Reading, writing and arithmetic are not the usual summer activities for children.

The children in the Trinity Lutheran Enrich program will sharpen their skills all summer.

Rita Carmichael, co-director of the program, says that although this week is the last week of the program, the children will take the things they learned to school with them next semester.

“We stress academics and fun,” said Carmichael. “We are teaching these kids life skills and also combine that with faith-based lessons.”

The Enrich program is finishing up its 11th year this week.

Children from pre-K to sixth grade take part in the program. Roughly 70 children from the area are taking part this year.

Haley Hyche, 9, is a four-year veteran of the program.

“I like to meet the different people that come every year.”

The parents, the church and Lutheran ministries fund the activities.

“We have been really blessed this year,” said Carmichael. “This program gives the children something to do and some place for them to be.”

The youngest member of Enrich, Creyshaun Hatcher, 3, learned to count to 10 and will showcase his skills for anyone who will watch.

“How can you not want to do this,” said Carmichael as the toddler finished his counting with a smile.

Todau, Enrich will hold its end–of-the-summer program, which will combine everything the children have learned and worked on all summer. It will include songs, poems and other performances.

Kareem Ross, 10, has enjoyed his first summer at Trinity Lutheran.

“Singing and choir is the best,” said Ross.

When the children arrive every morning they are fed breakfast and then McBride has devotional time with them. Their day includes arts, crafts, playing outside and reading. The children also take regular visits to the Selma-Dallas County Public Library where they watch puppet shows and check out books through the Enrich program’s library card.

The classes are divided by age group and each class has about 25 children along with a few volunteers.

Many Selma High School seniors have volunteered their time this summer instead of taking the usual vacations.

“They are wonderful,” said Carmichael.

Carmichael said that although the program is five weeks long, she wishes it were longer.

“If we had the funding we would love for it to go June and July,” said Carmichael. “When we stop the kids have nothing to do for the rest of the summer.”