PERU — Arianna Boulanger loves to hunt for Easter eggs.

The fourth-grader and nearly 120 other third- through fifth-graders at Dirigo Elementary School had a chance to do that Thursday afternoon as part of the new, four-week after-school session of Cougar Cubs.

Bethany Poulin, a teacher at the school and one of the program’s coordinators, said Cougar Cubs is open to all kindergarten through fifth-graders at the school. Thursday’s session kicked off the second Cougar Cubs session this school year.

“We wanted to do something like summer camp,” she said. “Children do academic work, fun activities, and have a snack.”

The older grades attend the program on Thursdays from 2:15 to 4:30 p.m., while the K-3 pupils attend Tuesdays.

Poulin is hoping that next year, all elementary children will be able to participate two days a week.

Cougar Cubs grew out of the school’s afternoon tutoring and family groups, and is funded by tutoring money from RSU 10.

Now, youngsters are divided into “cabins,” or classrooms, with teachers. Poulin said next year children will name their “cabins.”

Arianna was part of Cabin 4, which was led by special education teacher Sara Murphy.

Children gathered in her room where Easter eggs, with clues for where they could find the eggs. Once all the eggs were located, the cabin groups could share in a treasure.

Poulin said events planned for the camp include planting seeds, doing arts and crafts, building bird feeders, music and other activities.

A bus brings children home after the session is completed, if parents can’t pick them up.

Third-grader Christian Poulin attended last fall’s Cougar Cubs. He thought it was awesome.

“We decorated pumpkins and had fun games,” he said.

Fourth-graders Destiny Urdsick and Angel Yeaton are taking part in the camp for the first time during the spring session.

“A friend told me about it. It should be fun,” Destiny said.

About a dozen staff help out with snacks, tutoring, and leading activities for the children.