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 6-12 in Hickman and in Fulton. Each day camp was for four days and attendance for both day camps was higher than the previous summer. Partnerships included, the two Housing Authorities, the two Family Resource Youth Service Centers, the Summer Feeding Program, Fulton County Schools and Fulton Independent Schools, A and volunteers.

Programming consisted of volunteers and presenters to teach youth and then ending the day with lunch provided from the Summer Feeding Program. 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. Fulton averaged thirty kids each day while Hickman averaged about 16 kids. In Fulton, lessons included dog agility, “Inside Out” (how to control emotions), physical activity, Ky Shakespeare FUNdamentals and more. While in Hickman, lessons included art, science experiments, scavenger hunt, nutrition, physical activities games. During each of the weeks at camp, one day was designated to a fun day, where they played water games which included a slip-n-slide and water bounce house.

On the second day of day camp, numbers increased for each day camp because youth invited a friend. Sponsors provided breakfast for each child at day camp because campers were coming to camp hungry. Water stations were provided to keep each child hydrated and then a healthy lunch was provided by the Summer Feeding programs.

Each week, youth came with a smile on their face and was ready for their new adventure. Comments such as “I am having so much,’ “what are we doing tomorrow,’ “this is so cool” and so forth. Seeing the campers being dropped off each day and the parents with a smile on their face because they know they are in safe hands. 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.