Summer Camps prepare to take in area kids

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Summer is almost here, and local camps will soon welcome children of all ages.

There are many types of camps in the Golden Triangle.

Some camps give kids new experiences and others focus on specific sets of skills.

The choice can be a tough one to make.

Kylie Crosland’s 7-year-old daughter will have her first camp experience this summer. Crosland looks forward to her daughter enjoying fun activities, but also looks forward to it enhancing her social skills.

“My daughter is kind of timid. So I’m hopeful that her camp experience will help foster some independence and get her some success and come back, and she can try new things when she’s back here,” said Crosland.

The YMCA in Columbus offers an all-day camp to keep kids active.

“I think moms and dads feel that the Y is a safe place,” said Jeremy Fears. “Which we are. So parents are dropping them off here for a fun day of activity. For us to make them tired so at six o’clock when it’s time to go home, that they’re going to sleep. And not staying up all night long.”

Local universities also offer a variety of camps that are skill based.

MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine caters to kids interested in becoming a vet.

“What they look for in a camp is making sure that their students are actually getting a lot of hands-on experience, a lot of activity, pretty much. They also are looking for students, for campers, that basically the costs that are associated with the camp. Making sure it’s not too expensive and making sure that it is giving them a variety of experience,” said Dr. Brittany Moore-Henderson.

Parents tell us they send their kids to camp to have fun, but also to keep learning.

“Well, of course, they get bored during the summer, and that gives her something to do. She is excited to get to ride horses, so that was why we picked that one,” said Carey Robertson.

“Camp is an experience that fosters independence. It’s team building, getting in touch with nature, and kind of unplugging from technology as well,” said Crosland.

Most camps do cost to attend, but some offer scholarships to those in need.