With the holiday season in full swing and winter vacation a snowball’s throw away, Hanover Township’s Open Gym Program must be right around the corner. What better way for children and teens to enjoy their time off from school and attend the fun-filled, activity-packed Open Gym Program? Open Gym, which began in 1995, will be offered during the upcoming winter break.

Youth who attend Open Gym can get their daily amount of exercise by playing basketball, soccer, dodge ball and other recreational activities. Arts and crafts will also be plentiful and the Open Gym Game Room will be in full action featuring chess, checkers, Connect Four and other mind-boggling games. It might be cold outside, but it’s beginning to heat up at Open Gym.

This free program will be held on Monday, December 19 at Bartlett Elementary School, 111 North Avenue, Door #6, in Bartlett for ages 5-14; Tuesday, December 20 at Tefft Middle School, 1100 Shirley Avenue in Streamwood for ages 7-18; Tuesday, December 27 at Parkwood Elementary, 2150 Laurel Avenue in Hanover Park for ages 5-14 and Wednesday, December 28, Lords Park Elementary, 323 Waverly Drive in Elgin for ages 5-14. Open Gym is from 12-4pm each day.

Besides recreational activities, youth can take advantage of many educational activities. Santa will be making an appearance at Tefft Middle School on December 20.

Designed to give youth a safe, fun and positive place to go, the Open Gym program has served over 50,000 youth since its inception over sixteen years ago. The program was developed as an anti-gang prevention program for kids of all ages. The Open Gym atmosphere promotes a sense of belonging and respect.

For more information, please call Hanover Township Youth and Family Services at (630) 483-5799.