Kid's Day Camp

 

Fort Decatur Kids Day Camp
By Suzanne Langdon
At the Fort Decatur Recreation Center, the halls have been full of laughter and lots of cheering. There is nothing more memorable to a child than going to a camp during summer. New friendships bloom, activities and games are learned, crafts are made that Mom will hold on to for years to come. It is a piece of a child’s life that will be thought of fondly and often throughout their years.
Here at the Fort, those very traditions have been created for many kids ages 5 to 14 that might not otherwise have had the opportunity for such things. There were approximately fifty children on any given day during the summer day camp and at least fifteen staff members ready for anything. There was not a single boring moment for the entirety of the camp.
The kids learned to play Dodgeball, Baseball, Frisbee, Volleyball and any number of other sports all while having a great time in the name of competition. They participated in Zumba, Dancercise, Limbo, Freeze tag, Hula Hoop contests and jumping rope. They made bird cages, miniature eagles, door knob hangers, and all sorts of craft oriented things.
Camp days were full of an array of special guests as well. The public library put on a puppet show and did story time; an astronomer taught the kids all about sun spots and asteroids; the Alabama Wildlife Center brought in live birds of prey; the Decatur Fire Department brought their simulation trailer and one of the ladder trucks. The kids at Fort Decatur Kids Camp learned about the departments Lego/Robotics program and got to build their own creations. They also had the benefit of participating in a Nutrition Class hosted by Extension Systems.
There were tons of smiling faces when the Campers got to go to Delano Park for a Water Fun Day and were able to drench their group leaders and counselors. The younger groups had the opportunity to enjoy the Splash Pad during those hot days as well. For many of the children, it was their very first time at the Delano Splash Pad. 
Lunch was provided daily so the kids ate a well balanced meal. On nutrition days, they got healthy snacks and even learned how to make them at home. On the last day of camp, the counselors made ice cream sundaes for all of the Campers and everyone enjoyed themselves.
There was a lot of fun packed into the three weeks at Fort Decatur. It was successful enough that the Camp Coordinators have decided to bring it back for an additional two weeks in August. Children ages 5 – 14 can sign up for the added two weeks. There should be lots of repeat Campers and the staff hopes to see lots of new faces as well.
There is a Camp Blog from the June session of camp and lots of pictures to be seen, if you are interested in seeing just exactly what the Campers did each day.

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