The kids had fun at Five Towns Community Center summer camp

Five Towns community youth spent their summer having fun.

From July 10 to Aug. 18, residents from the ages of five to 12 had the opportunity to attend the community center summer camp. The six-week camp had an $800 registration fee and provided attendees with various daily activities such as water play, science sessions, arts, crafts, sports, enrichment programs and gardening.

Sasha Young, director of the summer camp, started as director last year.

“It’s been an exciting experience,” Young said.

In the time since her start, she’s witnessed a turnover of counselors now leading a group of 35, many of which who are CPR and First Aid certified.

“We definitely have the cream of the crop when it comes to kids who are responsible, respectful and mentors for the children,” Young said. “We have a lot of athletes, artists, a real cultural mosaic of nationalities.”

Counselors assist with different activities and build bonds with the campers throughout the summer according to Mikell Henry, a part-time counselor.

“It’s sad that it’s our last week,” Henry said. “I’m trying to enjoy it day-by-day, every minute. I’m definitely going to miss the kids.”

The counselor’s training and assistance extended beyond the campers this year, stepping up when a community member had a heart attack leaving the food pantry. Young administered CPR while various counselors assisted the woman until help arrived.

“She’s alive right now and able to spend time with her 2-year-old grand daughter,” Young said. “It’s crazy to see the training and it work. To be a part of that was amazing.”

On a typical basis, the counselors are responsible for 100 campers split into three groups, ages four to six, seven to eight and nine to 12.

They will take campers to the pool, hold enrichment hours, play sports, and organize games.

Stella Anderson, a high school student in the Five Towns, led a weeklong workshop teaching campers about the history of Rome, instructing them on crafts to follow a lesson. She is just one of the students that took the opportunity to share their passions with young campers.

To end the camp session, campers and counselors have been rehearsing for the talent show that wraps up the summer. Campers and counselors participate as part of the Inwood Day celebration, this year held on Saturday, August 19.

Campers let go of inhibitions and perform whatever they have rehearsed throughout the summer, displaying confidence and having for a full day celebration according to Young.

As for the future of the Five Towns Community Center summer camp, counselors and campers look forward to potentially coming back.

“If we are able to continue here, I know that it’d be very successful, Young said.

“Parents are very appreciative of having a safe space that they can afford locally that they can use. The kids are having a phenomenal time, so, it’d only be up from here.”