Youth-program funding available

PLATTSBURGH -- The Clinton County Youth Bureau is accepting applications for New York Office of Children and Family Services youth program funding for the balance of 2008 fiscal year. Youth Development/Delinquency Prevention (YDDP) 50-percent matching funds will be awarded to agencies offering new programs, activities or services to the general youth population of Clinton County. The 50-percent local match for this funding may not come from state or federal government sources.

Special Delinquency Prevention Program (SDPP) 100-percent funds will be awarded to agencies offering programs, activities or services designed to prevent delinquency within targeted youth populations.

Any community based, 501(C)3, not-for-profit organization with a duly constituted board of directors may apply. All programs must be offered free of charge to participating youth. Funds must be used by Dec. 31. Applications for funding must be submitted to the Clinton County Youth Bureau by Thursday, May 1. For more information or applications, call the Youth Bureau at 565-4750.

Bluseed offers children's art classes

SARANAC LAKE -- Bluseed Studios is offering two six-week courses this spring for young artists in grades one through eight. The creative arts program is designed and developed to inspire children to explore and discover art through creative projects in clay, drawing and painting. The program seeks to develop and strengthen creative skills, build self-esteem and confidence, develop a sense of individuality, encourage self-expression, and stimulate imagination in children. Class size is limited to seven students to ensure individualized attention and mentoring. The program for first- through fourth-graders runs on Tuesdays, April 29 through June 3, from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fifth- through eighth-graders can take part on Thursdays, May 1 through June 5 from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Tuition for each session is $125, which includes all materials and instruction. Partial scholarships are available.

All classes take place at Bluseed Studios, 24 Cedar Street in Saranac Lake. The instructor for the class is local artist Mary Lou Reed, who has been teaching pottery and art for more than 20 years.

To register, call Bluseed Studios at 891-3799 or e-mail art@bluseedstudios.org

Applications available for Potsdam basketball camp

POTSDAM -- Boys and girls entering grades 3 through 12 are eligible for SUNY Potsdam's International Basketball Camp, July 13 through 18. The program teaches skills and fundamentals through individual and group instruction. Last summer, nearly 430 American and Canadian players worked with 95 top college and high-school coaches, according to a press release. The camp is co-directed by SUNY Potsdam men's basketball coach Sherry Dobbs Jr. and women's basketball coach Tara Ruckh. Although both boys and girls attend camp in the same sessions, the skill groups and teams are not co-ed. Cost is $370 for resident campers and $235 for commuters. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required to reserve a spot in the camp. Group rates for five or more applications sent in together receive a $25 discount per person. For more information, contact Sherry Dobbs at (315) 267-2308, Tara Ruckh (315) 267-3708, or the Office of Non-Credit, Conferences and Special Programs at (315) 267-2167 or (315) 267-2538. Information is also available at: www.potsdam.edu/cont.ed.