Although it seems to be never-ending winter, the Marion Recreation Department is looking ahead with a slew of new and returning programs lined up for summer.

Director Jody Dickerson and Administrative Assistant Donna Hemphill said the department has seen an increasing number of participants over the years.

“All of the numbers in the programs have drastically increased, which is really good,” Dickerson said. “A lot of that is the amount of programs and the diversity of the programs. We’re always thinking ahead and looking for suggestions.”

To view the complete list of programs, visit the Recreation Department’s website. Below are a few of the programs.

Camp Silvershell

Camp Silvershell will return for its third year in June. The program has been one of the most successful for the department, Dickerson said.

“It shows you how successful it is when you receive 150 applications for camp counselors,” Dickerson said. “Everybody always wants to come back.”

The schedule for the camp is as follows: Week one June 24 to 28, week two July 1 to 5, week three July 8 to 12, week four July 15 to 19, week five July 22 to 26, week six July 29 to August 2, week seven August 5 to 9, and week eight August 12 to 16.

Weeks two, four, six, and eight will include a field trip. The cost is $275 per child for two weeks. This year, parents and caregivers can choose which two weeks their child would like to attend. The sessions do not have to be back-to-back.

“People seem to be pretty excited about that,” Hemphill said. “We’re definitely looking forward to it.”

Kid’s Equipment Day

The department will host a “Kid’s Equipment Day” on Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fire trucks, dump trucks, bulldozers, excavators, and police cars will be on display at the field behind the Town House on Main Street.

“It’s going to be great,” Dickerson said. “Little kids love climbing stuff and all of the kids get a construction hat.”

Swimming lessons at Silvershell Beach

Lessons are scheduled Monday through Thursday beginning in July. The first session is from July 1 to July 26. Session two will run from July 29 to August 22. Children must be evaluated by the water safety instructor to be placed in a class. Evaluations are available on June 24 to 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The cost for lessons are $25 for Marion residents and $30 for non-residents.

Movies in the Park

The Recreation Department will screen a film at Island Wharf on Front Street beginning in July.  Admission is free.

The schedule is as follows:

July 10: “The Wizard of Oz” at 8:45 p.m.

July 17: “Wreck it Ralph” at 8:45 p.m.

July 24: “Smurfs” at 8:30 p.m.

July 31: “How to Train Your Dragon” at 8:30 p.m.

August 7: “Mega Mind” at 8:15 p.m.

August 14: “The Muppets” at 8 p.m.

August 21: “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” at 7:45 p.m.

Junior Lifeguard Program

The program will help train teenagers ages 14 to 15 on CPR, First Aid, basic rescue skills, and swim lesson instruction.

The first session will run from June 24 to July 5. Session two will run from July 8 to July 19. The classes are held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The limit is six per session. The fee for the class is $272.

Silvershell summer basketball clinics

Coach Erha of the boys travel team will lead clinics beginning in June. The classes are co-educational. For kids entering grades four through six, the clinic will run from June 14 to 18. For grades seven and eight, the clinic will run July 8 through 12. All classes will run Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants are asked to bring a water bottle and a snack. The cost is $79 per player per session.

Annual Town Block Party

The annual Block Party will be held on Saturday, August 24. The rain date is August 25. The event will include food, music, dancing, and activities. All proceeds will benefit the Marion Firefighters Association and the Marion Recreation Youth Programs.

To register for a program, download the registration form on the department's website and mail checks to 2 Spring Street Marion, MA 02378. Checks should be made payable to Marion Recreation. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 774-217-8355.