Summer camp adventures are back with Batavia Park District

Think back to the grand summers of your youth, spent running in freshly mown grass, splashing at the pool, and making unforgettable summer camp memories.

Last summer was super stressful for children and parents alike. Those carefree summer adventures were nixed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Well, it's time to say "welcome back" to summer camp!

Children may join their friends and make new buddies at Batavia Park District's "Camp SUN-sational." The signature camp is the epitome of summer days spent swimming, going on field trips, playing games, and making cool crafts. The camp runs weekly from Tuesday, June 1, to Friday, Aug. 13. Camp will be 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with optional extended hours from 4 to 6 p.m.

"Last year, we missed the memories that kids get to make and the fun experiences we all share. This year we have a new name and a new location," said Recreation Supervisor Bethanne Guidarelli, who is in charge of "Camp SUN-sational." "I'm excited to have somewhat of a normal camp experience."

This summer camp offers one-week sessions, or parents may select multiple weeks or an option of the entire summer for their little camper to explore and play. Children entering kindergarten through sixth grades may register for the 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. camp. Extended hours also are available, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Play games, scarf snacks - what could be better?

This year camp will be located at the Eastside Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St. Safety and hygiene are key, so masks must be worn and social distancing guidelines will be followed per health requirements.

"Participants will make summer camp memories, but on a level that will keep everyone safe throughout the summer," Guidarelli said. "It will be fun, but different."

Campers are required to wear closed-toed shoes instead of sandals, and bring a sack lunch and water bottle daily. Prices vary so check out bataviaparks.org/summer-camps for details. Camp won't meet on May 31 and July 5 in observance of the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holidays.

Special preschool summer camps are available for children ages 3 through 6, designed to help your little ones explore their creativity with fun and exciting activities.

For 3- to 5-year-olds, the "Summertime Playtime" camp allows youngsters to dabble in art, music, science and math, among others. All children must be toilet-trained for this camp. Cooking and reading are in the mix for 4- to 6-year-olds with "Storybook Cooking," where kiddos will try their hands at baking like Little Red Hen and munch on muffins like a moose.

Nothing says summer like spending time outdoors playing a host of sports like soccer, tennis, Frisbee and baseball. A bevy of sports camps are open this summer to provide kids with a taste for a specific sport, as well as the essential fundamentals needed to have a ball. These camps include, but are not limited to: softball, volleyball, dodgeball, and basketball.

If your child is full of team spirit, check out "Spirit Cheer Camp." Do you want to bridge, or practice cartwheels? For children entering grades 3 through 8, this camp teaches cheer, dancing and tumbling skills.

For the littlest campers, exploring nature through hiking and hands-on activities is a wonderful way to encourage a love of the outdoors. Check out nature camps geared toward 2- to 7-year-olds and learn about bugs, critters and the wonderful world of wetlands! For the more seasoned campers, 8- to 13-year-olds may create their own artworks using clay, mud and fabrics, or tell campfire stories while roasting a marshmallow or two. Extended care options are available with a number of these camps.

Let your child's special abilities shine this summer with "Perfectly Me Superhero Camp"! Every budding superhero will have the opportunity to showcase natural talents and abilities through immersive activities like martial arts, obstacle courses, improve classes, book clubs and more.

Has your child ever wanted to be an astronaut, build satellites, or learn how space exploration even is possible? Then "NASA Camp" is the right summer choice for your budding space explorer! Maybe digging for dinosaurs and uncovering secrets buried in the earth will make this summer a roaring success for your 4- to 10-year old. Then try "Digging Dinos and More Camp."

Dust off your child's passport for a "trip" to Spanish-speaking countries, help children and teens learn engineering in the Minecraft world, or even watch them build and bring robots to life in some of our Youth Variety camps! Check out the "Summer Fun Guide" for more details.

For more information on Batavia Park District programs and events, call (630) 879-5235 or visit bataviaparks.org.