YMCA Day Camp about fun, values

Published 10:49 am Saturday, July 10, 2010

Summer vacation is past the halfway point, and the children at the Atmore Area YMCA Summer Day Camp are getting to have a fun break from school.

The Y’s Summer Day Camp is for children whether it be for members or nonmembers with the focus on keeping children active and safe.

Loretta Berry, childcare director for the Atmore Area YMCA, said the camp has been running smoothly with a large amount of children.

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“Everything has been going really well,” Berry said. “We have 80 children registered for the day camp.”

The children at the day camp get to enjoy all types of activities including games and even field trips.

Berry said all of the activities at the day camp keep the children busy all day.

“They play games every day, go swim at the city pool, visit Little River and several other things,” Berry said. “Thursday, we took them to the Exploreum in Mobile, and they loved it. They were able to see a reptile exhibit, minds on hall and the hands on hall. There were several worn out children after the trip.”

Another fun trip is in the making for the children that attend the Summer Day Camp.

Berry said those who enjoy the Blue Angels will like upcoming field trip.

“We are planning to take them to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fla.,” Berry said. “Anyone who likes the Blue Angels will love it.”

As always for the day campers at the Y, there is the possiblity of a camp out later this summer.

Ross Terry, sports director for the Y, said that if the state park in Little River has not closed, the Y will take the older campers on a camp out.

“If Little River is still open towards the end of the summer then we will take the older kids on the annual camping trip out there,” Terry said.

The Summer Day Camp has proven itself to be a good environment for children to visit.

Ross Terry, youth sports director for the Atmore Area YMCA, said the great thing about the day camp is the active, safe environment.

“It’s fun for the kids and we keep them active,” Terry said. “They do fun activities, do arts and crafts and go on field trips from time to time. It’s a safe environment for them to be in and all of our counselors are CPR and first aid certified.”

For more information about the YMCA Summer Day Camp contact the Atmore Area YMCA at 368-9622.

Atmore Area YMCA Summer Day Camp participants Reggie Tolbert and Andrew Varner along with counselor Raven McWilliams pull a fulcrom at the Exploreum last summer. | File Photo