Eight kids enrolled in the Lifeskills class at North Surry High School enjoyed learning how to play instruments and listened to stories told during the Surry Arts Council 2010 Special Friends Program on Tuesday.

The program, which provides an opportunity for special needs kids to learn new things and to have fun, is sponsored in part by the United Fund of Greater Mount Airy and is held in the Old Time Music Heritage Hall on the Surry Arts Council campus.

The program changes from week to week, but on Tuesday, the kids got to try out playing guitars and fiddles with the help of local musician Jim “Vip” Vipperman and heard stories from local storyteller Mike Lowe. Next week, the kids will get to experience crafts, music and dance with teachers Peter and Christina Holland.

Every Friday the Surry Arts Council provides a free movie for the kids at the Downtown Cinema Theatre. This week, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” will be shown.

Linda Galasetti-Simmons, the teacher for the Lifeskills program, said the kids enjoy working with music and movement.

“We try to expose them to as much as we can to help them reach their goals,” said Simmons. “This helps them gain new experiences.”

Other kids with special needs are welcome to join in the fun, said Tanya Jones, executive director of the Surry Arts Council, however, they need to call ahead to participate.

“We try to get great artists working with these folks because it really makes a difference,” said Jones.

Lowe said he enjoys working with special needs children.

“It’s a humbling experience. It teaches you to be more thankful,” said Lowe.

The programs will continue every Tuesday and Friday through Dec. 14 and will change with the season.

To sign-up for programs at the Surry Arts Council, call 786-7998.