From board games to water fun, kids find plenty of activities at TPRD

Story by Christina Myles

Photos by April Garon

Dakota Berry likes the swimming. Abbie Taylor and Tre Holmes like dodge ball and crafts. But Wilson Yi’s favorite part of the day? Getting to eat ice cream.

All these Pike County youngsters are participating in the first week of the Troy Parks and Recreation Department’s annual summer day camp.

“Troy is lucky to have a number of great day camps and vacation Bible schools available during the summer and we are glad to be a part of that equation,” said Troy Parks and Recreation Director Dan Smith.

The camp is open to students ages 5-12 and weekly sessions, which began this week, will continue through July 18.

“We believe in keeping kids active,” said Smith. “We offer a wide variety of not only games and exercise but structured activities so kids learn and have fun during summer break.”

Kids participate in several activities including swimming, board games, movie time, arts and crafts and organized play such as dodge ball and kickball. Kids also participate in Education Exploration; a program that Day Camp Director Sasha Tuck says is to help the kids stay fresh in math and language arts.

“I think this is a good experience for all the kids,” Rachel Everett said, “and they get to meet new people since they are all from various schools.”

Everett is a fourth-grade teacher at Pike County Elementary School and has worked with the day camp for two years.

Other leaders at the camp included other certified teachers like Everett, college students and high school students.

“The day camp is lucky and blessed to have Sasha and the local teachers and volunteers that serve in leadership positions,” Smith said.