Reference: Found here
BLUEFIELD, W.Va . (WVVA) – Kids are taking a final lap in the lake at Pipestem Resort State Park Friday afternoon, as they are saying goodbye to a summer camp experience here.
It’s more than a swim, but a celebration of the final day of Adventure Camp. It’s hosted by the Bluefield Parks and Recreation Center. This is one of several summer camps that aim to get kids out, exercising, as well as expose them to the joys to be found soaking in the beauty of nature. This week, kids ages 10 to 13 participated in several outdoor activities, including rock climbing to white water rafting. While these activities are fun, Justin Hawkins, the Programs Special Events Coordinator for the center says these activates also serve as a way to help install skills for the kids to use.
“You are for instance, you have to help your friends up the cave, and you pass backpacks up.” Hawkins explained. “Even with rafting, you are in a raft with four of your friends, and you are working as a team, so it is a lot of team building.”
Hawkins says that he enjoys helping kids learn something new. It also provides unique experiences and hopefully igniting an untapped passion to explore and get active.
“Most of them haven’t been white water rafting, or in a wet wild cave, or rock climbing.” Explained Hawkins. “It just shows them a new activity and a new way to get outdoors. To put the phone down and enjoy mother nature.”
