When youwalk into the room at the Windsor Community Center where the Romp-n-Learn is meeting , youcan easily see why the kids love it so much . It is what so many kids are getting less and less of today – unstructured play and social time with their friends .

During a recent after-school session , 15 kids were doing all sorts of fun things – playing checkers , blocks , working on a big nature project – and several were gathered around a table working on their homework after a long day at school .

Debbie Anderson , recreation specialist for the town of Windsor , has been working on the program for about two years. “ We get a lot of the same kids every year, ” she said . “ Our staff spends so much time with the kids , they have an amazing connection . ” Anderson talked about how the staff members have gotten to know the children’s families and have even seen them come back for the summer programs .

Ashley Redick and Pat Howard are the staff members who pour their energy into these sessions everyday . Both are recent high school graduates and attending Manchester Community College . “ We know each of our kids’ parents , ” said Redick . “ I know what each one of the kids likes and doesn’t . ” The program’s staff is funded solely by the tuition that the parents pay , according to Anderson .

The town facility is perfect for a program like this one , as it has so much to offer . Redick described the children’s schedule : “ The come here and have homework time , then arts and crafts , gym activities and the indoor playground . When it’s nice out , we go to the park outside , ” she said .

Parents love the program , too . Beth had enrolled her daughter in the summer program , but then decided to keep her with the program into the school year. “ I put my daughter in this program for three reasons : the cost difference , because of my respect for Ms . Debbie and because Sarah has a buddy in the program . ”

Sarah , Beth’s 7-year-old daughter , was obviously enjoying herself , too , as she played a spirited game of giant-size checkers . “ I get homework over with , ” Sarah said . “ I get to play with friends , but my favorite part is [ my friend ] Christina . ”

Elke’s daughter Brianna is in the program , too . “ I know that my taxes go somewhere , ” Elke said , in reference to the facility where her daughter enjoys this program every day . “ They are very nice to her , and it is very affordable . Pat and Ashley play with the kids and work with them – they really initiate with the kids . ”

Brianna loves it , too . “ It’s fun , and they take care of me , ” she said .

Anderson says the program really does hinge on the energy and passion that Howard and Redick bring everyday . “ They come up with the arts and crafts and the recreation activity and give me the plan every week . ”

This program , offered through the Windsor Recreation and Leisure Services Department , costs substantially less than most after-school programs and daycare . Parents can pay by the week or by the month .

Romp-n-Learn meets every weekday after school at 330 Windsor Ave . For more information , call 285-1990 .