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Swimming, movies, art, games and expeditions are all part of the ARC’s
“The intent is to have them outside as much as possible,” said Erika Coffman,
the recreation services manager for the Parks and Recreation Department.
The ARC, which opened in 2001, offers many different programs for youth in
the summer. S.T.A.R.S. runs weekly from June 14 to Aug. 20 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
costs only $10 per week. Most of the children enrolled come from the lower-income
Department.
Crawford said.
For lunch, S.T.A.R.S. takes the children to Lunch in the Park at Douglass Park
on Providence Road. It also offers a substantial snack because it benefits from the
Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri. The kids enrolled may not be getting
Located at Stephens Lake Park, the camp offers archery, canoeing and
swimming. The camp has four two-week sessions and one one-week session, as well
as before and after care. Camp includes organized activities, a snack, supervision
and the opportunity for kids to make friends and be active, Coffman said.
Kacie Yearout
ARC’s getting kids off the couch
“We have to keep them engaged, entertained and looking forward to every
Both camps combine activity, education and fun. “Escapade Week” of Camp
Adventure is a week of field trips, and Coffman said it is known as “the bomb”
among campers because many of the kids don’t normally have those type special
outings.
The camp counselors make sure that kids are always busy and involved in
some sort of activity. Steve Evers, recreation specialist and head of summer staff
hiring, said that they take special care in hiring counselors with positive attitudes
“We look for people that want to have a good time and can provide a good
The need for the kids programming is high and is an essential part of the
overweight or obese, according to Trust for America’s Health, physical activity like
archery, swimming and canoeing are not only fun, but also are giving children