LITTLE COMPETITION

By ELISE FRANCO

Camp’s big hit: outdoor games

1Thursday afternoon’s event was an annual part of the park department’s summer day camp, and camp coordinator Alicia Anderson said it’s one of the most exciting events for the kids.

“It’s turned out really great, and the weather has cooperated so far,” she said. “A lot of the children are so excited about what they are doing here.”

The day kicked off with a parade around the track, as the children displayed banners from Wick, Crandall, Fosterville, Lynn, MVSD, John White, Hillman and Homestead parks as they walked.

The kids, ages 4 to 13, then participated in events such as the 50- and 100-meter dash, tug-of-war, wheelbarrow race and shot put.

Clay Johnston, 22, and Jessica White, 23, have been counselors at the summer camp for four years.

“It’s so much fun being with the kids,” White said. “I love being able to be an inspiration and role model to them.”

Louis Wood, 9, of Youngstown, said he plays football during the season, but likes the shot put during camp. “I threw it 127 feet!” he exclaimed.

Instead of using actual shot puts, Johnston said the kids use softballs, and they count the distance from where the ball stops rolling instead of where it first hits the ground.

Johnston said he was pleased with the track and field event as well as with the camp as a whole.

“It keeps the kids out of trouble and gives them a chance to practice their educational skills during the summer whether or not they realize it,” he said. “There are a lot of kids here, so it can be tricky, but they seem to be having fun, that’s for sure.”

Bobbi Joe Stevens moved from Girard to Youngstown three weeks ago and said she brought her three children, Jacob Shields, 4; Edward Shields, 9; and Austin Stevens, 10, to the camp because it keeps them busy.

“It keeps them off the streets, and it allows them to be themselves, have fun and make friends,” she said. “This is the first year I’ve brought them, and it’ll be every year after this.”

Stevens said she couldn’t imagine better counselors to take care of her kids.

“These are the best counselors there are anywhere,” she said. “The kids absolutely love them.”

Johnston said he loves hearing that the kids enjoy his company.

“When you’re an authoritative [figure], and the kids still like being around you, it’s an indication that they’re having a good time,” he said.

Track and field day is just one aspect of the summer camp, which runs from June 18 to Aug. 13, Anderson said.

“This camp gives most of these kids the opportunity to experience a variety of things in a safe setting,” she said. “They get a lot of exercise, and they keep busy.”

White said the camp runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and when they’re not on field trips, the kids are kept busy with arts and crafts and practicing for sports tournaments.

Anderson said the kids take field trips to places such as the Cleveland Zoo, Chuck-E-Cheese and The Steel Museum (The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor).

Kayla Hogan, 12, of Youngstown, said although track and field day is fun, she’s been having a blast all summer.

“My best experience was going to the North Side Pool,” she said. “Everyone there is a bunch of fun, and they dunk you for no reason.”