As the summer break is winding down, so is the Unity in the Community’s Summer Enrichment Camp.

A closing ceremony was recently held to reflect, give awards and acknowledge some important people who helped make this year’s camp a success. The closing ceremony was open to the public, with a special invitation extended to the camper’s parents, grandparents and friends, to give them an in-depth look into the summer camp’s purpose and projects.

With an average of 50 campers daily, youth were able to experience a wide variety of fun, entertaining and educational things, organizers said. These included an up-close look at Harmon Dairy, and its new creamery and the cheese-making process; a workshop with the Polk County forest ranger, detailing the importance of protecting the local forest; and several classes with Mrs. CiCi “The herb Lady” (Minister Cecilia Miller) in which the campers made lip balm, soap and basal butter, using all natural and organic ingredients.

Other activities included skating, bowling and field trips to Harmon Field and Strawberry Hill Farms.

In addition to the campers giving emotional testimonials during  the program, Citizenship Awards were given to the campers during the ceremony, to those who showed leadership skills, good character and conduct.

Two teens won a backpack with school supplies, donated by camp director John Paul McIntyre.

Christian Falk was named the most courageous camper.

The night of festivities came to a close when the campers chose instructor Bryce Martin to get a pie in his face as a sendoff until next year.

Led by McIntyre, a Polk County High Educator, the instructors were Mitchell Brown, Bryce Martin, Martha Staley, Patricia Miller, Alexis Greene and Heber Najera. The culinary staff, made up of volunteers, was Julia Godlock, Faye Jones, Cassandra Staley and Cassandra Kelly.

Special recognition was given to Minister Horace Carson for his dedication to the camp and assistance with transporting the campers to and from camp. Other volunteers included Paige McIntyre, Makiah Staley, Theodore Kelly, Jenny Kelly, Lena Jackson, and Mary Johnson.

The camp was sponsored by The Unity in the Community Organization and funded by a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation.

– Submitted by David Staley