So summer’s nearly here (or at least, summer break is nearly here), and you might be wondering how to keep the kids busy during this time.

Well, it’s a perfect time to get them interested in crafting. Why?

In addition to keeping them busy (no idle hands if they have scissors, glue or other craft tools in them) and out of your hair, crafts help children develop.

“It definitely works on the different motor skills to increase those,” said Patti Davis, preschool youth coordinator for the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. “And, it’s an opportunity for them to get together with their friends and have fun in a social environment.”

Kekionga Middle School art teacher Terri Nagel took it a step further.

“It’s an opportunity for them to try new things, to build a skill and confidence and to explore mediums they’ve never tried before,” Nagel said. In addition to being an art teacher, Nagel has children and grandchildren with whom she does crafts.

Davis is in charge of programs the city offers at the Community Center downtown.

The parks department offers a wide variety of classes, including jewelry making, knot quilting, pottery and cake decorating.

Information about park and rec programs is available in the Fun Times brochure, which can be picked up at the Community Center, 223 W. Main St., or viewed online at www.fortwayneparks.org.

So if you are not a crafty person or you aren’t a stay-at-home parent who has time to tackle crafting with your children, don’t fear: The parks department has you covered.

The department charges a minimal fee for the classes, and they are taught either by summer staff hired by the department or by local artists and crafters with whom the department contracts.

Children who are more into art than crafts can work on a project with adults. During the Fort Wayne Newspapers Three Rivers Festival this summer, the works of art will be displayed at the Community Center.

If the thought of paying fees for your kids crafting causes you stress, Nagel assures there are plenty of low-budget ways to get into crafting.

One place to start is the Allen County Public Library, Nagel says: for example, in the nonfiction area under the 760s.

Children can check out books and get supplies locally at the chain craft stores or United Art and Education. And, Nagel says, there’s always the possibility of upcycling. Shopping at thrift stores and turning something old into something new is always an option.

Beyond that, Nagel reminded me that there’s plenty that can be found around our homes and used for crafting: Just add glue and a little imagination. For example:

•Beans

•Pasta

•Food dye

•Paper

With the above, your child can make a mosaic of sorts (you can use the food dye to dye the pasta).

There are plenty of ideas out there for crafting with your kids this summer, so never fear if you feel you aren’t creative enough.

Just get on your favorite Internet search engine and enter key phrases like “kids, crafts, free, ideas” and you’ll be amazed at what comes up.