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Kids enjoying YMCA’s Summer Day Camp
SIKESTON — “It’s the best,” smiled seven-year-old DJ Minnifield.
Child after child had the same ringing endorsement of the YMCA’s Summer Day Camp Thursday morning as children went through dance moves preparing for their annual Family Night, which will be held next week.
“The program has been really good,” said YMCA Youth Development Director Cassandra Limbaugh. “We have registered 127 kids this year.”
While those 127 do not take part every single day, there was a large number of kindergarten through third graders learning dance moves at Tanner Street Church of God Thursday. The fourth through seventh graders meet at the First Methodist Church.
This is the 25th year for the 10-week program.
“I love coming here and meeting all my friends,” said Camden Marrie Ackerman, 7.
While meeting with their friends is enticing to the children, there was something else many found the most fun.
“I like the field trips the best,” said Kennon Adell, 7.
Due to the pandemic, field trips weren’t possible last year but Limbaugh said this year they’ve been able to go skating, bowling, to gymnastics, Myres Vending and Pizza Inn.
“Those have all been very good,” Limbaugh said. “They liked skating the best. It was a fun-filled trip.”
On Wednesday kids were able to visit the local skating rink and skate and play games. They also were able to visit the concession stands.
“The kids love to do concession stands,” Limbaugh said. “They get to bring money. You’d think they had never bought any food in their life until they get there, but it’s their own money. So that’s the fun.”
The camp also gets visited by the sno-cone truck on Thursday’s, play in the Youth and Family gym at the YMCA as well as swim two days a week.
While everything has been going well, Limbaugh said she was concerned before camp began.
“I’ve had some staffing issues,” Limbaugh said. “It’s just been hard to get people to work. I was literally in the month of May trying to get staff.”
And while they may be a little short-staffed, Limbaugh sung the praises of the staff she does have.
“My staff has been big-time helpful this year,” Limbaugh said. “They have just gone way beyond what was expected of them. They’ve had to work extra hours because of shortage of staff.
“I’ve had good staffs, but my staff this year, we’ve all been on the same page all summer. We’ve laughed, we’ve joked around. We’re like a family.”
And it isn’t just staff either. There are also volunteers that help keep the camp running smoothly.
“I’ve been a camper since the first year I could (kindergarten) and I’ve been looking forward to volunteering,” said 13-year-old Bryton Singer.
Nevaeh Beeble, 13, also volunteers and has enjoyed her summer.
“I wanted to be with the kids and not be at home all summer,” Beeble said.
Limbaugh said she has five volunteers at Tanner Street and two more at the Methodist Church.
“They do a lot,” Limbaugh said. “I’ve got a few that are with me from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and they really do a great job.”
And while summer is winding down, there is plenty to do as kids are preparing for Family Night on Aug. 5.
“Both sites will perform two songs each and we treat them with hot dogs and chips and cookies and drinks and then I announce the awesome campers,” Limbaugh said, adding that the kids will vote on the best staffers and volunteers will receive awards as well.
And while the children prepare for the annual Family Night, there are some lines some are not willing to cross.
“I’m dancing, but I’m not singing,” said Charlie Lawson, 8.