YMCA PROGRAMS FOR KIDS WILL BE SHOWCASED.

Byline: Joanne Crawford Education

PALMDALE - The Antelope Valley YMCA, 39251 10th St. W., will hold special recruitment nights for its Indian Guides and Indian Maiden programs Aug. 30, Sept. 14 and Sept. 19.

The purpose of the event is to encourage youngsters and parents to become involved in the program activities, YMCA Executive Director Laura Mayo said. Current members will have scrapbooks on display and the evening will also include craft making and refreshments.

``It's a great program that provides the family time together,'' Mayo said. ``It builds special bonds with parents when children do these types of programs.''

The program includes the Papoose group, for boys and girls ages 3-5 with their mom or dad; Indian Guides, for boys in kindergarten to third grade with their fathers; Indian Maidens, for kindergarten through third-grade girls and their mothers; and Trailmaidens, for moms and daughters in grades four through six.

The groups are divided, with 10 families to a ``tribe.'' All the tribes occasionally come together as a ``nation'' to hold meetings and activities, Mayo said.

To join in the fun, parents pay a basic YMCA program fee for each child, she said.

The nonprofit programs are always seeking donations of craft materials such as yarn, styrofoam, beads, glitter and fabric paint.

For information or to make a contribution, call Mayo at [phone].

PALMDALE - The Palmdale Participation Preschool, 1773 E. Ave. R, is accepting applications for fall, and the director continues to seek community sponsors and volunteers committed to the importance of education.

The purpose of the nonprofit preschool curriculum is to prepare children and their parents for entering elementary school, director Cathi McLaughlin said. It is a developmental program, focusing on preparing youngsters socially, emotionally and intellectually for school life.

With the help of parents in the classroom - on a committed, rotating basis - the school day starts out with ``circle time,'' which includes stories, finger play, songs and math.

In addition, thinking games involve kids in working with letters, colors, shapes and other concepts, McLaughlin said. The children also make arts and crafts, work on science and writing projects and concentrate on small-motor activities.

There also is a well-equipped playground to provide children with access to many different activities, she said.

Students make their own snacks every day and at the close of the session, another circle time is held where youngsters have an opportunity to share recent experiences or feelings and thoughts for the day, McLaughlin said.

Class offerings include separate sessions for 3- and 4-year-olds.

The facility, which opened in 1974, has three teachers and is run solely by parent tuition and fund raising, McLaughlin said.

A scholarship fund is in place for anyone interested in sponsoring a child who cannot afford tuition.

The school board is continuously seeking community volunteers to speak to students about their careers and life experience, McLaughlin said.

Examples of guests needed are representatives of various agencies, law enforcement officers, physicians, dentists, storytellers, bakers, ambulance drivers, firefighters, paramedics or veterinarians, McLaughlin said.

For information, to volunteer, or to make donations, contact Cathi McLaughlin at [phone].