Summer is right around the corner and if you are looking for something to do, or for a safe place for your children to hang out, then look no further than Troy Parks and Recreation.

Pam Nix, adult programs coordinator for the recreation facility, said that many different things are happening this summer.

Ballroom dancing classes are being offered at the recreation center where they are taught by Dr. Ellis Bush and, according to Nix, the classes are just the beginning of various programs she hopes will be taught from the facilities.

“There are a lot of different programs that I want to do,” Nix said. “There are so many people that are talented enough teach, but they don’t even know that they can do it.”

Nix said that Bush had contacted her about teaching the ballroom dancing classes and, at first, the classes started slowly, but then interest in the classes soared and now Bush is teaching American ballroom dancing and Latin ballroom dancing from 6 to 7 p.m. on Mondays at the recreation facilities.

Nix said she would like for anyone that would be interested in teaching anything, from arts and crafts to dancing or photography to teaching a computer course like Photoshop, to give her a call.

“There are so many people in Troy that have talents that a place like this can use, but they don’t know it,” Nix said.

According to Nix, a fee structure is set up where both the facilities and the person teaching classes benefit.

“I want anything and everything I can get out here,” Nix said. “I want people to contact me if they have any ideas for a class they’d like to teach.”

In addition to trying to start a variety of different programs, Nix said she has planned to host a summer camp at the recreation facilities.

“We’re going to have arts and crafts, swimming, games and all kinds of outdoors stuff,” Nix said. “Children are going to have so much fun. With the walking trails we have now, we can go on nature walks. We’re even going to see if students from the university would like to come and help out with activities.”

Cindy Dukes, administrative assistant at Troy Parks and Recreation, said that the camp offers parents a fun, safe, place to keep their children while they are busy working or running other errands.

“The camps will be fun and they will get children out from in front of the television and get them active,” Dukes said. “We’re going to have structured games and are currently trying to find some athletes from the university to come out and help with sports like Basketball, Kickball, and other sports.”

Dukes said that there will be a multitude of activities both inside and outside for children to get involved with.

There are three summer camps offered: Murphree Park Day Camp, June 6 – July 1, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. for ages 5 – 12 years; Washington Day Camp, June 6 – July 1, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. for ages 5 – 12 years; the new Sportsplex Day Camp, June 20 – July 15, from 7:30 a.m. too 5:30 p.m. for 5 – 12 years.

Nix said that during the camps lunch will be provided and that the camps provide a safe, fun environment that encourages creativity and socialization through daily structured activities.

The cost of the camps are $50 a week and the activities will be divided into age appropriate groups.

For more details about teaching classes or about camp information, please contact Cindy Dukes or Pam Nix at (334) 566-4031.