Date: Fri 21-Jul-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

a12-summer-camp-park-rec

Full Text:

Summer Camp: A Place Where Kids Can Be Kids with photos

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

In a world where our youngest generation is exposed to unexpurgated news and

hi-tech computer entertainment, it's nice to know there's a place in Newtown

where kids can just be kids.

Parks and Recreation Camp at Treadwell and Dickinson parks is a fun place

where 4 to 13 year-olds hear ghost stories, learn to make yo-yos, swim, go on

field trips, hold a talent show, make new friends, and learn that not

everybody is the same - and that that's okay, too.

"I laugh at all the things they do, the songs they sing, because I remember

doing that," said Michelle Mahoney, assistant director of camp at Treadwell.

She enjoyed some of the exact same activities when she was a kid enrolled in

summer camp at Dickinson. "The kids love it. It's a great learning

experience."

Camp counselors engage the groups in age-appropriate crafts, swimming lessons,

sports, singing, and other activities. Arts and Crafts Director Heather Bliss

meets once a week with each of the 24 groups to work on a special project.

This might be creating a puzzle, beaded keychain, sculpture, or tie-dyed

piece.

"The kids have to use their imagination and be somewhat creative," said Ms

Bliss. And because the kids put themselves into their projects each endeavor

results in something unique. "They're all excited to do arts and crafts and

wonder, 'What are we going to do today?'"

More than half the day is spent in the water, so it's not surprising that most

of the kids said swimming lessons and free-time in the pool were their

favorite activities.

"I like to jump off the diving board," said 10 year-old Kaltrina Behluli. "It

looks kind of scary, but it's not."

Kelly Tenney, 5, said she liked swimming best, "Because I like to cool off."

Kids learn to take turns, and respect the fact that everybody likes different

things. They share not only footballs and craft supplies, but also a piece of

themselves.

"In the beginning of the session we sit and talk about ourselves," said Kyle

Paynter, 9, who likes playing games and listening to the music played during

lunch. "Camp is fun and you learn a lot."

But participants aren't the only ones learning something this summer.

Treadwell Camp Director Jennifer Woycik, who loves working with kids, said,

"It's a great learning experience to deal with parents and help them solve

problems."

Many of this year's counselors attended Parks and Rec camp themselves, as

youngsters, and now strive to create a happy and fun environment for campers.

If you doubt childhood can still be magical, stop by one of Newtown's parks -

the kids are clamouring to show off their artwork, sidestroke, or the tiny

toad peeking out from their tightly gripped hand.

Space for the two upcoming sessions of Park and Recreation Department's summer

camp is still available. The second session runs July 24 to August 4; the

third, August 7 to 18. The cost for two weeks is $96; four weeks is $171.

Although regular camp hours are 9 am to 3 pm, extended days are available for

an extra charge. To register, or for more information, call 270-4340.