The Perry Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up for a busy fall season of programs, and that starts with some youth camps that go hand-in-hand.

First is the Youth Flag Football Camp held at Wiese Park. There are two age groups, one for kindergarten through 4th grade, and another for 4th-6th grade. Assistant Parks and Rec Director Becky Halling says parents with 4th graders can decide if they want their child in the younger or older age group. At both camps, participants will learn fundamentals, skills, and teamwork. Dates for the younger camp are September 20th through October 25th, with practices to be determined and games at 5:30 on Thursdays. The older camp runs from September 18th through October 23rd, with games at 5:30 on Tuesdays.

The Youth Cheerleading Camp, which is for kids in grades kindergarten through 6th, will be in the same time frame as the younger flag football camp. Halling says participants will learn cheers and stunts from varsity cheerleaders from Perry High School. They’ll even get to show off their moves at the Thursday night flag football games. Practices will be held on Wednesdays after school at Wiese Park. The deadline to sign up for both the Youth Flag Football and Cheerleading camps is Tuesday, September 4th.

Halling encourages kids to give the camps a try, as they’re about more than just teaching fundamentals. “I think it’s just fun, even if the kids are not sure if they want to play. I just remember when I was younger, I loved going to the camps. I may not have been the best athlete, but I got to go with some of my friends (and) got to learn some new skills. Not only that, though, it’s also put on by some of the high school kids, and those are the kids that you look up to. So just some memories, if not learning some skills to go with them.”

Cost for the flag football camp is $20 for members, and $35 for non-members, while the cheerleading camp is $15 and $30, respectively. To sign up, stop in or call the McCreary Community Building at 515-465-5621. To learn more about these and other upcoming Parks and Rec activities, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.