Gabriel Pletch, 9, pushes a pie in the face of counselor Branden Lawrence at Camp Alameda, Friday, August 21, 2020.

Camp Alameda came to a close Friday after continuing through COVID-19.

The camp started on time June 8, and Friday was its final day, according to Tim Calvert, aquatic and programs manager for the Butler County Parks and Recreation Department.

“You could tell the first week that the children were eager to be out and interacting with other people,” Calvert said. “We were excited to have them out as well to give them a chance to stretch their legs and burn their energy.”

In the past 10 weeks, the day camp provided a place where children could have fun and keep their minds off the crisis at hand.

Aside from easy access to the Alameda water park, each week brought a new theme and activities that went along with that theme. Some themes from this year included Game Show, Science Week and Splish Splash.

The final week was carnival-themed and featured a party-like atmosphere, according to Calvert.

“Having fun,” he said. “That's the key thing.”

The day camp also brought in different presentations to help educate while the children played.Calvert said Butler County Dairy Promotion made multiple stops with the campers.“They made ice cream for the one activity,” he said. “The kids really enjoyed that.”Calvert said it was another successful year at Camp Alameda.“We hopes to see everyone back next year,” he said.

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Above, 10-year-old Jayden Wiltse makes sure camp counselor Josh Albert gets a complete pie in the face Friday at Camp Alameda. At left, Gabriel Pletch, 9, gives the pie-in-the-face experience to counselor Branden Lawrence.