Each session will have an amount of about 12 to 15 children.
“They’re (children) learning nature and experiencing something hands on,” Ramos said.
The rain location for the celebration and the police dog Indy are both at the Naugatuck Park and Rec building at 607 Rubber Ave. If it rains on the other events, the program is canceled.
Monetary donations will be accepted according to Ramos.
Pre-registration is required and parents can register their children by contacting the Park and Rec office at 203-720-7043. A parent can sign up for every event or pick and choose a particular one according to Ramos.
“It’s such an opportunity for children to come and do this,” Ramos said.
