For the third year in a row, Athena Elementary School students are participating in a summer camp through a partnership with the YMCA.
Currently in its fifth week, this program is delivering activities for 1st to 5th graders and is available free of charge for all Athena-Weston School District students. Enrollment this year ranges from 50 to 60 students participating each week.
The Y Summer Camp offers a variety of activities that foster creativity, physical fitness, and social interaction. During each of the six weeks, the campers have activities focused on a different theme.
“This enrichment program focuses on themes such as STEAM, the Great Outdoors, and the Treasures of Umatilla County,” said Principal Kerri Coffman. “Y Campers go on weekly field trips, as well as enjoy visits to the Athena swimming pool.” The students have participated in multiple field trips around the area, including bowling at Wildhorse, visiting a planetarium and doing a planet walk in Walla Walla, seeing the unmanned aerial airport in Pendleton, and swimming at several different area pools.
The current week’s theme is “Outdoor Exploration,” with students engaging in outdoor adventures, expanding their knowledge of nature, and honing their problem-solving skills with interactive learning. On July 12, campers divided into rotating groups to collect bugs in the Athena Elementary Garden, walk to the park, draw, and gather plants for making sun prints. The daily activities also include playground time and lunches together.Coffman added, “Y Camp engages our elementary students, but we also have high school students who work as camp counselors,” Coffman said. “It is a fantastic opportunity for all our students to develop skills while making memories in a fun environment.”
The sixth and final week of the camp will wrap up on July 20.
