Although there were a few days with temperatures in the triple digits, the campers at Jacob Myers Park did not let that stop them from having fun last week. The City of Riverbank’s Parks and Recreation Department is offering a variety of summer camps for youth of all ages.
“We are filling up with the waiting list which is definitely different than years past,” said Parks and Recreation Director Sue Fitzpatrick. “The next session of swim lessons has 140 on the waiting list. That has never happened. We are bursting at the seams.”
There were approximately 20 campers at the outdoor camp exploring the park and participating in crafts, hikes, and water fun. To beat the heat the parks and rec crew provided a bounce house waterslide for campers to enjoy and on the final day of camp they went to the community pool. Throughout the week they made crafts like tie dye shirts and bracelets and also participated in a scavenger hunt.
Along with exploring the park, several campers expressed enjoying the crafts and the waterslide throughout the week. They had some free play and were playing a game called camouflage which is similar to hide and seek.
Camp leader Tyler Williams noted that the outdoor camp went well. He has been with parks and rec for about four years. To prepare for the heat they offered the youngsters handkerchiefs that were kept cold and had plenty of ice water for the hot days along with some water activities.
“The kids have been active and they finish all the tasks as quick as they can so they can get playing,” said Williams. “It has been good. They have been listening. Some of them get a little crazy but that is expected.”
There are several things to do this summer in the City of Riverbank with recreational swim at the community pool, swim lessons, and movies at Jacob Myers Park on July 17 and Aug. 14.
With camps filling up and the waiting list increasing, there are still some camps available. For those that would like to get more information on the summer camps call 209-863-7150 or visit www.riverbank.recdesk.com.
