The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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June 7, 2008

Kids Café now serving for summer

By Violet Spader

Staff Writer



The typical day for kids attending Kids Café at Zoë Bible Church, 729 E. Maine, includes playing outside, story time, computer games, lunch and shopping. On Friday, they learn how to perform CPR and other first aid methods.

Site director Nell Pitts said the summer program is unique because of the combination of education and community support.

“We’re not just a warehouse,” she said. “We teach these kids useful skills, which they will carry on.”

The eight-week program concluded its first week, which focused on health and safety, Friday. Each week has a different theme; upcoming themes include banking and finance, drama and sports.

Pitts said the program began in 2004 and has grown every year since. Currently, more than 70 children are registered to attend Kids Café, a number that includes youth volunteers.

Youth and Family Services provides life social skills training as part of the program, teaching kids about anger management, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.

Pitts said community involvement and donations have helped Kids Café thrive.

They pick up children from Booker T. Washington Community Center and take them to Zoë, a service Pitts said has saved parents money and time.

University Place Church and World Harvest Church have provided vehicles for transportation service, according to Pitts, and Park Avenue Thrift, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma City and Northern Oklahoma Resource Center of Enid have given donations.

Parents interested in sending their child to Kids Café can contact the church at 237-7703. An application form is required, as is a $35 activity fee.

Kids Café is 12:30-5:30 p.m. every week day.

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