For the first time in over three years, University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) University Recreation (URec) will host a camp for children during the upcoming Winter Break.
Winter Camp 2022 will take place from December 19-22. Children ages 5 to 12 will be able to enjoy several camp activities each day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Caleb Maas, the coordinator of Competitive Sports, said the goal is to have one instructor for every eight children each day. There is a maximum cap of 50 children per day as well.
“The Winter Break Camp is something URec has done in the past to provide a childcare option for our UAB employees,” said Maas. “The program has then since expanded to community members — not just UAB affiliates. It is important to URec we have a quality kids camp program while also providing convenience to our community’s downtown employees.”
Maas said campers will be able to participate in a variety of activities from sports games, swimming, arts and crafts, board games, and climbing the URec rock wall.
“We want to provide a variety of activities to keep our campers entertained throughout the day,” said Maas. “We want to promote fun and safe interaction among our campers and counselors to provide the best experience possible.”
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The cost per day for UAB affiliates is $40 per child and $50 for non-UAB affiliates. A full week for UAB affiliates is $140 and $160 for non-UAB affiliates. A 25% deposit is required for any full-week enrollments with payment due the Monday before camp begins. There is a 5% discount for enrolling multiple children.
Registration closes one week prior to the camp date or once camper capacity is reached. Campers must have a registration form completed and registered to make a deposit. Only one form per family is required.
Maas advised other campus rec departments beginning their own camp programs to have a high level of patience and flexibility when working with children.
“Having a great staff has led to a lot of our success,” said Maas. “The kids can channel their energy in a lot of different ways, and having the right people and activities goes a long way toward the camper experience. But most of all, remember to have fun. It is camp, after all.”
Here are other winter camp offerings campus rec departments are featuring this year:
University of Arizona
University of Arizona Campus Recreation’s Winter Break Camp will have an active schedule for campers ages 5 to 14. The event will have group games, team building, arts and crafts, and winter-themed fun. Programmed camp hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The camp will take place from January 3-6, 2023. The cost per day for all attendees is $60, and the cost for the full camp ranges from $180 to $200 depending on member classification.
Marshall University
The Winter Healthy Herd Camp for children ages 5 to 12 will be hosted by Marshall University’s Rec Center from December 19-22 and December 27-30. Snacks will be provided, and attendees will be climbing, swimming and participating in physical activity each day.
Childcare will also be available for campers 1.5 hours before and after each camp period. The cost for members per week is $120 and $150 for non-members.
Georgia Southern University
The Shooting Sports Education Center at Georgia Southern University will be the site of Campus Recreation’s three-day Winter Camp. Campers can choose between three sessions in firearms and archery to maximize opportunities to learn how to shoot safely.
The camp will be held from December 19-21 in the mornings and afternoons. The registration fee for firearm sessions is $115 per person, and the fee for archery classes is $85 per person. The goal for participants is to learn the essentials of proper handling, safety procedures, range rules, etiquette and stance.
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