Children enjoy after-school club

Lidia Hiott-Balcom's favorite color is green, but she saw a lot of blue and pink Monday afternoon.

Lidia, 9, was one of five children on who made leis out of construction paper, string, straws and beads after they did homework in a modular building at Anna Gimmestad Memorial Park.

Lidia's paper flowers were pink and blue because they were the first two colors she picked up, she said.

"It's fun because we get to do a lot of activities," Lidia said.

The children were at a free after-school program that has been in place through Greeley's Youth Enrichment Program. The program runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for children ages 6 to 17. Children go on field trips, do crafts and other activities after homework time.

Now, the park location has about half of its average 25 children, said Tony Mata, Greeley recreation coordinator.

"I think it's a great program because it also provides support for parents," said Nickie Demmitt, 30, of Evans, a mom who picked up her daughter on Monday.

Demmitt is a full-time student at Aims Community College and her husband works. Lidia's homework is done by the time she picks her up at the end of the day, a relief in their busy lives. She said the program keeps her kid active and socially stimulated.

The city is still recruiting children for the program, Mata said.

Darci Hata, 20, of Evans, is studying elementary education at the University of Northern Colorado. She works at the Gimmestad park location and said she is ready for more students.

Children joked with her and asked for help.

Isidro Gaspar, 6, was reluctant to tie his shoes, but Hata coached him through the process.

The children take a weekly trip to a goat farm northwest of Greeley, and most of the children said that's their favorite part.