An after-school program offered through the Vermillion School District offers more than just fun activities for kids. It also teaches them the importance of helping others in their community. It's called Beyond School Adventures. The program is for Kindergarten through 5th Graders and has been up and running in the Vermillion District for 6 years.

During the school year kids in the program use school classrooms for art, music, computer programs and PE. But Beyond School Adventures also includes trips to other cities. They visit places like the Sertoma Butterfly House, the Washington Pavilion and Wild Water West in Sioux Falls. They've also made trips to Sioux City and Yankton to see attractions there.

Beyond School Adventures also puts an emphasis on service learning and teaching kids the importance of getting involved in their community. Recently, students tied 50 blankets for those in need. They celebrated Halloween at the Vermillion Senior Center and donated pop tops to the Ronald McDonald House.

Organizers say the goal through all of these activities is to go beyond the mere supervision of children, and give them quality, educational experiences even after the school bell has rung.

About 125 families take advantage of the Beyond School Adventures program in the Vermillion School District every year..