LEWISTOWN - The old excuse that "there isn't anything to do around here" won't work this summer.
With dozens of vacation Bible schools and special camps happening in the area, children have plenty of options to experience summer fun and faith.
Here is a look at some of the things that will be happening:
The East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church in Reedsville will offer three themed camps for free in July and August.
All camps will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Children in kindergarten and up are welcome.
The themes are:
Art Camp - From July 9 to 13, the children will explore a variety of art forms including sculpture, drawing, painting and more.
Fabric Camp - From July 23 to 27, the children will learn how to hand stitch and use a sewing machine to make potholders, sleeping shorts and other projects.
Cookie Camp - From Aug. 13 to 17, campers will make a different kind of cookie every day. Some cookies will be sent home, and others will be packaged and sent to soldiers in Afghanistan. The children also will create a cookie cookbook to take home.
Organizers need to know if a child has food allergies, especially for Cookie Camp. To reserve a spot at camp, call 667-6233.
Many communities in the area will be hosting Camp Good News weeks through the Child Evangelism Fellowship of Mifflin-Juniata-Perry Counties.
Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children who have completed kindergarten to grade six may attend. Older children may qualify to serve as helpers.
The schedule is: July 9 to 13 at the Lions Club Park, Port Royal; July 16 to 20 at the Malta Park, Granville; July 23 to 27 at the Central Baptist Church, Millerstown; July 23 to 27 at the Derry Township Community Park, Burnham; Aug. 6 to 10 at the Lupfers Grove, Shermans Dale.
The cost is $25 per week. To register a child or for more information, call 436-8632 or email cefmjp@centurylink.net.
CEF also is looking for Five Day Club locations in the area.
Also a summer staple, two local churches will host Camp Mount Luther Day Camps in the area. Trained camp staff will lead children from kindergarten to sixth grade in devotions, games, crafts, Bible study, sports, music and special events.
These camps are designed to introduce a summer outdoor ministry experience to children and youth who are not sure if they are ready to spend the night at camp.
The Beaver Lutheran Church will hold camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 30 to Aug. 3 at the church, Beaver Springs. There is no charge. To register by July 1, call the church office at (570) 658-2001.
Centre Lutheran Church, near Mifflintown, will host a similar camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 9 to 13. To register by July 1, call 436-8916. The cost for camp is $10, but financial aid is available.
The area also has its share of overnight camps, with traditional outdoor experiences like hiking and boating, archery and sports.
Some of the special camps offered this year include "Mud, Bugs and God," which teaches about edible plants, survival and a leave no trace approach to creation; a night owl camp with star gazing, night hikes and flashlight games; and rodeo camps where youth will learn about safe riding, horse grooming, roping, running barrels and poles and trail riding.
To learn more, contact Hartman Center in Milroy at 667-2431; Christian Retreat Center in East Waterford at 734-3627; Camp Mount Luther in Mifflinburg at (570) 922-1587; and Camp Krislund near Centre Hall at (814) 422-8878, or look for them online.
