Seeking normalcy through Summer camp
In a time where not much feels “normal,” the opportunity to attend a summer camp, whether in person or virtually, will provide metro children and families a much-needed connection to the learning, fellowship and fun of pre-pandemic days. Nostalgia for summer camp experiences has never been stronger! Many metro organizations are taking extra precautions or providing virtual summer camp options to ensure they can continue to serve families and children in our community. Four metro families share how summer camps meet the essen- tial needs for new experiences and deep relationships for their children — and why these developmental necessities are more important this year than ever. Read on to learn how these families are approaching camps this summer.
BY KIRSTEN HOLDER . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
Jenna & Sean Vasquez Noah, 11
In the past, the Vasquez family has enjoyed all kinds of day camps, from sports camps like swimming and golf to church camps and Vacation Bible School. In 2020, Noah was looking forward to his first sleep-away church camp experience, only to have those plans canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jenna has been happy with the mask require- ments and safety protocols their church has put into place and will consider sending Noah to camp this summer if those protocols remain.
“I looked forward to camp every year as a kid!” recalled Jenna. “New people, experiences completely out of my comfort zone and new opportunities were really important, more so now as I look back.” Jenna also remembers enjoying receiving letters from home and growing closer to her mom as they wrote back and forth to each other. “I want all those same opportunities and experiences for my son,” said Jenna.
Christie & Tim Mannin Emily, 18; Carys, 14; Addi, 11; Greyson, 7 The Mannin family is all hands on deck each summer! Christie and Tim are pastors of OKC Community Church near downtown. The church hosts Vacation Bible School during the summer months and also offers Student Life Camp for middle and high school students. Though 2020 presented unique challenges with the pandemic, the Mannins decided to host their Student Life Camp. “It was a hard decision, but at the end of the day, we saw the needed time with friends [and] one-on-one encouragement,” said Christie. “Our camp is much, much smaller than normal and we felt safe hosting it. By the end of the week-long camp, we were so confident it was the right thing; the kids were reenergized and filled up.” The church also provided take-home kits to ensure each family was able to make the decision that felt right for them. Like they typically do each summer, this year the Mannins will also seek ways to enjoy time together as a family.
“With our summer free time, we try to focus on keeping our family close,” said Christie. “Enjoying the outdoors, swimming and fun family getaways are things we do every year.”
38 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021
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