As the school year comes to a close, Bethlehem Parks and Recreation youth summer programs will soon start. The list of programs is slightly varied from previous years, but Recreation Coordinator Mark Atkinson said the majority has remained unchanged.

Programs that occur yearly, according to Atkinson, include the tennis camps, playground programs, summer camps, swimming lessons and movie screenings. Each of these will be offered again this summer. A few programs are being cut, however.

"We're not doing fitness in the park this year. There was yoga, power toning and another more advanced power toning class," Atkinson said. "We had a boot camp ... but it wasn't that popular. We did it for the past two summers and it just didn't take off as much as we wanted it to."

Although these camps have been canceled, Atkinson is excited about another event that has been added to this summer's schedule.

"We're doing bubble soccer. It's a one time event. You get into a huge bubble suit and bump into people. I'm kind of excited to play myself," he said. The event is scheduled to take place June 6.

The variety of summer programs began as early as May 16 and some will extend as late as Aug. 7.

Two golf camps will be offered at the Bethlehem Golf Club, one for boys and girls ages 7 through 15; the other for boys and girls ages 6 through 14. Junior Camp One will offer two three-day sessions and Juniors Get Golf Ready will offer four three-day sessions.

Junior tennis clinics will be held at the Sand Island Courts for age groups of 6 to 8 years, 9 to 12 years and 13 through 17 years. Three two-week sessions and one single week session will be offered for all age groups.

Adult tennis clinics for ages 18 and older will also be held at the Sand Island Courts. Four sessions will be offered.

Swimming lessons will be held at Memorial Pool for preschool children of 4 and 5 years as well as youth ages 6 and older. Three sessions will run Monday through Thursday mornings. Adult, semi-private and private lessons will also be available.

Another option for children is the Summer Fun at the Park program. The program at Bernie Fritz, Clearview, Elmwood, McNamara, Yosko and Higbee parks runs from June 15 through July 31. Children of all ages are welcome, but children under 8 years must be accompanied by an older sibling of 12 years or older or an adult. Arts and crafts, games, sports, special events, swimming and movies will be included in the program.

The Summer Day Camp will be held at the ice rink on Illick's Mill Road. Four sessions for boys and girls ages 7 through 12 are planned. Swimming, arts and crafts, nature activities, sports, games and special events will be offered.

For more information on Bethlehem summer recreational programs, visit www.bethlehem-pa.gov/parks or call 610-865-7081.