Bob Coupland
Reporter
bcoupland@tribtoday.com
WARREN — While enjoying recreational activities throughout the summer as part of the Trumbull Family Fitness Summer Kids Club, camp children also helped others by growing vegetables in a small garden outside the building.
Paulette Edington, executive director of TFF, said the summer camp ended Monday. With the start of the new school year the after-school program has begun for children.
Each week during the summer, weather permitting, children took turns planting and working in the garden.
Makayla Hugley, a camp counselor, said the children planted peppers, onions, celery, tomatoes and other vegetables.
“They learned a lot about planting and watched how plants grew. Because of the rain we did not start from seeds but planted the actual vegetable plants in the ground,” Edington said.
She said in addition to gardening children also took part in robotics and informational programs conducted by such groups as Valley Counseling, The Ohio State Extension and Compass.
Other activities included swimming, basketball, computers and field trips to the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library and Pioneer Waterland.
“We wanted the children to experience something new each day,” Edington said.
Donovan Stringer, 10, of Warren, said he liked getting to exercise and being in the cycling classes.
Micaiah Capers, 10, of Warren, said she liked the swimming program and plans to attend the after- school program as well.
Edington said the programs provide a place for children to be when parents are working or a place children can enjoy recreational activities. The after-school program offers homework assistance.