Camp Alameda offers 11 weeks of activities
BUTLER TWP — For children 5 to 16 years old with nothing to do this summer, Camp Alameda offers a variety of activities during its day camp this year. The weeklong camps run from June 6 to Aug. 19.
Every year, the camp has multiple weekly themes, according to Ashley Helmstaedter, program and aquatic manager with the Butler County Parks and Recreation Department. This year, there will even be two new themes for children to experience: a history-based “Stars and Stripes” week and a week for the performing arts.
“We try to (have different theme weeks) to hit something that everybody might like or appreciate,” she said. Most often, the camp’s sports-themed weeks have the best reviews, she said.
The Stars and Stripes Week will run from June 27 to July 1, focusing on aspects of American history for the children to learn. For instance, the campers will get to have “battles” between the North and the South, like in the Civil War, through games of capture the flag. The campers will elect a president and even go on a simulated “Gold Rush” dig, Helmstaedter said.
“It’ll be fun to see how it works (this year), especially how much power they think the president should have,” she said. “We’ve never done (this theme week) before so we’re just trying to change it up.”
Another new theme week this year is the Rex Art Musical Week, done through a partnership with Rex Arts of Pittsburgh. During the week, the campers will work in different groups based on age to perform a play for their parents by the end of the week, from July 18 to 22.
The Get Soaked theme week is in its second year after a great reception during last year’s camp, Helmstaedter said.
“It’s a week of just pure water: water balloons, slip ’n’ slides ... ,” she said.
That week takes place from Aug. 1 to 5, and campers can expect to be swimming every day, among other water-themed activities.
The camp will host a superstar sports week from June 6 to 10, a No Theme Week from June 13 to 17, a Fit and Fun Week from June 20 to 24, Stars and Stripes Week from June 27 to July 1, Woodsy Week from July 5 to 8, All Ball Week from July 11 to 15, Rex Art Musical Week from July 18 to 22, Science Week from July 25 to 29, Get Soaked! Week from Aug. 1 to 5, Teamwork Week from Aug. 8 to 12 and the Best of Summer Week from Aug. 15 to 19.
Last year’s camp had about 90 participants, and Helmstaedter said the camp makes sure there is one staff member for every eight campers. Older children, 12 years old and up, have opportunities to get involved in the Counselor In Training program as well.
The camp has 11 weeks of activities, and campers can sign up for certain weeks specifically or the entire summer. The cost is $110 per child per week, but the camp offers a $900 deal, which pays for the entire summer for one child. For each extra child from a family, the price is $95 per week per additional child, but Helmstaedter stressed that the $900 for the entire summer is still a better deal.
The camp is daytime only, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but there are early drop-off options at 7 a.m. and late pickup at 5:30 p.m., both of which are free.
Information on the camp and applications are available on the county’s website at www.co.butler.pa.us/Parks-and-Recreation or by calling the park office at 724-284-5383. Applications must be turned in personally at the camp office, 184 Alameda Park Road.
