Montville - On a sunny afternoon last week-one of the few-roughly 30 children gathered outside in a shady corner of the Youth Service Bureau's rear play area.

For the most part, each one was captivated as they watched Derek the Magician perform card tricks, mysteriously attach metal rings that appeared to have no breaks, and make items disappear.

It's not every day that a magician visits the bureau, but last week was special. It was Montville YSB Fun Days, and the staff wanted to do something extra for the children who take part in the center's programs.

"Overall, my opinion is that kids are to be celebrated every day," Director Barbara Lockhart said, "but it makes them feel even more special when they know there is an entire week dedicated to them."

The events planned might not be enjoyable for an adult, but for kids they were just right.

The center's Fun Days event was planned in conjunction with national youth week celebrations, Lockhart said.

In addition to magician Derek Whitneck's performance, the YSB staff scheduled a Ben and Jerry's ice cream social-donated by the ice cream shop at the Mohegan Sun-and a family cook-out.

Children each received a YSB Fun Days T-shirt that they were able to customize by using tie-dye inks, and on Cinco de Mayo, everyone ate chips and salsa donated by the Chili's restaurant and drank strawberry and lime punch.

One of the more popular events was a visit by Brian Kleinman of Riverside Reptiles. The "Jeepers Creepers" show allowed the children to get to know insects, amphibians, snakes, lizards, spiders, and other creepy-crawlies.

Lockhart said the children were able to learn about the animals, their natural habitat, and touch them, if they wanted.

Although the week included special events, Lockhart said the staff tries to always provide a consistent, familiar, and comfortable setting for the children. The youth services center offers various programs, from the summer center to counseling and referral services.

The most popular is the after-school program, when children are given homework assistance and a safe place to hang out in the afternoon. Bus transportation is provided to the center from the schools.

Lockhart said a goal of the center is create an environment where the children feel safe and confident.

The center's mission statement is to make a "commitment to broaden the experience and strengthen the values and healthy functioning of youth by meeting their social and emotional needs."

Through the everyday programs and special events like Fun Days, the staff hopes to fulfill their goals.

Registration for the summer program-from July 6 through Aug. 21-at the Youth Service Bureau is underway. The program, held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is available to students entering seventh grade and older. Space is limited, and slots are filled on a first come, first served basis.

For more information contact the Montville Youth Services Bureau at 848-7724.