PELHAM – Loud laughs and excited screams filled the air at Pelham Ridge Elementary School as children played in water sprinklers and sprayed each other with foam water blasters on Thursday, June 15.

Pelham City Schools’ summer care program kicked off on May 30 and about 50 children are participating in the program, said John Vincent, PCS coordinator of after school and summer school programs.

Vincent said the students participate in outdoor activities, educational computer games and arts and crafts during the program. On Wednesday, June 14, the students went on a field trip to Ruffner Mountain.

Incoming fifth grader Kendall Washington said the field trip included hiking and learning about how trees help the environment.

“It was really fun,” Washington said. “I also like going to the computer lab because sometimes they bring movies for us to watch.”

Five-year-old incoming first grader Abby Williams said she enjoys playing outside, arts and crafts and reading.

Other scheduled field trips include the McWane Science Center, Oak Mountain Lanes and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Incoming kindergarten students have been leaning what school will be like, Vincent said.

“We took them on a short bus ride to get them familiar with the bus and bus rules,” Vincent said. “They’ve also participated in short P.E., library, music and art classes to get them introduced to what school will be like. It gives them that experience so they don’t feel as scared or nervous about starting school.”

Students attend the program Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will continue through Aug. 4 for incoming kindergarten and sixth graders.