STAR Program
STAR is Island Rec’s daily after-school program for youth in grades K-5. The program is held at Friday Harbor Elementary School after school until 5:30pm. STAR provides a safe, supervised, fun and enriching environment! The daily program includes a snack, outside play time, organized games and activities.
How does STAR work?
STAR Hours
Regular School Days: 2:45 – 5:30pm; drop-in
Early Release Wednesdays: 1:30 – 5:30pm; drop-in
Early Dismissal Days: 11:10am – 5:30pm; pre-registration and pre-payment required
Location
STAR is based at the Friday Harbor Elementary School in the cafeteria, and also makes use of the playground and locations within walking distance of the school.
Staff
STAR is overseen by Island Rec staff; Recreation Specialist and STAR Director Thea Pearl, as well as 1-5 additional support staff. Thea can be contacted at STAR@islandrec.org
Behavioral Expectations
• You are responsible for your own actions.
• You are expected to treat yourself, the other children, and the
adults at the STAR program with respect.
• You are to be polite and well behaved in your actions and
conversations with others. Foul language will not be tolerated.
• You are expected to listen and respond to directions given to
you by STAR leaders the first time.
• Remember to treat everyone the way you would like to be
treated.
• You will play safe and be safe at all times while in the STAR
program.
• Remember to have FUN!
Costs
$13/day – Regular School Days
$17/day – Early Release Wednesdays
$22/day – Early Dismissal Days
Payment
Regular School Days & Early Release Wednesdays:
You’ll receive an emailed invoice from Island Rec at the end of each month for your child’s attendance at STAR on regular school days, including early release Wednesdays. Payment is due on the 12th of the following month. Pay your STAR bill online using your Rec Desk account, or call our office to pay over the phone: 360-378-4953. Late payments are subject to a $25 late fee, and participation in STAR and other Island Rec programs will be suspended until payment is made.
Early Dismissal Days (FHES out at 11:10am):
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required at least 24 hours in advance for early dismissal days. These are popular days for our program and we often reach enrollment capacity and need to ensure proper staffing. For the 2025/2026 school year, 11:10 dismissal days will be on Oct. 15, Oct. 16, Oct. 17, Nov. 26, Jan. 15, Jan. 16, Mar. 18, Mar. 19, Mar. 20, May 22, June 10, and June 11. Register early to avoid disappointment. Click here to register.
Auto-Pay:
You’ll receive a copy of your invoice via email, then your card will be charged on the 12th of the month.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available! 33% – 66% fee discounts are available for income-eligible families.
Apply Online for a Scholarship
Useful Links
Questions about STAR?
All questions about STAR can be directed to Thea at Island Rec (360) 472-9956 or via email: STAR@islandrec.org
School’s Out Camps
These fun camps run 8:30am-4:30pm at Friday Harbor Elementary School. Registration is per day. $35/day
Winter Break Camp
Dec 22, 23, 29, 30, 31, Jan 2
Mid-Winter Break Camp
Tu-F Feb 17-20
Spring Break Camp
M-F Apr 6-10



