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Camp Woodside offers food and fun
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Students enjoyed lunch during Woodside Elementary School's lunch and enrichment summer program June 11.1.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Camp counselors and students take a break from the heat during Woodside Elementary School's lunch and enrichment summer program June 11.
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Lezlee Bondi (left) eats lunch with Cameron and Courtney White during Woodside Elementary School's summer lunch and enrichment program June 11.
By EARTHA TERRELL
Children ate a hearty breakfast and lunch while enjoying some fun in the sun during Woodside Elementary School’s free lunch and enrichment program June 11.
The program initially began as a way to provide breakfast and lunch to children in the summer who didn’t have access to food.
It has evolved into a program that also offers learning and activities, according to camp counselor Nate Childers.
“This program ensures that they’re going to get a nutritional lunch. Kids are looking for something to do. They are bored easily and we can keep their minds going,” Childers said.
Students learn about horticulture and also take several field trips throughout the summer. This year’s theme was ‘Dream Big.’
“We have field trips and they’re really excited to go out and see different sites around the area,” Childers said.
The program runs June 11 to July 11 and is open to students in kindergarten to fifth grade. Students can join anytime throughout the duration of the camp. Some former students who have participated in the camp returned to volunteer as assistant leaders.
“We want to inspire them. Our program actually uses a compass as its logo because we want to help kids navigate through their lives. It’s very fulfilling and it’s fun to get to know the children and the parents. Just to see the expressions on the kids’ faces shows their appreciation,” Childers said.