[July 19, 2008]  The early registration dates for the YMCA Before and After School program begin July 30 and continue through Aug. 12 at a discounted registration rate. Registration rates increase after Aug. 12. Tuition rates and program fees are now available. Call or visit the YMCA to receive your informational pamphlet on this program.

The YMCA still has more art camps available this summer. Come in and register for the Aug. 4-8 Summer Art Camp. "World Art Tour" is the theme for this camp. Students will learn about art and artists from around the world in a week full of fun. This program is for children entering first through sixth grade. The camp will be at the YMCA Activity Center, 719 Wyatt Ave.

Lincoln College women's basketball coach Carol Wilson will coach YMCA Girls Basketball Camp at the Lincoln Junior High gym July 28-Aug. 1. There are two groups: first to third grade from 9 to 10 a.m. and fourth to sixth grade from 10 to 11 a.m. This camp will improve your daughter's basketball fundamentals. All current YMCA members will receive $5 off their registration.

The YMCA will be accepting registrations for Y Youth Fall Soccer leagues until Aug. 25. Forms received after Aug. 25 will require a $10 fee increase. This program is for all children age 4 through eighth grade. Teams practice once a week, with games played on Saturday mornings at the Lincoln Developmental Center soccer fields. Jim Xamis Ford Lincoln Mercury sponsors YMCA soccer.

Summer Field Trip Blast: The YMCA is offering single-day field trips for kids entering first through fifth grade.

• Aug. 5, third and fourth grade -- Splashdown Water Park, East Peoria

• Aug. 7, fourth and fifth grade -- Forest Park Nature Center, Peoria

• Aug. 12, first and second grade -- Splashdown Water Park, East Peoria

Participants must register one week prior to each field trip.

YMCA golf instructor Jacob Horton is at it again. Another session for the YMCA Golf Clinic is coming Aug. 4-7. Children entering kindergarten through eighth grade can improve their skills and learn new skills with Horton's help. Spaces are limited, so reserve your child's spot today.

The YMCA is now accepting applications for the "Bookbags for Kids" project, sponsored by Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Preceptor Eta chapter. Stop in the YMCA office today and pick up more information on this awesome project. Registration deadline is Aug. 1.

The Lincoln Area YMCA will host the third annual Y Run on Sept. 27. This 5K run and one-mile fun run-walk will begin at the Logan County Safety Complex, on North Hamilton Street. The route for the Y Run will be an out-and-back, flat course with the local police escorting runners for safety. Elkhart Grain and Guzzardo's Italian Villa are sponsors for the event.

For more details on YMCA programs and events, please contact the Lincoln Area YMCA at 735-3915; 604 Broadway St., Suite 1; or visit www.lincolnymca.org.

[Text from file received from Lincoln Area YMCA]