Hiking, biking, cooking, and more: Orcas Rec launches 2009 summer season

A program that was in danger of being cut from last year's county budget has lived to see another year – and another action-packed summer.

The Orcas Island Recreation Program is gearing up for its 2009 summer season. A guide was mailed to county residents last month, outlining camps and workshops in sports, arts, agriculture, and more.

There are some familiar classes in sailing, sports, and outdoor activities, but also a few new ones, like photography for teens and beginning keyboard.

“We're not just for younger kids. It's for adults and teens too,” coordinator Didier Gincig said. He says many of the workshops are open to children as well as adults.

“We collaborate with Canoe Island, off-island sports camps, Orcas Island Golf Club, Sail Orcas, San Juan Nature Institute, Deer Harbor Charters, Orcas Center, Salmonberry School, Orcas Fire Department, The Funhouse, and Orcas School,” Gincig said. “There are so many amazing adults who are happy to be sharing their passion with children.”

Orcas Rec was saved in large part because of community letters, phone calls, e-mails, and testimony at budget hearings. Much of its funding was restored, although $6500 was still cut.

Some of the classes include a young artists, writers, and scientists weekend on Canoe Island, Skyhawks multi-sports camp, British Soccer camp, girls basketball, golf and soccer clinics, youth and adult sailing, field trips to farms, cooking classes, beach scavenger hunt on Indian Island, Shaw Island bike ride, Turtleback mountain walk, whale watching trip, bowling in Friday Harbor, Orcas Center summer theatre camp, summer day camp for children ages three to six, science camp, food preservation, beekeeping and honey production, first aid and CPR class, a plethora of arts classes, beginning violin camp, and learning to play the keyboard.

“I'd rather see children interacting with others than sitting in front of a television,” Gincig said. “It's a good way for kids to get involved and discover interests. One of my favorites is the three- to six-year-old camp. It is so zany and fun.”

The 2009 guides are available at the public library, the school, Island Rec's office in the senior center, and online at www.orcasrec.org. The first classes begin in June. Scholarships are available for those who need help with tuition.

Upcoming fall events include the 11th Annual Steve Braun Memorial Triathlon, which is for all ages, and youth soccer.

Gincig, who has been with Orcas Rec for 13 of its 16 years, announced his resignation earlier in the month. He plans to stay on Orcas and focus more energy on his Earth ball business. Gincig will stay on through the summer and train his replacement.

“It will be a smooth transition,” he said. “I will still be involved with the triathlon and getting the soccer season going.”

Gincig also reminds the community that summer is a perfect time to get in shape for the triathlon in September.

Contact Islands Sounder Web site editor, Editor Colleen Armstrong at editor@islandssounder.com or (360) 376-4500.

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