Youthfest Draws Kids from all Over

Rockland Community College hosts all sorts of events at the Eugene Levy Fieldhouse throughout the year. Some events appeal to homeowners, antique fans, fisherman and more. This past Sunday was for the kids.

The 13th annual Youthfest took place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and had the parking lots packed all day. The room was arranged with aisles of tables where different camps and organizations set up their information.

"This is an event for all things kid-related like camps and other activities. Especially with the summer approaching, this is very helpful," explained Jamie Moreno, the director of summer play at Blue Rock School. "Many people don't know about different options out there and this gives a chance for them to learn."

There were so many different types of camps advertising, from baseball camp to bible camp and even to space camp. Parents can enroll their kids in a program for  almost any interest without going far from home.

Many of the groups had presentations either at their booth or on the main "stage" area. There was fencing going on, different types of martial arts, baton twirling, and cultural dancing.

Besides camps, there were booths for charity programs such as meals on wheels. For the older kids, the summer time can be a chance to volunteer and help the needy.

"The kids are having a great time. There are lots of different things to see and do," said Sheri Serra of Garnerville.

"It's so much fun!" added her daughter Kaelyn.

Besides small arts and crafts set up at the tables, there was a huge bouncy slide and other bouncy items. Screams of joy filled the area. There was a little gymnastic section set up for the younger children.

"My kids are all over in the bouncy stuff," laughed Moreno. "They can't get enough of it here. They've been running all over!"

Nyack hospital had a Teddy Bear Hospital set up with the longest line of all. Kids brought in their Teddy Bears for check ups where the nurses would show them how x-rays work and put on bandaids.

"We come every year. We're having fun," said Shannon Slamka on line for the Teddy Bear hospital with her daughter Jenna.