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Good camps recognize that the children will be there all summer long and vary the activities and programs to keep their interest.
For example, Kidventure has a theme for the summer and weekly activities. "Last summer, our theme was the 'Amazing Camp Race,' based on the TV show 'The Amazing Race.' Kids 'traveled' around the world [to a different region each week]-Arctic Blast, Down Under, European Vacation, Amazon Adventure," says owner Mike McDonell. "For the Amazon week, we went to Moody Gardens Galveston and had a rainforest scavenger hunt. We had guest speakers who were natives of the Amazon."
Community service is a component of some programs. At AstraZeneca's on-site Camp Exploration, "We've raised quail eggs in the incubator, watched them hatch, cared for them, and the Tri-State Bird Rescue released them at the bird sanctuary," says the camp's assistant director, Michelle Lennon. "Our children did a penny war; they raised over $1,000 just in pennies. We gave half to the Ronald McDonald House and half to the Tri-State Bird Rescue."
The summer camp program at Texas Instruments provides a variety of pursuits. "Activities include daily swim lessons; a weekly focus on different sports taught by professionals in that field; cultural arts, concentrating on theater, dance and music; a weekly field trip; and free play, swim and snack time," says Betty Purkey, manager of work/life strategies at the technology company.
--Kathryn Tyler
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