ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Community youth and their parents gathered at the APG

North (Aberdeen) child development center for the July 21 Summer Fun event, hosted annually by the CDC Parent Child Care Association.

In the main post chapel fellowship hall, children participated in hula hoop challenges, sack races, football tosses, crafts and more. Attendees ate food and ice cream donated by parents and a local Italian Ice eatery.

Angelique Scharine, who serves as the treasurer of the APG North (Aberdeen) PCCA, said the Summer Fun event is just one of the activities the organization hosts throughout the year.

“The PCCA is like the child care version of the Parent Teacher Association,” Scharine said. “We try to offer the extras that the center cannot provide for the kids. So, for example, we have a pumpkin patch event in October, an egg hunt in the spring, picnics and other events. Our kids get very good care at the center, but this just gives them just a little bit more.”

Scharine said that by volunteering with the PCCA she feels more a part of her child’s care.

“When I got involved I realized that it gave me some insight into different teachers, policies, etc.,” she said. “My son has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and my daughter, 3, has food allergies and is quite shy. I needed to know how to ask for accommodations for them and how to work out problems with the teachers.

“It is good to have contact with other parents and the staff because I know what to ask for,” explained Scharine. “The CDC is a wonderful daycare and we feel quite fortunate to have such excellent teachers for our kids.” Ben Foresta, incoming PCCA president, said anyone with a child enrolled at CDC is welcome to join the PCCA. Meetings are held monthly, during lunchtime or after work.

“We are constantly looking for new folks to get involved and bring their ideas to the group,” he said. “They can participate in whatever their schedule allows.”

For more information, call Foresta at 410-301-4825. For information about the APG South (Edgewood) PCCA, call Phyllis Perry at 410-612-4150.