Salvation Army prepares for return of summer day camp

Stories, science and slime will be some of the activities offered for children during this year's Salvation Army's summer enrichment program. Registration is underway for the Good News Clues camp that will be held from June 14 to Aug. 6 for children ages 5 (entering kindergarten) to 14. Sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, except July 5. "It's going to be science, mysteries, scavenger hunts, just trying to see the world in a different view instead of through the (phone) screen," said Major Dianna Morales. "I think it's going to be fun." Morales and her husband, Major Mike Morales, are commanding officers at the Salvation Army of Findlay. Camp was canceled last summer because of the pandemic, but Morales said they were able to bring the program back in person this year. Catherine Shurtleff is returning to help run day camp. "We're registered with the state so we're following all the COVID guidelines," Morales said. That includes wearing masks, social distancing and hand washing. As part of those requirements, campers will be spending 50% of their time outside of the building, 301 Center St. "They want you to be outside anyway so we're going to do whatever we can outside," she said, adding that activities will be held in the parking lot and at area parks. "The hard part is planning field trips because it's hard to get people to commit because of the COVID," she said. "But the kids love just going to the parks so we're just going to do that. We do that anyway when we don't have field trips planned, and Findlay has a lot of parks." This summer, campers will be treated to a variety of science experiments. "We're going to have a special mad scientist come in, which is actually just one of my helpers. And I'm going to be a mystery detective and we're going to be trying to find clues and discover things," Morales said. Some of the experiments will include dissolving an egg shell in vinegar, pulling iron out of cereal and making slime. Campers will be separated into smaller groups. Morales said each child will have their own craft and science supplies. While the traditional day camp didn't happen last year, the Salvation Army did host weekly parking lot parties for children. "It was the same kind of thing but it was smaller. We only had maybe eight to 10 kids. And it was outside so anybody could listen, and we did music and crafts. There's a nearby park. We didn't do any transporting. We walked everywhere," she said. There were no problems with COVID-19, she said. Masks were used, hands and surfaces were sanitized and snacks were individually wrapped — all steps that helped keep everyone protected, said Morales. Camp is free, but space is limited. Applications are currently available at the Salvation Army, or Morales can email an application to parents. Lunch will be provided if Findlay City Schools provides its summer lunch program, said Morales. Donations of snack items will be accepted to help keep costs down, she said. For more information, call Morales at 419-422-8238. Wolf: 419-427-8419