With so many summer programs to choose from, residents may find it difficult to settle on which Marion Recreation Department activities to participate in.

Swimming and sailing lessons are offered. Pick-up volleyball and basketball games are available too. And the increasingly popular Silvershell Summer Program is back, but don’t wait to register, slots are filling fast.

“We had to turn away people last year from the Silvershell Summer Program,” said Donna Hemphill, the department’s administrative assistant. “The sooner people sign up the better.”

Now in its fourth year, the program at Silvershell Beach runs for eight weeks starting June 23. A two-week commitment is required, but parents can sign up children for non-consecutive weeks. The program is also open to residents from neighboring towns.

This year for the first time a weekly field trip will be offered said Hemphill. Destinations include the Cape Cod Inflatable Park, ice-skating at Gallo Arena, the New England Aquarium and more.

Recreation Department Director Jody Dickerson said improving the program year-to-year is the goal, and residents are taking notice.

“I’ve heard nothing but positive things from parents. Some have sent their children to expensive specialty camps, but they end up coming back here,” Dickerson said. “They love it. It gives kids a chance to be kids.”

For adults, pick-up men’s basketball games begin Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. starting on May 21 at the Silvershell Beach basketball court. Free co-ed volleyball games start June 16 at 6 p.m. and will be held on Mondays.

Sailing lessons for children (and adults too) will be held on Sippican Harbor. The program offers seven sessions that include four days of lessons. Each lesson lasts two hours long. Sessions begin June 23.

For a complete list of the Marion Recreation’s programs, along with dates, times and cost, pick up a brochure at the Marion Town House, Marion Recreation Department, 11 Atlantis Drive, Marion, or visit  www.MarionRecreation.com.

Dickerson said registering early is important. In the past, programs have been cancelled because not enough people signed up on time.

“It looked like there wasn’t enough interest and then later we had a rush of people looking to sign up, but it was too late,” he said. “It’s better to register soon.”