School almost out for Macon. Here are free sports, academic programs for kids this summer

May 22, the last day of school for the Bibb County School District, is quickly approaching.

With only nine days left of classroom learning, Superintendent Dan Sims is encouraging parents and students to plan mentally-engaging summer activity.

“If students stay involved and engaged during the summertime, it’s going to make our jobs easier during the fall and all of that time that follows,” Sims said Wednesday on a Facebook livestream.

Here are some summer programs for Macon-Bibb youth that don’t cost anything for parents:

BCSD Summer Reading Program: Only Bibb County students who need additional support in the areas of literacy will receive an exclusive invitation in the mail to participate in a newly developed 15-day reading camp. The free program will run from June 3 to June 27, with Juneteenth being a holiday. Bus transportation will be provided for children, as well as breakfast and lunch. Parents can contact schools to verify if their children are on the list and enroll them in the program, or they can wait for the invitation letters containing more information in the mail.

Elementary 21st Century Community Learning Centers Summer Camp: Registration is now open for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers of the Bibb County School District. The free program offers elementary students STEM projects, reading and math instruction, martial arts, culinary classes, exciting fieldtrips and more. The summer camp will run from June 3 to June 27. Classes are held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Contact the school district’s Before and After Schools Program at 478-765-8660 for more information, or visit the website.

21st CCLC Summer Enrichment: Registration is now open for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers of the Bibb County School District. The free programs offers middle and high school students cosmetology classes, college visits and career awareness, sports, drama, STEM projects, exciting field trips and more. The summer camp will also run from June 3 to June 27.

Classes are held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Contact the school district’s Before and After Schools Program at 478-765-8660 for more information, or visit the district’s website.

Middle Georgia Regional Library Summer Reading Program: The Middle Georgia Regional Library’s annual summer reading program encourages reading for enjoyment and increases students’ fluency and comprehension. The free program aims to make students more successful during the school year, beginning at their local library. Parents can register their children by visiting their local MGRL branch or on the Beanstack App.

The deadline to register is May 22. Free meals are provided for children under 18 years old. More information is available on the library’s website.

Tubman Heritage Summer Camp: The Tubman Museum is offering free programs for children ages 5 to 12 this summer with lunch included. The programs will run from July 8 to July 12. Sessions are held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Space is limited. Parents can apply online or at the museum. Contact the museum at 478-743-8544 for more information.

Victory Academy Summer Camp: Enrollment is now open for Victory Church of Macon’s free summer camp for youth 5 years old and up. Course offerings include music production, math, reading, science, entrepreneurship, instrument lessons and more. The camp will run from June 3 to July 12. Sessions are held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parents can apply online. Contact the church at 478-972-0517 for more information.

P.A.L. Basketball Skills Camp: Registration is now open for the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Outreach Section’s annual basketball camp for youth ages 9 to 17. The free program aims to help prevent juvenile crime and violence by building bonds between law enforcement and kids. Youth can practice their ballhandling, footwork, shooting and more with Tony Harris, the head women’s basketball coach for Central Georgia Technical College. Parents can register at the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Outreach Section office, which is located at 774 Hazel Street. Registration deadline is May 21, and space is limited. For more information, contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Outreach Section at 478-803-2710.

This list will be updated as more programs are announced.