Another school year has ended and once again it is time for the Cherokee County SO-COOL program to begin. SO-COOL 2009 will kick off Monday, June 8 and will run through July 10.

The program will be offered for local students age 8 through 13 and will be held Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day at the National Guard Armory in Centre.



SO-COOL (School’s Out-Camp Of Organized Learning) is sponsored by the Centre Rotary Club and the Cherokee County Office of Prevention programs. The Centre Rotary Club started the program in the 1990s as a way to offer constructive activities for students in the fifth through eighth grades during the summer months. At this age, many students in this age group are too old for baby sitters but not quite old enough to be left without supervision.

Over the years, the SO-COOL Program’s attendance has steadily increased. The program has evolved into a model program for youth programs throughout the state. Rotary Club members, in the past, have alternated grilling hamburgers and hotdogs for the participants and workers throughout the summer months.

In addition to the Centre Rotary Club, the City of Centre always makes a generous contribution to the program and also allows SO-COOL the use of the Centre Swimming Pool.

As in the past, SO-COOL will offer many fun activities including swimming, skating, other sporting activities as well as educational programs, said Nancy Steed, onsite coordinator. This year, students from the Gadsden State Nursing School will provide education and training programs, including CPR and other courses. And, as in the past participants can expect some surprises during the summer.

SO-COOL will provide each participant with a free lunch and free snack on a daily basis, Steed said.

Parents who wish to register their children may do so onsite at the National Guard Armory.