It’s the start of something fun.

Thursday, organizers will have a kickoff party to this year’s Youth Empowerment Activities. Last year, a number of local entities joined together to provide positive summer activities to Ironton area young people. This summer, the program continues.

“The main thing is, it does give them something to do during the summer, keeps them active and out of trouble,” said Family Guidance Center Prevention and Development Director Mollie Stevens, one of the organizers of the camp.

The kickoff will be 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Ninth Street playground. Young people may register then for the camp. There will be free food, inflatables, games and prizes.

The camp will be Tuesday-Thursday June 10-July 10 at the Riverhills Community Building. It is for kids ages 6-14.

The list of scheduled activities includes basketball and baseball games, a health fair, bowling, and cookouts.

Last year an average of 40 kids attended the daily camp. It is free. It is funded and coordinated by the Appalachian Family and Children First Council, Lawrence County Juvenile Court and CAO Family Guidance Prevention Unit.