The new Web site, www.YouthCity.com, provides easy access to information and registration systems, schedules and a chat area and links to YouthCity partner Web sites.

Elizabeth Robinson, YouthCity director of programming, said the most "coveted" class is capoeira, the Brazilian martial art that incorporates self-defense, dance, music and culture. YouthCity capoeira is taught at Liberty Park by world-champion fighter "Jamiaka."

"The kids choose their classes so they're learning what they like," Robinson said.

YouthCity at Liberty Park currently has 30 registered students and can accept up to 10 more for the summer program now in session. The second session begins July 12, and classes are held daily. Children are also provided with a free lunch by the local school lunch program.

"Kids are learning how to draw; they are swimming and they engage in marvelous mentoring relationships with adults who care about them," said Janet Wolf, YouthCity director.

She also said YouthCity is an excellent excuse for parents not to worry about their children. "There are plenty of things going to keep them busy all day."

"These opportunities not only provide them great places to be so they are not getting in trouble during their leisure hours — and we know that these kinds of programs cut down dramatically on drug use, on sexual activity among young people and on other kinds of crime — but these programs also help build better lives and stronger families and hence a stronger community in the future," Anderson said.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com