Shafter Recreation in full swing

The Shafter Recreation Department is having a very busy season, with the summer programs all in full swing. Baseball and softball just ended, with champions crowned and All Star games played.

The baseball All-Star game pitted the Shafter players against the Wasco All Stars, with the Shafter squad coming out on top. In softball, the team named Texas was the winner

SRPD now has their Summer Day Camp continuing, along with their summer tennis program. The tennis camp starting times had to be adjusted because of the heat, with the players starting at 7 p.m. three days a week. This camp teaches the kids basic techniques: forehand, backhand, serve, volley and footwork.

The Shafter Striders also are in full gear, competing in several competitions. The team is comprised of over 30 children at all different skill levels, from novice to advanced cross country runners, all vying for county titles.

The next big event for the Shafter Recreation Department is the youth volleyball program, just now beginning.

They are playing games at the Activity Center, in the Blue Gym. There are divisions from 8 and under to 14 and under. Games are played Monday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., with games in the morning on Saturday.

According to Director Phillip Jimenez, there are a record number of participants in the volleyball program. "In the 14U division, we have eight teams, and we have eight teams in the 11U division."

The regular season will conclude on Wednesday, Aug. 21, with All-Star games scheduled after that. There is also an End of the Season Tournament, with teams vying for post-season hardware.

More information is available from Shafter Recreation Department at 661-746-3303.