Summer youth sports camp in full tilt

Summer is here and that means a lot of children with lots of free time on their hands. To make themselves productive, about 170 youngsters between the ages of six and 12 have registered for the three-week Summer Youth Sports Camp of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

The event, hosted by the Division of Youth Services and Division of Sports and Recreation, were divided into two segments—Day Camp and Sports Camp—with the Day Camp kicking off last Monday, June 7, at the Kilili Beach Park. It concludes on Friday, June 11.

Among the activities lined up for Day Camp are canoeing, swimming, beads making, basket weaving, music, and various games.

According to camp vice chair Syl Ada, instruction for each activity is spearheaded by various departments within the government.

The canoeing portion is headed by local canoe organization NAPU, while the Saipan Swim Club heads the swim segment. Ada also disclosed that the Council for Arts and Culture has provided instructors for the beads making and music segments, while the Carolinian Affairs Office has the lead role in the basket-weaving portion.

“The Day Camp is basically a warm up for the Sports Camp,” said Ada.

The Sports Camp, which unfolds Monday, June 14, and runs through to June 25 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium premises, features sport activities including baseball, tee ball, golf, volleyball, basketball, athletics, and soccer.

“This camp emphasizes the basic fundamentals of the various sports,” Ada said. “Our goal is to provide an opportunity for kids to understand the basics of each sport, and hopefully it will build interest. Also, the camp is geared toward promoting a healthy lifestyle.”

Assisting with the monitoring of participants and instruction are 68 volunteer counselors and staff from both DYS and DSR.

Of the 68 volunteers, 23 were provided through the Summer Youth Employment Program under the Workforce Investment Agency.

Ada said the Saipan Mayor’s Office is also helping with the event, providing equipment, tables, and staff.

He also commended the Department of Public Safety Boating Safety Section and the NMI Crime Stoppers for their assistance.

The Boating Safety Section monitors the water, while the Crime Stoppers conduct presentations during the Day Camp.

The camp is chaired by Elias Rangamar of the DSR.