PENHOLD - Kids will have a chance to combine recreational skills and teamwork in the floor hockey/dodgeball program this spring.
The recreational program is open to kids ages eight to 10 and runs every Tuesday for 45 minutes (5:15 to 6 p.m.) from Feb. 28 to April 4.
"It's a six-week program," said Joanne Buchanan, community program coordinator. "With the (recreation) programs it's nice to combine them with additional sports to keep it a little bit exciting and new."
Both floor hockey and dodgeball offer an opportunity to learn new skills and the chance for kids to learn how to work as a team, noted Buchanan.
"For that age group we focus a lot on sportsmanship and how to play together," she said. "They're very good sports to focus on that (aspect)."
The program provides the necessary equipment for floor hockey and dodgeball, as well as several other sports and activities offered through the town's recreation programs.
"We may play a dodgeball game at the beginning and then we'd transition into floor hockey or focus on some floor hockey skills and then play a dodgeball game instead of a floor hockey game," explained Buchanan.
"We try to keep it as affordable as we can as well."
The Town of Penhold is offering other recreational programs for children this spring ranging in age from three to 11. Some of them include climbing and sports, indoor soccer and skating.
"We have a sports sampler which is a variety of sports and we touch on a different sport or activity each week," said Buchanan. "We've got super hero training with games and crafts and beginner skating is another thing that we offer."
Buchanan said each program benefits kids and helps keep them active while learning a new skill or sport and having fun. It also benefits families in Penhold.
"It helps (families) stay in the community," said Buchanan. "Having access to programs is huge for small towns and for families in the town. It also gives them a chance to meet friends and get to know other families.
"It's a great way (for kids) to enjoy active living and a healthy lifestyle."
