The Port Augusta Youth Centre is running its school holiday program throughout January and welcomes all children between the ages of seven and 25 to come along.

The program is offering lots of free activities, and has already held two free cinema days this week. Free pool days are coming up every Friday this month between 10am and 3pm, while free sessions at the aquatics centre are available on the January 19, 20, 25 and 28.

The On The Ball basketball program will be a highlight for the program when it visits the city on January 24 and 25.

On The Ball aims to increase the health of young people by encouraging physical activity and involvement in the community.

It also provides support to young people to assist in setting life goals, increasing self-esteem and the ability to make positive choices.

The program will be held at the basketball stadium, with day one running from 9.30am to 3pm and day two between 8.30am and 10.30am.

The school holiday program also allows the youth to participate in sports and recreation, including 8-ball and game consoles, plus they can tap into their creative side with art, craft and scrapbooking sessions.

Traditional games incorporating Aboriginal culture and traditional ways of life have been popular, as has working in the centre’s community garden, which is nearly finished.

Next school holidays the youth centre is looking to make its program more accommodating for those older than 14.

The centre is thinking about changing its opening times to later in the day, as well as opening for different age groups at different times.

It is also working hard to obtain regularly activities in the music and dance area after the Learning Music Australia program in December received a positive response.

For full details see this week's edition of the Transcontinental