Today was opening day of summer camp season in Oakland. The Recreation Commission offers two distinct camps, one for younger kids age K-5, and the older one for kids 6th-8th grade. The middle school kids go to Open Day Camp which incorporates a lot of field trips into the program, usually three travel days a week with one of those days being a major trip. Liberty Science Center, Medieval Times, and The Ice Vault are just a few they have planned for this summer. Thursdays are traditionally movie days at Dogwood which is HQ for the Open Camp, and Monday’s are designated bowling days which is how participants started off the summer program. The Open Camp is booked solid, so those interested will have to wait till next year.
Day Camp is for K- thru 5th grade and is similiar to what parents might have experienced back when they were kids. There are lots of games and crafts, as well as special event days like Halloween parties, WackyWater Days, Talent shows and the end of the season Carnival Day. It’s open to kids who will be starting kindergarten in the Autumn, so it’s a nice way to meet other students before the school year starts. Late registration for Summer Day Camp is open till July 3rd, but there is no guarantee that spaces will still be available. Parents can register their children at 3:30, after camp has ended, counselors will not be available to assist anyone prior to that time; and, it is requested that you bring 2 checks. More information can be found at their website OaklandRec.com.
Besides the great opportunities for kids to stay busy throughout the summer months, the camps provide an opportunity for local youth -like those in the photo- to gain valuable work experience. Counselors develop supervisory, teaching, coaching and real work experience. It’s a great way for young people to start building a resume, and anyone who has worked in positions like this know it can be a lot of fun.