Boo! at FIU to launch university’s after school care program


boo-fiu-imgForget the tricks, this one’s a treat: Boo! at FIU, a haunted house extravaganza featuring costume contests, a DJ, rock climbing, two haunted houses and more is serving as the public launch of the university’s new After School Care Program. The spooktacular event is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 31, and Halloween enthusiasts of all ages are invited to attend.

The brainchild of FIU’s Continuing and Professional Education (CPE), Boo! at FIU will run from 6 p.m. to midnight outside the FIU Arena at Modesto A. Maidique Campus. For one night, the Panther Suites will become two haunted houses filled with themed areas that cater to every age. One haunted house will be for children (parental guidance required). The second haunted house, for teens and adults, promises to offer a more age-appropriate experience.

“Of course all our Panthers should come out and represent, but this is also a family affair,” said CPE After School Manager Marcus McIntyre. “There will be something for everyone, from a 3-year-old child to a grandparent.”

In addition to the haunted houses, there will be plenty to do outside the arena — a rock-climbing area, mechanical bull and dunk tank.  Revelers can dance the night away to the sounds of DJ Hurricane Rey. The 125-member FIU Marching Band, in costume, will entertain the crowd with a ghoulish showcase performance and Edge Fitness Studio’s Jamie Bernard and his dancers are planning two “Thriller” dances for attendees to participate in.

Costumes are strongly encouraged for all, and several costume contests will take place throughout the night.

Admission to Boo! at FIU is $10. Children ages 3 and younger will enjoy free admission. Call 305-348-4837 or send an email to afterschool@fiu.edu for more information. Click here to purchase tickets online.

After School Care Program

CPE leaders are using the event to publicly announce the roll out of their FIU After School Care Program, which begins Monday, Nov. 3, at FIU’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus.

Grisell Sotolongo, CPE director for University College, will serve as director of the After School Care Program. McIntyre, who comes to FIU from Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation and has a wealth of experience in administering after-school programs, will serve as program manager.

“We are trying to bring the community to FIU. This is really an outgrowth of our efforts this past summer,” said Sotolongo, referring to the youth camps offered by CPE.

Sotolongo described the After School Care Program as “homework help sprinkled with a taste of our youth programming.” Children ages 5 through 14 are welcome Monday through Friday, from 2 to 6 p.m. Activities include art, dance, fitness, music, sports and more.

For more information about the new program, including rates, click here.