Summer vacation is almost here, but kids don’t throw those backpacks in the closet that carried books back and forth to school just yet. On June 6, Summer Kids Camp begins and the backpacks transform into camper backpacks carrying swimsuits, sunscreen, water bottles and lunchboxes. The eight-week Summer Kids Camp ends July 29.
The 2011 Summer Kids Camp continues its outstanding programming established from years of leadership experience and success. Kids Camp for kids, ages 5-12, emphasizes physical development and education while promoting a healthy lifestyle. Some children return to camp every year and make new friends. They have new learning experiences while having a lot of fun. These campers can participate in activities that are not available at home or at other camps. “We do lots and lots of fun activities with the children that they cannot get at a daycare,” said Micha Alt, who has directed Kids Camp since 2006. “We rock climb, ice skate, go swimming every day and include wellness and fitness components.” Other physical activities in which the campers partake include golf, volleyball, basketball, badminton and track and field. Kids Camp has great resources at Recreation and Wellness facilities including the Perry Field House, BGSU Ice Arena and Forrest Creason Golf Course to participate in their activities. The campers also go on walking field trips to the Sebo Center or other places of interest on campus.
Asked about her favorite part of Kids Camp, Alt said, “There are so many wonderful aspects of Kids Camp I really can’t pick one.” However, one particular activity Alt does enjoy is the scavenger hunts that are especially popular with the children. “The excitement of the children is enjoyable to watch,” Alt said. Every week Kids Camp has a witty theme in place: Falcon Frenzy, Into the Wild, Wacky Wonderland, Underwater Adventures, Mad Science, The Places We will Go, Around the World and BG’s Got Talent.
Children who attend Kids Camp are in good hands. The camp is administered by Recreation and Wellness professionals and BGSU graduate and undergraduate students with special training in safety, human relations and interpersonal skills with children. The dedicated camp staff is First Aid and CPR certified for the Professional Rescuer with AED and passed the mandatory background screenings.
Full-time camp costs $119/week and part-time camp is $79/week, with 10 percent discount applied to BGSU employees or families with more than one child’s registration. Register at www.bgsu.edu/recwell and click on Community, Youth & Family on the left menu, by E-mail at kidscamps@bgsu.edu or in person at the Student Recreation Center front desk. For more information, contact Camp Director Micha Alt at 419-372-7482 or 419-372-2000. Sign up the kids today for a fun summer camp at BGSU!