Last Day of Summer Camp Today

Hard to believe, but today is the last day for Rye Recreation campers.

The weeks were filled with great experiences: sports and games, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and field trips. Even special theme days.

Rye Recreation Department hosted over 750 Rye City children this year. Today they mark the close of another camp season,

Campers, counselors and staff are already reminiscing on the great times.

“The highlight for me is the counselors. We were fortunate to find so many 14-22 year olds that are so willing to work with this age group to do something rewarding,” said Dennis Hurley, director of Camp No Left Turn. “They come here enthusiastically everyday and they want to be here.”

The K-2nd grade campers of Camp No Left Turn were all smiles yesterday proudly displaying painted faces, hands and legs from Carnival Day.

The open area beyond the baseball diamond was transformed into a children’s wonderland complete with carney games, an ice cream truck, dunk tank, bounce house, inflatable slides and climbing walls. 

But 5 year-old Leyna loved the usual daily camp activities most.

“My favorite part of camp is the sprinkler to get cooled off and wet. I like to also go to the playground and swing on the tire swing,” Leyna said.

Besides the fun activities, camp is an opportunity for all-important relationship building during formative years, with counselors as well as peers.  

“Camp is awesome because we get to do a lot of things like parachute, arts and crafts, and gym. But, most of all I love the counselors! My favorite counselor is Jeff because he has a silly smile, always wears a hat, and he is funny,” said Megan, age 7.

Children always remember the camp counselors who make a difference giving their presence and lending a kind listening ear. Campers are usually unaware that they also impact their counselors.

“The best part of camp is the relationship with the campers. Every camper is different with different personalities. Even though they are kids, they are kind of like adults,” said 17-year-old Pat who will soon become a high school senior. “The games we play with them, it’s really just a unique experience we have to get to know really cool kids.”

Kelly, 16, a counselor and former camper, agreed. “This is the best summer job anyone can have, the experiences you gain and the fun you have here are priceless.”