SINCE 2003: “POSITIVELY IMPACTING THE LIVES OF YOUTH, FAMILIES AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY! ”
FUN AND FREEDOM strives to provide a safe, healthy forum that offers a wide range of activities that will appeal to all youth.
What began in 2003 as teaching only basketball skills has grown into a multi-faceted organization! Our Year Round Activities Program includes:
Multi-Sport Activities, Community Outreaches, Family Events, Local & International Mission Projects and a vision for growth via our Camp Development Project
In the know
Spring VOLLEYBALL SKILLS CAMP – for youth 4th through 8th Grades – beginning in April! Click the link below for complete activity information and to access the on-line Registration Form:
https://kids.funandfreedom.org/spring-volleyball/
Registrations are now open! SUMMER 2024 ANNUAL FUN AND FREEDOM SUMMER DAY CAMP will be held the week of june 10th. It will be a 4 day camp held monday through thursday. Click on the following link:
https://kids.funandfreedom.org/summer-day-camp/
If you have any questions and/or would like more information on any of our FUN AND FREEDOM activities and/or events – please call FUN AND FREEDOM at 724-274-7773.
MISSIOns
Local, Community and International
“To primarily use sports to positively impact youth – physically, socially, morally and spiritually and to ultimately increase self-esteem.”
-Fun and Freedom Mission
All FUN AND FREEDOM activities are designed to ensure that all youth who participate have the opportunity to maximize their sports experience, character building experience as well as positively impact their life experience. This in turn brings positive impact to the family and the community at large.
Activities
Activities /events for 2024
BASKETBALL AND GYM ACTIVITIES: 5 years old - 6th Grade
Designated Tuesday Evenings Beginning in January 9, 2024 running through March Held at the EAST UNION COMMUNITY CENTER - Cheswick Two 5 week Sessions - Tuesday Evenings: For youth in two age groups: 5 Years Old-2nd Grade: – 6:00pm-7:00pm: They will learn age appropriate Basketball Skills, play fun games including Floor Hockey, Dodge Ball and Line Basketball. 3rd - 6th Grades: 7:15pm - 8:15pm Fun “3 on 3” Basketball Games. Individual Sign-ups, Equal Playing Time, Different Team each week. Pre-Registration is Required.
EASTER CELEBRATION AND EASTER EGG HUNT COMMUNITY EVENT
Saturday, March 23 to be held at the Natrona Park and Playground (River Avenue) Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm There will be fun Games, Sports, Easter Crafts, Easter Egg Hunt, Prize Drawings and Treats. Youth from all areas welcome . . . come and join the fun!
Spring VOLLEYBALL SKILLS CAMP AND GAMES: 4th - 8th Grades
5 Consecutive Tuesday Evenings beginning on April 2, 2024: 6:00pm – 7:30pm: Held at the EAST UNION COMMUNITY CENTER - Cheswick Each participant will be taught the basic skills necessary to learn and enjoy playing the game of Volleyball and will also have the opportunity to use and improve their skills in a fun, no pressure atmosphere during game time. Pre-Registration is Required.
SPRING MUNCHIE BANQUET - Fun Games and Refreshments For the Entire Family!
Wednesday, May 1 – 6:00 pm – 8:00pm: Held at the EAST UNION COMMUNITY CENTER – Cheswick.This event is for the youth that participate in our Fall Tuesday Evening Basketball and Volleyball Skills Camp Activities at East Union. It is a time dedicated to bringing Families together to enjoy Fun Activities, Sports and Refreshments.
4 PICNICS IN THE PARK COMMUNITY EVENTS
May 18, June 22, July 13 and July 27 to be held at the Natrona Park and Playground (River Avenue) Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm There will be Food, Music, Games and More . . . a great time for Youth, Families and all those in the Community. This is a FREE event - ALL welcome!
ANNUAL SUMMER DAY CAMP June 10, 11, 12, 13 to be held in Springdale.
This is a 4 day Camp and will be held on Monday thru Thursday 8:45am – 4:00pm For Youth in the following age groups: CAMPERS: 1st – 6th Grades, JUNIOR COUNSELORS: 7th-8th Grades and SENIOR COUNSELORS: 9th Grade and up. Youth from ALL areas welcome! Day Camp provides Campers with an opportunity to learn about and participate in a variety of Sports, Activities and Fun Competitions. Some of the Activities and Sports include: Bible Study, Community Service Projects, Basketball, Hockey, Golf, Handball, Lacrosse, Pickle Ball, Volleyball, Track and Field. Camp also provides numerous benefits for our Junior and Senior Camp Counselors which includes developing leadership skills and demonstrating responsibility.
SPRINGDALE COMMUNITY DAY
Saturday, July 6th to be held on the 800 block of Lincoln Avenue in Springdale – Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm Fun and Freedom will take this opportunity to promote the many Year Round Activities we have to offer for Youth, Families and the Community.
BACK TO SCHOOL COMMUNITY EVENT - BACKPACKS, SCHOOL SUPPLIES, SHOES AND CLOTHING GIVEAWAY
Saturday, August 10 to be held at the Natrona Park and Playground (River Avenue) – Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm In addition to conducting fun activities throughout the year at the Natrona Park and Playground – each year during the month of August - we conduct this Back to School Community Event.
FUND RAISING EVENT – 14TH ANNUAL GOLF SCRAMBLE
Saturday, August 17 to be held at the Hiland Golf Course in Butler - 8:00am Shotgun Start end time approximately 4:00pm. Registration Fee will include: 18 Holes of Golf, Golf Cart, Lunch on the Turn, Dinner at the end of the Scramble and Entry into our Door Prize Drawing Check back for Registration Information!
TUESDAY EVENING FALL BASKETBALL & GYM ACTIVITIES
Beginning September 10 (Two Five week Sessions) to be held at the EAST UNION COMMUNITY CENTER in Cheswick For youth in two age groups: 5 Years Old-2nd Grade: – 6:00pm-7:00pm: They will learn age appropriate Basketball Skills, play fun games including Floor Hockey, Dodge Ball and Line Basketball. 3rd - 6th Grades: 7:15pm - 8:15pm Fun “3 on 3” Basketball Games. Individual Sign-ups, Equal Playing Time, Different Team each week. Registrations will open in July.
13TH ANNUAL “RENEWING NATRONA” ONE DAY MISSION PROJECT
Saturday, September 7 – Mission Team to meet at the Natrona Park and Playground (River Avenue) - Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm Since 2012 each year FUN AND FREEDOM has organized volunteer teams of Adult Leaders and Youth (10 Years old thru Teens) and conducts this one day Mission Project. The heart of this Mission Project is to be praying for those in our local communities and to be “Serving others, in practical ways and imparting hope.” Projects may include: Painting, Street Cleaning, Yard/Trash Clean Up, Landscaping, Weeding but most importantly building Community Relationships. To become a part of our “Renewing Natrona” Mission Team please call the FUN AND FREEDOM Office 724-274-7773.
FALL FUN EVENT FOR YOUTH
Saturday, October 12 to be held at the Natrona Park and Playground (River Avenue) 12:30pm - 2pm There will be fun Games, Crafts, Prizes, Treat Bags, Pumpkins and Pumpkin Decorating Kits – ALL welcome to join this Fall Fun Event!
18TH ANNUAL COACH DEENI RIDDLE “3 ON 3” BASKETBALL MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
Saturday, November 2 to be held at the East Union Community Center in Cheswick – Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm Two Grade Divisions: 3rd – 5th Grades and 6th – 8th Grades. This event is conducted in memory of our Founder Coach Deeni Riddle. Tournament participants receive a day of “3 on 3” Fun Competition, Lunch, Prizes, a Team Photo and a Tournament T-shirt.
Fall MUNCHIE BANQUET - Fun Games and Refreshments For the Entire Family!
Tuesday November 19 to be held at the EAST UNION COMMUNITY CENTER in Cheswick - Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm This event is for the youth that participate in our Fall Tuesday Evening Basketball and Annual Memorial Tournament Activities at East Union. It is a time dedicated to bringing Families together to enjoy Fun Activities, Sports and Refreshments
12th ANNUAL “BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS”
Saturday, December 7 to be held at at PNA Club in Natrona. Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm For the past 14 years Fun and Freedom has conducted a variety of activities for Youth and Families living in and around the community Natrona. This year we are planning to hold our 12th Annual “Birthday Party for Jesus” event and celebrate with these girls and boys and their families through the giving of Gifts, sharing the Gospel and enjoying a Christmas Luncheon with all the fixings!
SATURDAY MORNING MULTI-SPORT RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Will begin in December (Dates TBD) to be held at the Springdale Borough Gymnasium. Time: 10:00am – 11:30am This fun Multi-Sport Program will give youth opportunity to learn about and participate in a variety of fun, team building sports such as Floor Hockey, Basketball, Soccer, Dodge Ball and Kick Ball.
FUNDRAISING EVENT - 10TH ANNUAL DESIGNER PURSE BASH
Saturday, February 24th – 6:00pm – 9:00pm: Held at the ACME CLUB - Cheswick Only 275 Tickets will be sold! Ticket purchase includes: Admission, Entry into all 13 Main Ticket Drawings, Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, use of Photo Booth and Door Prize Entry! CALL the Office for Tickets and/or Details - 724.274.7773
Spring MUNCHIE BANQUET - Fun Games and Refreshments For the Entire Family!
Tuesday April 26 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm: Held at the EAST UNION COMMUNITY CENTER - Cheswick This free event is for the youth that participate in our Winter/Spring Tuesday Evening Basketball and Volleyball Activities at East Union. It is a time dedicated to bringing Families together to enjoy Fun Activities, Sports and Refreshments.
Spring RETREAT WEEKENDS for Teens
Designated Weekends March - May: Held at CAMP CHARIS - Templeton This is a retreat of “Fun, Faith and Friends” which includes Team Building Games and Activities, Devotional Studies, time around the Campfire and building lasting Friendships
Spring/Summer MULTI-SPORT YOUTH ACTIVITIES & COMMUNITY EVENTS IN NATRONA
Designated SATURDAYS - May thru August: Held at the NATRONA RECREATION PARK
Multi-Sport Youth Activities 11am-1pm – for Girls and Boys 5 yrs. Old - Teens: No Cost to Participate and No pre-registration is required. This Program includes a variety of Fun Sports including Hockey, Basketball, Dodgeball, Kickball, Whiffle Ball and Flag Football. In addition to Sports we also provide Healthy Snacks, Lunch Days and a special Backpack and School Supplies Event.
Dates are: June 5 & 12; July 10, 24, & 31; August 7 & 14
Community Events – Picnics in the Park 5pm-7pm: There will be Food, Music, Games and More! No cost to participate. A great time for families and all those in the community. ALL Welcome!! Dates are May 8, June 26 & July 17
Winter FAMILY FUN DAY!
A Saturday (TBD) in February: Held at the EAST UNION COMMUNITY CENTER - Cheswick
A free Family Event dedicated to bringing families and the community together for a time of Fun Activities, Sports and Refreshments
Many thanks to the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation!
The generosity of the Pittsburgh Penguin Foundation throughout the greater Pittsburgh Area is not only amazing . . . but truly life changing for so many.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
For the past several years FUN AND FREEDOM has been in the process of helping to develop the beautiful 108 acre CAMP CHARIS into a multi-purpose Overnight Campground and Retreat Center. We are partnering in this project with Grace Brethren Church of Kittanning, PA the community at large.
Our Supporters
thank you for your continued support
We wish to thank the generous Individuals and Families who financially support the mission of FUN AND FREEDOM throughout the year.
In addition – we gratefully acknowledge and wish to thank the following Foundations and Organizations for their generous support – all of which helps to make it possible for FUN AND FREEDOM to continue in strength and to expand our work.
The Jack Buncher Foundation
The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation
The Shear Family Foundation
The Muriel E. and Edward C. Wachter Charitable Foundation
The Robert and Mary Weisbrod Foundation
BNY Mellon
Fox Chapel Presbyterian Women
PNC Bank
Sheetz
Walmart – Natrona Heights
Contact Us
Please contact us with any questions or for more information about Fun and Freedom.
PO Box 63
Tarentum, PA 15084
P: 724.274.7773
info@funandfreedom.org