 Themes, Lessons Abundant at Kendall Summer Recreation Program Summer 2011 School may not have been in session from mid-July to early August but there were students present in the confines of Kendall’s elementary school to attend the summer recreation program. Those in attendance participated in daily activities, both indoors and outdoors, as well as free time and crafts. The program’s attendees were treated to a theme each week, allowing activities to be coordinated with the week’s theme. Camp Director and Kendall physical education teacher Mrs. Judy Weber’s favorite theme instilled valuable lessons that will impact the students and the community beyond the four-week program. “The theme that I feel was most important was Community Service,” said Weber. “The students showed their appreciation to several groups in the area through special projects.” Participants made cards for the residents at the veterans’ home in Batavia, thank you cards for the elementary custodial staff, and bookmarks for the residents at The Landing in Brockport. The students presented the cards to the residents during a field trip to The Landing, where they also provided entertainment in the form of a talent show. “The talent show was a huge success and we will continue that practice next year,” said Weber. The students also put their mark on the school grounds during Community Service Week, planting sunflowers in the front of the school for the coming fall. Additionally, the students made banks out of small milk cartons during Go Green week to save coins for the four-week program. The students collected $75 and the savings will serve three purposes: a donation to a local charity, providing a child in the U.S. with a health or school kit and for animals to benefit a family in Africa. “I feel it is important for students and adults to realize that we all can make a difference in peoples' lives, even with some small gesture,” said Weber. “Just a smile or a visit can mean the world to many people.” Three additional themes were enjoyed by the campers. During Go Green Week, students made crafts out of recyclables, cleaned up the school grounds and went on a scavenger hunt. Visiting States Week allowed the participants to travel the country from Kendall school grounds via crafts, activities and snacks, including pineapple representing Hawaii, blueberries symbolizing Maine and smoked salmon straight from the state of Washington. Cowboy hats and tie-dyed shirts were present during Music Week with participants dressing like each theme from 50’s rock and roll and country music to Woodstock and African music. Mrs. Linda Lenz secured many donations to benefit the summer recreation program including four pizza parties, an ice cream social, a sheet cake, paper products, freeze pops, gift cards and planting supplies. The program runs annually for a minimal fee and registration is available each spring.  |