Manheim Township To Hold Camp

According to Michael Kurland, youth sports and activities manager with Manheim Township Recreation and Park Planning Department, the goal of the Winter Break Camp the department is planning is twofold. "We are trying to give parents a break to recover from the holidays and give the kids an opportunity to unwind and have fun before they go back to school," said Kurland, who noted that this will be the first winter camp the organization has held. The camp planned for 2020 was canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Camp, for children in first through eighth grades, will be held from Monday, Dec. 27, through Friday, Dec. 31, at the Overlook Activities Center, 2099 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. "We offer before- and after-care options, so they can come as early as 7 a.m. and stay as late as 6 p.m.," said Kurland. A limit of 25 attendees has been set, and children will be expected to bring their own lunches and snacks. Campers will be divided into age groups, which Kurland said will probably be first through fourth grades and fifth through eighth grades. Kurland has arranged for college students who serve as summer camp counselors with Manheim Township Recreation to work at the camp, and he hopes many of the campers will be familiar with the counselors.

Among the many activities Kurland has planned for the campers are board games, roller skating, kickball, dodgeball, flag football, and Steal the Bacon. "We will show a holiday movie and do holiday crafts," said Kurland.

One special event will involve an animal show. "It is called Creatures Great and Small," said Kurland, who noted that the presentation will be educational and interactive. "The kids will be able to touch them and pet them and hold them," he said, adding that the animals will include reptiles, ducks, bunnies, birds, dogs, and cats.

"We will keep them busy from the time they get here until they go home," said Kurland.

Readers who have questions about the camp may call 717-290-7180.