What is there to do for children and teenagers in Norwich? Here's our list.

Whether it's something after school, or a way to keep your children and teenagers busy on the weekend or during the summer, it may be helpful to give them something to do.

Erin Haggan, Norwich's Youth, Family and Recreation manager said children and teenagers who are more active in their communities end up giving back more. Additionally, feelings of connection, belonging and purpose can reduce mental health issues, substance abuse, and crime, Haggan said.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but here are some of the things children and teenagers can do in Norwich, from city-provided classes to activity spaces to programming from independent non-profits.

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Blooming into Greatness

Blooming Into Greatness is a nonprofit mentoring, performing and creative arts organization that serves youth in the greater Norwich area, providing access to dance, artistic self-expression and more. Some of the classes the group offers include hip-hop dancing, African dancing, step, praise dance, African drumming, songwriting, and playwriting.

Anyone six to 18-years-old who is interested can meet for the free program at the Norwich Arts Center, 62 Broadway, Mondays through Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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Anyone interested in joining needs to email bloomingintogreatness2@gmail.com

Night Flight Basketball and Softball

The youth portion of Night Flight’s activities runs during the summer. Stay posted to the Night Flight Basketball League and Night Flight Softball League Facebook Pages for more details.

Norwich Police Athletic League

The Norwich Police Athletic League offers three sports: basketball, baseball, and soccer.

The basketball program is for children ages 5-7. Registration begins in late October, and the league starts in mid-January, and runs for eight consecutive Saturdays at Samuel Huntington Elementary School. Five-year-old children have 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. games, six-year-olds have 11 a.m. and noon games, and seven-year-old children have 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. games.

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The baseball program has multiple age groups for children and teens aged 4-15, for both boys and girls. The youngest children are taught the game’s basics. On the other end of the age bracket, the teenagers are competing against other teams. Registration begins in January, and the season runs from late April to June.

The soccer program is split into two seasons. Girls soccer runs late April to June for ages 9-13. Boys soccer runs from late August through October, and is for ages 4-13.

Email palinfo@norwichpal.org for more information.

Otis Library

The Otis Library features programs for both children and teenagers.

On the younger side, there are Halloween and Thanksgiving themed events coming up for October and November. For Halloween, a magician will be at the library on Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., and Haunted Pumpkin Patch crafting will be available Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For Thanksgiving, there will be more children's crafts with making Paper Fan Turkeys on Monday Nov. 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Candy-Stuffed Turkey Legs on Monday, Nov. 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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Beyond the holidays, the Kid’s Book Club, for Grades 3-5, will start on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. That month’s book is I Survived the Children's Blizzard of 1888 by Lauren Tarshis.

One other children’s library event is a registration-required art class for Grades 3-5 with local artist Samson Tonton on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

There is also an all ages performance by the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers on Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

For more information on these and future activities or shows, visit the Children’s Room or call 860-889-2365, ext. 114.

Otis Library also has programs for teenagers. The Tween Book Club is for Grades 6-8. The reading alternates from chapter books and graphic novels each month. The group usually meets on the last Monday of the month, 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

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The Otis Library’s Teen Advisory Board meets the last Wednesday of the month from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Advisory Board helps with the library’s programs and crafts, and also gives back to the library.

Anyone interested in these programs should contact Young Adult Librarian Meghan Estey at 860-889-2365, ext. 107, or email her at mestey@otislibrarynorwich.org

Recreation through Youth and Family Services

The Youth and Family Services Department has merged with the Recreation Department on Oct. 3, and has taken on the responsibilities of the latter. While there are many activities offered, here are some of the upcoming ones this fall and winter listed online, with open slots, as of Oct. 11. Unless otherwise listed, programs meet at 75 Mohegan Road.

Small and Tall Tumblers, and Mini Star Tumblers offers gymnastics for younger children. The program meets Thursdays from Nov. 10 to Dec. 22, except Thanksgiving. It runs from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. for 1-3 years, 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. for 3-5 years, and 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for 6-8 years. Program costs $45 for residents.

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Beginners fencing classes, for ages 10 and up, will take place Wednesdays from Nov. 9 to Dec. 21 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. $50 for residents.

Beginner Karate classes will run Saturdays from Nov. 12 to Dec. 17. Ages 3 and 4 meet from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Ages 5 to 7 meet from 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Ages 7-13 meet from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Cost is $45 for residents.

The High School Recreational Basketball League will meet Thursdays at Teacher’s Memorial Global Magnet Middle School from Jan 12. to March 23. It's for ages 14-18 and costs $75 for residents. The fee includes coaching, games and a t-shirt.

The Winter Basketball League meets Mondays from Jan. 9 to Mar. 6 for students aged 8-10, and Wednesdays from Jan. 11 to Mar. 8 for ages 11-13. Both programs run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and costs $50 for residents.

Youth Yoga will meet Mondays from Nov. 21 to Dec. 26. It’s for ages 8-13. It runs from 6p.m. to 6:45 p.m., and costs $40 for residents.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Things to do in Norwich for children and teenagers