As the Massapequa School District’s Summer Recreation Program began its second week on July 6, nearly 1,100 youngsters arrived with excitement for the fun that awaited. The program takes place over five weeks across the six elementary schools for students entering kindergarten through fifth grade.
This year’s Summer Recreation Program runs from June 30 through July 31. A decades-long staple in the district, it is supported by hundreds of staff including directors, assistant directors, college assistants, high school leaders and volunteers. They are tasked with ensuring that the campers are having fun and staying safe.
Rising Massapequa High School junior Dylan D. is working his second year as a leader at Fairfield Elementary School, where he attended summer camp as a child. He enjoys working alongside several of his former Fairfield classmates to ensure the next generation of campers are having as much fun as they once did.
“I like being able to interact with the kids,” said Dylan, who helps supervise a fourth grade boys group. “The experience is good. It teaches you responsibility.”
The program is designed to offer an exciting and engaging experience filled with activities that appeal to a variety of interests. In a typical day at camp, each grade-level group rotates through different stations. They play sports on the fields and in the gymnasium, spend time on the playground, visit the arts and crafts, games and movie rooms, and have breaks for snack and lunch.
Each camp is also filled with special events and field trips. At the schools, students receive visits from Fun Stuff Express to make their own stuffed animals, decorate ceramics, tie-dye T-shirts, conduct experiments with Mad Science, have pizza parties and compete in trivia contests. Each of the locations also holds a carnival day near the end of camp. Field trips include arcades, bowling alleys, miniature golf, movie theaters and museums.
“Whether campers enjoy sports, creative arts, games or outdoor activities, each day provides new opportunities to discover talents, try something different and create lasting friendships,” said Coordinator Dani Shehada.
Campers can come for as few as one week or all five weeks, as many choose to take advantage of offerings from the district’s other summer programs including the fine arts and sports skills camps. Summer Recreation enrollment is consistently strong every year because children love to come back.
Nicholas D., who is entering fifth grade at Birch Lane Elementary School, has been a Summer Recreation regular since kindergarten. He enjoys playing sports outside and also interacting with the welcoming and helpful counselors.
Fellow Birch Lane fifth grader Naia S.H. said her favorite activities are going on the swings and making lanyards during arts and crafts time.
“I like that I get to make new friends and see some old friends,” she said, “and the counselors are really nice and fun.”