VALDOSTA — Organizations throughout the Valdosta area have made their plans for summer, and they’re inviting local families to join them.

Among the opportunities for children are the following from the local library, YMCA, Parks and Recreation Authority and the Turner Center for the Arts.

South Georgia Regional Library

The South Georgia Regional Library System is hosting several live and interactive shows at various branches. One of the highlights is the Southeastern Snake Encounter, which gives children a chance to see and learn about both regional and exotic snakes, as well as alligators. This program kicks off on Monday, June 9, with shows at McMullen Southside Library at 1 p.m. and Salter Hahira Library at 4 p.m., with an additional location to be announced. It continues on Tuesday, June 10, at Miller Lakeland Library (11:30 a.m.), Johnston Lakes Library (1 p.m.), and Allen Statenville Library (3 p.m.).

Another popular act is Dadician, a family-friendly magic show featuring live doves and rabbits. Dadician will perform on Monday, June 16, at Johnston Lakes Library (1 p.m.) and Allen Statenville Library (3 p.m.), and on Tuesday, June 17, at Salter Hahira Library (11:30 a.m.), Miller Lakeland Library (2 p.m.), and McMullen Southside Library (4 p.m.).

Rounding out the currently announced scheduled performances is Colors of Flamenco, a vibrant La Candela performance that incorporates dancing and storytelling to showcase the spirit of flamenco culture. Shows begin on Monday, June 24, at Johnston Lakes Library (1 p.m.) and Allen Statenville Library (3 p.m.), with one more location to be determined. On Tuesday, June 25, the performance will move to Salter Hahira Library (11:30 a.m.), Miller Lakeland Library (2 p.m.), and McMullen Southside Library (4 p.m.). Program information will be updated on the South Georgia Regional Library Facebook page.

Valdosta-Lowndes YMCA

The Valdosta-Lowndes YMCA is offering a full-day summer camp beginning May 26 for children aged 5–12. Camp runs weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes on-site activities, games, lunch, and a snack each day. Field trips are also a staple of the program, with planned outings to bowling alleys, Fun Zone, and the YMCA Gymnastics facility. Registration opens Saturday, April 26, online at valdostaymca.org or in person.

Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation

Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation is hosting two sessions of its Community Center Camp at the Wood Valley Community Center for children aged 6–11. The first session runs June 20–27, and the second from July 25–August 1, both from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Each session costs $135 per child and includes daily field trips to exciting locations like Recoil and Wild Adventures. Those interested can sign up at vlpra.com or call for more information. Both sessions will feature identical activities.

Turner Center for the Arts

At the Turner Center for the Arts, young artists can participate in the Stars In Every Stroke summer camps. The four-day youth art camp for ages 5–12 runs June 2–5 (with limited spots still available) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. A one-day camp will be held on June 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and still has space available. Another four-day session has been added: Session 3 runs June 23–26, also from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, for children ages 5–12. 

The Turner Center will also host the Nature’s Palette art camp, a two-day experience on May 27–28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, for ages 6–12. Led by Turner Center artists-in-residence Christine Cabral and Annette Crosby, campers will explore the natural world through painting and drawing. Projects include funky flowers, colorful butterflies, parrot friends, and plant sculptures, using techniques like painting, drawing, mixed media, and collage. Information can be found at turnercenter.org/summer-camps/.