MILL HALL — After previously making no moves on whether or not to continue its summer recreation program, the Keystone Central School District — after request from its superintendent — voted 6-2 to continue the program this year.

The program is open to children ages 5 to 12 in the Keystone Central School District in seven parks within the district.

The program, according to information provided to the board, includes weekly crafts, activities, free play, special visitors and learning opportunities as well as free snacks and water.

A motion to approve the program was made by Board Member Dr. Bill Baldino and seconded by Rich Wykoff.

During discussion, Vice President John Miller said he would be more in favor of the program if it had more educational value.

“If we had a program that was set up for the summer that was more educational and not just set up for another recess I might be for it. But I am strictly not for it,” Miller said.

Board President Elisabeth Lynch’s comments were similar to Miller’s.

“I truly believe that given our financial state right now and the fact that this isn’t a tutoring program, catch up program or an official STEM program, I’m sorry I cannot support it,” Lynch said. “But if the district ever comes back with a summer tutoring program or a summer school program I’d be very interested in learning about that.”

Board Member Chris Scaff asked what the summer program includes.

Superintendent Dr. Francis Redmon said it is made up of a variety of things.

“They are still learning, they are engaged in more of an outdoor learning, more experiential. I guarantee the kids are learning things; it’s just not in the typical way we would think about school,” he said.

Scaff also asked if kids can sign up ahead of time and what might happen if there is low attendance at one of the playgrounds.

Redmon said they do like when families are able to let the district know if their child is attending so they can allocate resources properly. He said kids are still able to show up, even if they don’t sign up.

If a playground sees low attendance, Redmon said they will close a park and shift the resources elsewhere.

According to its numbers from 2025 the following number of registered participants were at each park:

— Mill Hall: 46 registered attendees.

— Woolrich: 2 registered attendees.

— Renovo (16th Street Park: 36 registered attendees.

— North Bend: 25 registered attendees.

— Jack Bailey (Lock Haven): 39 registered attendees.

— Piper Harmon (Lock Haven): 2 registered attendees. It was noted this park closed after two weeks due to a lack of attendance.

In total, the district spent about $38,506.85 on the program — which includes the cost of supplies, a program supervisor, a floating staff member and 14 park instructors.

The district also received $5,300 donations, with $2,800 of this from 18 area businesses and community members and $2,500 from the Clinton County Community Foundation.

During the summer, outside of regular activities, the program also has special visitors including Hayze Smith from 4-H; North Bend 4-H volunteers; local fire companies and the Clinton County Fair Queen.

When voted on, board members Baldino, Shelby Bohartz, Roger Kshir, Manny Rodriguez, Scaff and Wykoff voted in favor of the program. Lynch and Miller voted no.