Many parents are quick to place children in all sorts of afterschool activities. Maybe it’s to bring culture into their lives with art and music or provide them exercise with soccer or karate. Maybe it’s simply to keep them out of trouble. Whatever the reason, afterschool activities keep many kids – and their parents – running from event to event.

At Our Lady of Lourdes School, a well-rounded education includes afterschool activities with peers. Organizers believe it builds good character, teamwork skills, and creates pride in oneself and spirit for a team. OLL encourages students to participate in several activities to build on their education.

“OLL kids learn good character in class and on the field,” said Office Manager Cathy Ercek.

Fall brings many choices of activities for OLL students. Football season has begun with a varsity and junior varsity team. There are both boys and girls volleyball teams. OLL also began a spirit squad last year that cheered all sports teams toward victory. The Athletic Dept. competes in the Catholic Youth Organization. Students can begin joining sports as early as third grade.

OLL students also can join the parish children’s choir. This group sings at Sunday masses, special events, performs a Christmas and spring concert, and competes in a choir festival.

Scouts begin in the first grade and some continue through high school. OLL Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts are parish-based and welcome children from other schools in the area.

If science is a hobby, students at OLL can participate in a Robotics program this fall where they will learn the basics of building a working robot.

Dance class is available beginning in kindergarten. Students meet once a week throughout the school year. The dancers perform in the school’s spring talent show in February.

And finally, students beginning third grade can join the altar servers group for the church, providing assistance to the presider during the liturgy.

For information, contact Our Lady of Lourdes at (818) 353-1106 and visit www.ourladyoflourdes.us or like them on Facebook.