The drop-off line at Summer Camp is fast moving. Energetic camp counselors rush to greet the kids arriving with their families.
Today is Superhero day. Counselors and campers are dressed as their favorite fictional characters. Lower Camp director Dennis Hurlie stands by in his costume as campers head toward the tennis courts, capes flowing behind them.
Camp “No-Left-Turn” is one of four that provide activities for the kids, from sports like the ever popular “What Time is it Mr. Fox” to special programs such as Computer and Mad Science.
“No-Left-Turn” got its name from a safety-minded traffic prohibition to protect the kids.
The on site schedule includes swim days and theme days. Today was Superhero day; August 3rd will be Crazy Hat Day.
They also take field trips: seeing musical entertainment like Blue Man Group, cheering for their favorite sports team, appreciating New York City’s skyline on boat cruises, even rock climbing.
Superintendent Sally Rogol has been with Rye Recreation Summer Camp for 26 years. From her start as a Rec leader, she has witnessed the camp’s growth; evolving from one camp with 168 kids to four with 757.
Rogol holds her camp directors responsible for its success. “They really are the heart and the soul of what we do, they get it," she said "They’re really really good at what they do.”
At , youth learn to appreciate the culture of the fine arts. The students express themselves creatively through artwork, dance, photography and music.
This week they are celebrating the Renaissance and gaining a deeper understanding of the roots of the fine arts movement. Students recreate a piece of art from that era, then study it and share their knowledge.
Rye Arts Center executive director Peggy Hill said the camp clientele has significantly grown and now includes students from as far as Mahopac, NY and Darien, CT. Approximately two-thirds of the Rye Arts Center program focus is the schools of fine arts, according to Hill.
The program also includes need-based efforts; they maintain a HeadStart program and also offer music outreach.
“The biggest thing for any young person or adult is to have some sort of a goal,” said Hill.
Forging relationships, whether within or outside the Rye community, is very important for the Rye Arts Center family, be it through the Adult/Teen Art Show or students helping their peers appreciate the art forms they have grown to love.
Rye summer camp at the Recreation Center and Rye Arts Center has enabled kids to remain active during the summer.
From playing kickball, to using new technology and developing photos, members of Rye's future generation are being stimulated to enjoy life to its fullest potential.
