For more than 20 years, Oregon State University's College of Health and Human Science has offered children's activities through its KidSpirit program. Events range from swimming and tennis lessons to gymnastics and day camps during the summer.

So when budget cuts in the wake of the defeat of Measure 28 in January meant local schools would be closed extra days this spring, KidSpirit director Karen Swanger didn't think twice about offering a daily version of its instructional program on days off.

"The natural thing to do was to expand," Swanger said.

KidSpirit piloted a no-school day program last fall for the OSU community and was prepared to open up the opportunity to students in Albany, Philomath and Corvallis public schools when voters rejected the temporary income tax increase that caused shortfalls in school funding.

"I was so sad when Measure 28 failed," Swanger said. "For us, we had to say, ‘Can we take a large group of kids?' "

In that same spirit, many other youth agencies have stepped up to offer parents a place for children to go on days off. Philomath students' first of six extra days off is the Friday before spring break, March 21. Corvallis' students first of seven cut days is March 31.

Opportunities include age-appropriate education and service learning programs at Heartland Humane Society; child-care for young children at Philomath Youth Activities Club and the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis; KidSpirit programs; even a field trip to Salem sponsored by Parents for Education Plus.

KidSpirit already offers programming six days a week, employing about 140 college students to serve as staff. For the college students, it's a community service opportunity and a chance for many future teachers and health-related professionals to-be to work with youth.

The gymnastics program alone has more than 400 participants, and bare-footed tots pad across balance beams, practice backward tumbles and bar routines in the upstairs of Langton Hall most days.

At parents' request, Swanger decided to add the no school day programs this year. On days off this spring, kids can try out rock-climbing at the indoor climbing center at Reser Stadium, take swimming lessons and participate in other activities such as art and sports, depending on the availability of facilities.

Swanger said KidSpirit would be able to accommodate about 100 kids each day.

"Everything we do is very instructional," she said. "It's not free time. It's skill-building."


At a glance


Oregon State University KidSpirit ACES program

125 Langton Hall, OSU

AGES: For kids in grades K-8

Rock climbing offered each morning session, swimming offered mornings or afternoons. All other activities change daily.

DATES: No school days by district

Corvallis: March 31, April 10-11, 18, 21; May 9, 12, 23; June 11-13

Albany: April 2, 25; May 8, 9 28; June 12, 13

Philomath: April 10, 11, 18; May 23; June 9-13

COST: $29 all day (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $17 half day (8 a.m. to noon or 1 to 5 p.m.); pre-care, $3 7 to 8 a.m.; after-care $3 (5 to 6 p.m.).

INFORMATION/REGISTRATION: 737-5437 or kidspirit.oregonstate.edu

Philomath Youth Activities Club

421 S. 19th St.

AGES: for kids in grades K-5; youth center open from 12:30 to 6 p.m. for kids grade 4-8.

DATES: March 21, 24-27; April 10, 11 18; May 23; June 6 (students' last day, half day).

COST: $20 all day (7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.); $12.50 half day (less than 5 hours); $15 monthly fee for youth center or $10 punch card for 10 visits.

INFORMATION/REGISTRATION: 929-4040

Parents for Education Plus

WHAT: Bus trip to Salem to visit the Gilbert House Planetarium and the State Capital

WHEN: April 10. Bus will pick up children at 9:30 a.m. at Philomath Elementary School at 9:45 a.m. at Wilson Elementary School. Bus will leave Salem at 2:30 p.m. and return to Wilson at 3:15 p.m. and to Philomath at 3:30 p.m.

COST: $20 per student; $15 for members;

INFORMATION/REGISTRATION: Charo at 745-5405.

Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis School Time Out Program

1112 N.W. Circle Blvd.

AGES: For kids in grades K-5

Computer lab, gym, games room, creative play, art, field trips, snacks and lunch

DATES: March 24-28, 31; April 10, 11, 18, 21; May 9, 12, 23; June 11-13

COST: $30 per day

INFORMATION/REGISTRATION: 757-1909

Heartland Humane Society day camp

398 S.W. Twin Oaks Drive

Heartland Humane Society program with humane education videos, talks with local animal experts, working with shelter animals and craft projects. Lunch at Papa's Pizza included.

DATES: April 21 (grades 6, 7 and 8); May 9 (grades 3,4 and 5); May 12 (grades 6, 7 and 8); and May 23 (grades 3, 4 and 5). All sessions meet from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

COST: $17 per day; $30 for two family members. A limited number of scholarships are available.

APPLICATIONS: Available at Heartland's main shelter or the Cat's Meow Thrift Shop, 110 S.W. Third St., or online at www.heartlandhumane.org

INFORMATION: 752-9833