Many members of the community have longed for a safe and enjoyable environment for their middle school aged children to be in during the summer.

Even more children need and want more to do during their time off.

Jennifer Smith, Jasper’s Director of Leisure Activities, knows this all to well and decided to do something about it.

Smith is taking her usual hands-on approach and forming an organization geared just for these kids.

So she came up with “The Crew.”

For five days a week, Crew members will have the opportunity to participate in a number of positive activities offered and designed to impact a child’s life via a dynamic agenda.

The Crew, which is geared for ages 13-15 years old, will be available from the hours of 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. at the Memorial Park Natatorium and often will spend time around the Memorial Park area. There will be weekly outings and every month members will be treated to a “special outing.”

Smith stresses the newly-forming organization will benefit both the children and the parents.

Other than the physical benefits, she notes the children will gain a sense of accomplishment from participating and seeing themselves improve and succeed.

Members of The Crew are also expected to see a boost in confidence and self-esteem. The participation in different activities together are instrumental in helping kids learn necessary socialization skills like working with others and developing both lifelong friendships and working relationships.

The children will be allowed to explore a variety of environments and will have a say in choosing from fun-oriented activities.

“We’re offering a place for these kids to come hang out and participate in activities with friends,” said Smith, who just began piecing The Crew last week. “We’ve just started and there’s already been an outpouring of support from the community.”

Beside having daily access to swimming and Swann Gym, there will also be opportunities for special outings like disc golf, splash pad and Cobb movies, which offers a once-a-week free movie. The natatorium will have in-house art teaching as well as exercise instruction.

Smith already has multiple offers from various community leaders.

Musgrove Tennis Pro Grant Rolley has offered to volunteer a free tennis clinic for a day, which will also include instruction from local players.

Former Parrish High School and University of Kentucky football player Tony Dixon plans on coming for a meet and speak with the members. Walker County Outreach and the city of Jasper’s Emergency service departments are also listed as guest speakers.

Members from the Daily Mountain Eagle helped establish “The Crew” and will be offering assistance as well.

There are several red cross classes that members will have a chance to help teach, including Whales Tales, AQUACKtic safety and swimming lessons while learning junior life guard skills.

EASI (Equines Assisting Special Individuals) has invited members the chance to interact with horses while learning about their organization.

Reins of Life, a youth ranch in Carbon Hill, has also offered to teach members about their organization as well.

With the program officially kicking off Monday, registration for the program will begin this week.

There will also be a calendar of events, which includes local trips and a group leader with The Crew at all times.

“That’s where we could use help from the community,” Smith added. “Any individuals, businesses or organizations that would like to sponsor a trip or invite The Crew to their establishment are more than welcome. These kids are still at an impressionable age and need somewhere to go that is a positive place. This age group is not ready to completely be on its own and I’d rather see them in a good, safe environment. As a single, working mom, I know it’s hard on parents considering there isn’t currently anything available for this age.”

Donations and sponsors will be gladly appreciated and may can contact Smith at the Natatorium at 384-9617.