Base summer camps offer full slate of activities

  • Published
  • By Susan Griggs
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Registration packets for the youth center's school age summer camp are now available, according to Jeri Peterson, the base's youth director.

Peterson explained that camp sessions are open to children of active-duty members and Defense Department civilians, with enrollment priority given to single parents and dual military families. Weekly fees are based on total family income. Slots are limited based on enrollment capacity. A $10 per week deposit is required at the time of registration.

Students from kindergarten to sixth grade are eligible to attend. Camps include Boys and Girls Club programs, 4-H Club programs, culture and diversity awareness, career exploration, team-building and leadership activities, character and moral compass exercises, food experiences, special activities, field trips and arts and crafts.

Peterson is hopeful that the center will be able to organize other special-interest camps dependent on Air Force funding. In some past years, drama and specific sports sessions were offered.

There's a different theme for each of the 11 one-week sessions:

May 26-29 -- "All About Me", a week to meet new friends and welcome newcomers.
June 1-5 -- "Home on the Range", children will learn about farm animals and take a field trip.
June 8-12 -- "Get Your Game On", with sports challenges for all ages.
June 15-19 -- "Under the Sea" will feature sea animals and a trip to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans.
June 22-26 -- "Shipwrecked Week" will include lessons about different types of boats and a trip to the base marina.
June 29-July 1 -- "Patriotic Week" will center on the meaning of Independence Day and what being patriotic means.
July 6-10 -- "Kids Got Talent Week" will include a talent show for youth and parents who want to attend.
July 13-17 -- "Medieval Times" will focus on castles, knights and royalty through group projects.  Campers will also go to the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport to see the play "Mary Poppins."
July 20-24 -- "Mississippi Adventures" will emphasize the state's culture, including food, music, wildlife and beaches. A field trip to the Hattiesburg Zoo is planned.
July 27-31--"Creative Art/Passion for Fashion Week" will include art activities and displays, as well as fashion created from the children's designs.
Aug. 3-5 -- "End of Summer Fun" will offer an end-of-summer party with food, games, jump castles and other activities.

For more information or to register, stop by the youth center or call 377-4116/3349.