Youth summer program sign-ups start Thursday

With the beginning of summer vacation quickly approaching, officials with the Pahrump Valley Youth Activities (PVYA) program is reminding parents of a very important date.

This year PVYA’s registration event will be held tomorrow at the Saddle West Hotel and Casino Show Room / Bingo Room from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The program is designed for parents who have few child care options available during the long summer break.

Local businessman Tom Saitta is a member of PVYA board of directors. He said the program can accommodate more than 100 kids this summer.

“We will once again enroll 150 Pahrump youth ages 6-12 for this summer’s session. PVYA is entering its fourth year of operation and we are certainly grateful to be able to offer such a fun and exciting summer program for our youngsters. PVYA Director Denise Koch and the talented staff will return this year as their talent and experience is a tremendous benefit to all of us involved in PVYA,” he said.

The program drew raves from parents who previously used the services of the now-defunct Pahrump Boys and Girls Club.

Saitta said all summer long kids will be able to enjoy games, activities, fun and education.

Healthy foods are also part of the program.

“It’s just like we did last summer. Once again the kids at PVYA can stay and play all day long Monday through Friday starting with the sign-in and breakfast served at 8 a.m. until the program day concludes at 4:30 p.m. All the kids will be served breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack while at PVYA all thanks to the Summer Feed Program provided by the Nye County School District,” he said.

PVYA President Tom Metscher suggested that interested parents should plan on arriving to the sign-up event early as space is limited.

He said the fees cover the full seven-week duration.

Metscher also noted the fee must be paid on the date of registration by cash, cashier’s check or money order only. Personal checks will not be accepted this year.

“It’s $100 per child and we certainly advise them to download the document online so that it’s pre-filled and they can bring that with them. We are going to sign up 150 people. Saddle West is opening up their bingo showroom so we should get everybody registered quickly. There are limited spots just like in the past,” he said.

The educational activities take place both indoors and outdoors. Kids can watch movies, play games and create arts and crafts.

Saitta also had a message for those who participated in a recent fundraiser for the program.

“The fundraiser was a huge success as we raised $2,500 for the kids,” he said.

PVYA will be hosted at J.G. Johnson Elementary School.

This year’s program will operate from June 16 to Aug. 1.

For additional details and to download the sign-up form, logon to www.pvya.net.

Forms will also be available inside the Saddle West Showroom tomorrow.

Once PVYA officials reach their enrollment limit of 150 kids, all subsequent applications will be placed on a “waiting list.”