Campers Trenton and Korbin tested out their handmade fishing poles at Windmont during day camp. [Photo by Elle Eastman]

***This article is written by Elle Eastman, a participant in The Kewanee Voice Student Jouralism Program, funded by The Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.

The Kewanee Park District Summer Day Camp is underway and provides indoor and outdoor adventures for kids. Led by a new director, Kyria Eastman, the camp provides a blend of activities that encourage creativity, interaction with peers, and fun.

Sessions are going on now from June 10-14 for children with special needs, followed by two more sessions, which will run from June 24-28 and July 22-26 at the Windmont shelter house.

The camp caters to a wide-variety of interests and needs. Under the guidance of experienced staff, kids engage in crafting, snack-making, games, water play, and playground activities.

Special guests including the Kewanee Public Library, U of I Extension Office, and the local Police and Fire departments will provide informative and interactive programs to enrich the camp experience.

Guest speaker, Lisa Murphy, back row, second from left, from the Kewanee Public Library, read a book to the kids and provided a rock painting activity. [Photo by Elle Eastman]

At the end of each camp week is a pool party at the Northeast Oasis with pizza and ice cream.

Sharon DeSmit retired last year after serving almost 30 years as the program director. Eastman, who is stepping into the role, said her decision was a result of her past experiences with DeSmit.

“Having attended the camp when I was younger and working alongside Sharon the last few years, I knew that I wanted to keep the tradition of camp going each summer and that I had some big shoes to fill,” she said.

Day camp one is still open for registration and day camp two registration will open soon. The cost for the one-week camp is $50, which includes a pool party and a group field trip at a later date for all three camps combined.

Applications for financial assistance are available and if approved, the cost for the camp is $25.

To enroll your child, visit https://kewanee.recdesk.com/Community/Program?category=11.