According to the American Camp Association, “The camp experience is recognized by child development professionals as valuable in helping children mature socially, emotionally, intellectually, morally, and physically. Camp participants learn to problem-solve, make social adjustments to new and different people, learn responsibility, and gain new skills to increase their self-esteem."  Summer day camp has so many benefits such as keeping youth unplugged, out of trouble, in a safe learning environment, as well as meeting and connecting with positive role models.

This summer, Fulton County Extension Service hosted two summer day camps for youth ages 6-10 in Hickman and in Fulton. Each day camp was for three days with attendance averaging around eight kids. Partnerships included, the two Housing Authorities, the two Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Fulton County Schools and Fulton Independent Schools, and youth volunteers. Sponsors provided packaged breakfast bars, fruit and juice for each child at day camp because in previous years it was noticeable campers were coming to camp hungry. Water stations were provided to keep each child hydrated and then a packaged snack was provided before they left camp.

Programming consisted of volunteers and presenters to show and teach youth different activities. Fulton’s day camp was held at the City Park, while Hickman’s Day Camp used the Housing Authority of Hickman’s Outreach Community Center. In Fulton, lessons included social and emotional activities, art, physical activity, animal science and more. While in Hickman, lessons included art, animal science, nutrition and physical activities games, a tour of our local bank and water play. 

In 2020 there was not an in person day camp held so deciding to host the event this year we saw a decline in numbers however the kids enjoyed being there. After taking a poll with a show of hands for each of the weeks, we asked all the kids who would come back next summer? With a show of hands all of them raised their hands.  We asked the kids, did they feel safe coming to day camp each day? With a show of hands, they all raised their hands. We also asked them, what program did they enjoy the most? Most of the Fulton kids said doing yoga and the petting zoo. In Hickman, the kids said taking a tour of the bank and the water play. Overall, it was a great two weeks of programming with youth giving them an opportunity to experience fun, hands on activities, and making a connection with an adult.