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Huskie Pup Camp opens summer enrollment

April 18, 2012

The Huskie Pup Camp, administered by the Northern Illinois University Office of Campus Recreation, is now accepting enrollment applications for its summer 2012 camps, which run weekly, Monday through Thursday, from June 11 through Aug. 2.

Children of students, faculty, staff, and community members may register for each of the eight summer sessions intended especially for youth ages 6 through 12 for just $115 for each four-day session. The camp is open to the general public for $150 per week.

“Sometimes the parents don’t have things for the kids to do education-wise over the summer, and we try to offer that environment at a low cost for NIU faculty, staff and also community members,” says camp coordinator Rhonda Hampton, assistant director of intramural sports and sport clubs.

Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, which is in sync with NIU’s summer operational hours. Activities help campers become more independent and self-assured while developing mind and body in a fun and safe learning environment.

“I drop them off, and I know where they’re at,” says David Lochbaum, who had two kids in the program last summer. “It’s kind of nice during the summer I can run down and have lunch with them or go over to the pool and watch them participate in the activities they’re doing.”

Activities such as art, crafts, sports, team building, outdoor activities, swimming and more broaden children’s experiences and enhance lifelong wellness. Special field trips are also planned throughout the summer to provide additional local attraction experiences.

“The experiences have been great,” Lochbaum says.“They love the activities, the field trips, swimming just about every other day, and dodgeball is always fun.”

“The maximum number of youths that can participate is 60. We divide them up into groups of juniors and seniors, with juniors being six to eight years old and seniors being nine to 12 years old,” Hampton says. “It’s a great time. Bring your kid. They’ll have fun over the summer and learn a little bit outside the classroom.”

The Office of Campus Recreation offers web-based enrollment for NIU affiliates and community members and online payment options for the program. However, supplemental information such as the camper registration, emergency contact information, check-out procedure, liability waiver and medical authorization forms must be completed and turned into the front desk at Student Recreation Center before camp begins. Payment must be received at least one week prior to the start of each week’s camp.

A complete schedule is listed below:

Pup Camp 2012

  • Week One: June 11-14 Safety First-Huskie Pups
  • Week Two: June 18-21 Pup Fitness Fun
  • Week Three: June 25-28 Outstanding Outdoors
  • Week Four: July 2-5 Time Travelers (camp will not be held on July 4)
  • Week Five: July 9-12 It’s All About Animals
  • Week Six: July 16-19 Investigating Science & Technology
  • Week Seven: July 23-26 All Star Week
  • Week Eight: July 30- Aug. 2 A Round of Applause

* Weekly schedule subject to change based on Field Trip availability