There was no shortage of fun for many children in the Westmoreland Central School District this summer.
The school district, along with the Town of Westmoreland, teamed up to jointly sponsor and offer “Camp Adventure” - - a free five-week summer program for children ages six to 12.
The fun-filled program, located at the Town of Westmoreland Town Park on Stop Seven Road, was open to children every Tuesday and Thursday from July 10 to August 9. It was the first time a summer program was offered to members of the Westmoreland community in quite some time.
“We were excited to be able to bring back the program,” Westmoreland Central School District Superintendent of Schools Rocco Migliori, said. “It was a safe and convenient outlet for so many to take advantage of.”
“Camp Adventure” was staffed and run six Westmoreland students, who were overseen by Patrick Cardillo, computer aide at Westmoreland Primary Elementary School, and Chuck Hebbard, Town of Westmoreland councilperson. The students developed the program from scratch as part of High School Business Teacher and School to Work Coordinator Mrs. Weissenberger’s College and Career Enrichment Program. Mr. Migliori says the “drop-in” program presented not only a host of activities for children to enjoy, but a unique opportunity for some of Westmoreland’s juniors and seniors to gain valuable work experience.
“A handful of our students were able to get a taste of the ‘real world,’ starting with the interview process to actually doing the job,” Migliori said. “The experience they gained working with and caring for children is invaluable and will be a great resume builder.”
Daily activities included kickball, football, soccer, capture the flag, hiking and arts and crafts. Participants also made tie dye shirts. The program concluded with a pizza and ice cream party on the final day.
Cardillo says the camp was enjoyable for all.
“The program was designed to suit both the younger and older kids,” Cardillo said. “Most made new friends, and there were even kids new to the school district who participated and now have friends before school even starts!”
The program averaged 50 children per week. Both the Westmoreland Central School District and Town of Westmoreland hope to offer it again next summer.
Thank you to all who attended!
Camp Adventure Staff:
Patrick Cardillo – Adult Volunteer Chuck Hebbard – Adult Volunteer Julia DePietro – Camp Attendant Arianna Granza – Camp Attendant Devon Slaboc – Camp Attendant Makenna Stiles – Camp Attendant Brooke Taverne – Camp Attendant Gabriella Ricci – Camp Attendant