By By JAMES COLLINS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- The Niles-Buchanan YMCA's Winter Ruckus program offers a fun alternative to the typical winter break.
A typical day would include activities such as arts and crafts, watching movies, swimming in the pool and playing games in the gymnasium.
On Tuesday, there were eight children ranging from five to 11 years old at the program.
The Winter Ruckus program goes on for a total of five days this year. There were two days last week and three days this week with today being the last day of the program.
It costs $15 per day for YMCA members and $22 for non-members.
Murphy said the fact that this year's program is surrounded by the holidays has caused a smaller turnout than in years past.
Jessica Johnson, a 7-year-old second-grader at Merritt Elementary, said, "I really like doing crafts and going swimming, but the best part is making new friends."
T.J. Evans, a 9-year-old fourth-grader at Ballard Elementary, agreed that it is a great place to make friends.
Each day is packed with fun activities that the children help to plan out.
On Tuesday afternoon, the group went down to the pool for an hour swim and then went back upstairs to make confetti poppers while they finished watching "Santa Claus 2."
The YMCA has a similar Summer Camp program during the summer and a Spring Fling that takes place during spring break.