Camp Tecumseh begins 34th Year of Day Camp

Thirty-four years ago Camp Tecumseh YMCA offered its first Day Camp for local children. In the years since, thousands of children from Carroll and White Counties have gained self confidence and taken their first steps to youthful independence under the tutelage of the caring counselors at Camp Tecumseh.

That first year a total of 32 youngsters attended. Last summer nearly one thousand came.

"The counselors are just great," commented Kirsten Pattengale, mother of a Day Camper. "They are so enthusiastic and they just love working with the children. Our son Josiah wants to be a counselor some day himself."

Seven weeks of Camp Tecumseh YMCA Day Camp are being offered for this summer. Sessions are Monday through Friday, and campers are at camp from about 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Bus transportation is offered on alternating weeks for children from locations in Carroll County and White County, though campers from those areas are not limited to those weeks. Many parents drive their children to camp each day.

Activities include a daily swim lesson plus recreation swimming at the camp's two swimming pools, archery, crafts, games, hikes, skits, singing, obstacle course, and visiting the animals at the mini-farm.

Each week also has a special theme such as "Superheroes," "Stars and Stripes Forever," or "Olympics," with activities and special guests helping to bring the theme to life.

Another important and popular part of the Day Camp is the daily morning devotion. Counselors creatively introduce Christian values and character qualities that campers and staff can implement during the interactions of their day: faith, caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

The Thursday evening parent night allows mom and dad to see their youngsters interacting with their counselors during the camper show. It is a festive time when the whole Day Camp community comes together in Tecumseh's new Kampen Lodge to celebrate a fun week of camper growth.

For more information and registration forms, parents are encouraged to visit www.camptecumseh.org or contact Camp Tecumseh YMCA at 765-564-2898. Spaces are limited and registrations are taken on a first received basis. Some financial assistance is available for those in need.