Getting ready for some outdoor fun
The end of the school year brings the return of summer camp for kids, and Tipp City is fortunate to have one that’s been going strong for many years. Tipp Monroe Community Services (TMCS) will once again host Vacation at the Park, a seven-week series of educational and recreational activities for children ages 4 to 8. They have been hosting the program for more than 50 years, making it one of Tipp City’s longest-running summer traditions for youngsters. This year’s program runs from June 9 through July 25.
The Gazette recently spoke with Kathy Taylor, one of the program coordinators. She pointed out that although the program is still popular after so many years, the average number of participants is kept at a manageable 20 to 24. The activities planned for the children are a mix of something old and something new.
“We look at what children are interested in doing on the internet, pick some past favorites and we have used parent suggestions,” she said. “We do listen to the parents and children. In fact, we added another week of Splashtacular, because children love water. We look back to see what programs worked the best, ask the parents, and look online. It’s based on what we think will go.”
Vacation at the Park offers weekly themed experiences that encourage physical activity, creativity, learning, and social development. Each week features visits from local organizations, hands-on crafts, games, STEM projects, and interactive story times presented by the Tipp City Public Library.
This year’s planned activities include Artists Under the Sea (exploring ocean-themed art, yoga and storytelling), Wildlife Wonders (discovering local wildlife with crafts, games and guests from Brukner Nature Center), Everyday Superheroes, featuring first responders and other community heroes, Splashtacular (water games, challenges and science fun), RAD Recess (classic playground games and outdoor creativity), and Makin’ Music (learning about rhythm with instrument-making and special performances).
“Our special guests this year include Vickie Knisley-Henry from Miami County Public Health, certified yoga instructor Denise Campbell, Kathi Hart from Art Adventures, Brukner Nature Center, and Ranger Vic. We also will have the Tipp City Public Library, Miami County Health Department, and Tipp City Police and Fire Departments.”
Ranger Vic seems to be a perennial favorite guest. “Ranger Vic went to Barnum & Bailey Clown College and was taught how to be a clown,” Taylor explained. “He can juggle, play and make musical instruments, do magic and make the best balloon animals. He used to wear full makeup, but many movies make clowns look mean, so he pares it down to the clown outfit, red nose, big shoes, and very light makeup. He is wonderful with children and adults. He comes to our Halloween and Visit with Santa events. He is always at community events.”
Taylor described a typical jam-packed day to keep the kids occupied. “The children are dropped off by their parents at the Tipp City Park Roundhouse by 9 a.m.,” she said. “They may start off by going over the rules and then do activity sheets. They play games, do a craft based on the theme of the week, play on the playground, take a bathroom break, get a snack, and listen to the speaker. Every Friday, pizza is provided for the children and parents by Matt Buehrer of Main Street Financial Thrivent. The children leave at noon and are checked in and out by their parents.”
The targeted age group for participants is 4 to 8 years old, which can influence what activities are offered, and the way they’re presented. “It can present a challenge,” Taylor said, “but you have to look at the crafts that 4-to-8-year-olds can do. You don’t want to make it too hard or too easy. We have a Supervisor and five Playground Aides that help the kids with crafts and play the games with them. The staff is interviewed and we pick the most qualified to work with children.”
TMCS is a nonprofit organization offering recreational, educational, cultural, and social service programs for residents of Tipp City and Monroe Township. This annual program relies on additional community support. “This year we have five sponsors,” Taylor said. “Zack Jacobs State Farm, Kona Ice of Troy, Monroe Federal, Thrivent Action Teams, and Matt Buehrer of Main Street Financial Thrivent. The sponsors allow us to keep the costs down.”
There’s obviously a lot of hard work and planning to put together a program like this year after year, but Taylor and her staff realize what makes it worthwhile in the end. “We want the kids to have fun, make friends and learn fun facts about wildlife wonders, things under the sea, play fun games, get wet and meet the community heroes.”
Vacation at the Park will be held at the Tipp City Park Roundhouse June 9 through July 25, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. There is no camp scheduled the week of June 30. The cost is $90 per week for residents and $110 for nonresidents. Registration is now open at tmcomservices.org. You can also follow them on Facebook or call 937-667-8631 for more information.