As summer quickly approaches ALASA Academy staff and volunteers tackle the job of meeting new challenges as they once again prepare for this year's "family" of children coming in July. Even though the Main House at Alasa Farms burned this winter, the program will continue at ALASA Farms in Sodus, New York near Sodus Bay. ALASA Academy Workshops are primarily outdoor activities on the 700 acre working farm and woodland area. The Main House was used as the site for inclement weather activities, leaving ALASA with no "home," at least under a roof! Months have gone into brainstorming ideas for this summer without compromising any of our limited funds. Research concluded that a high peaks tent with windowed sides would be the safest and best way to proceed. With this change, and replacing some furniture needs, ALASA Academy is ready to proceed as usual. In fact, ALASA has already successfully provided a Customized Workshop for the Lyons and North Rose-Wolcott afterschool programs.

At present, the airwaves are burning with phones ringing and e-mails arriving, as people visit the brand new, user friendly website at www.ALASA-Academy.org. Everything is bustling as applications roll in; supplies and equipment are inventoried and orders are sent; donations are solicited; schedules are set; volunteers are contacted for continued support; and schools are presented with sponsorship opportunities for children.

The ALASA Academy provides children with exciting outdoor activities, stimulating them to try new things and be a part of the decision-making for their week or day at the Workshops. Building self-confidence, enthusiasm, expanding interests and knowledge, team-building, and setting individual goals, while having fun, are the goals for the Workshops. The previous 2005-2008 Summer Workshops have been a huge success, with many children returning each year, spending more than one week, and planning to return again.

With parent, student, and volunteer input, this summer will prove to be even more successful! Workshop days will focus on children's personal interests and abilities as they explore the animals, streams, woods, and activities available on the Alasa Farm properties in a truly Bully-Free environment. Some opportunities include: animal care and visits; stream and fossil exploration; relaxation techniques; camping and survival skills; art in nature; hiking; plant and animal identification; and campfire luncheon just to name a few. Presenters expand each week's excitement and horizons through hands-on presentations of wild animal rehabilitation, metal work on a forge, fishing, ecology, adventure challenge games, and more.

Workshops are scheduled for: July 6-10 (ages 6-10); July 13-17 (ages 11-16); and July 27-31 (ages 6-16). The daily schedule is from 8:00 - 3:00 For more information contact us at: our newly redesigned web site - www.ALASA-Academy.org (or) Sharon Maher, Director 315-573-1470 or smaher45@aol.com; Maryanne Whyte, Program Director 315-573-0036 or maryannewhyte@yahoo.com.

** This year ALASA Academy has expanded the Customized Workshops (available to groups and schools for children, families and adults of all ages), to include the late spring and early fall seasons.