Super Summer Camp, offered by Oakdale Joint Unified School District, is kicking off for the second year on Monday, June 4. When the City of Oakdale decided to stop operating the program, the school district took over the summer recreation program for children and added a few extras.
“There are so many different things we do throughout the day,” said program co-supervisor Matt Dillon. “There’s a nice balance between structured activities and free-flowing activities.”
OJUSD Director of Categorical Programs Kristi Rapinchuk reported at a recent school board meeting that a significant number of students were already signed up for the program this year at a point when the year prior, the program hadn’t had any signups yet.
“We are expecting more kids this year because word of mouth has gotten out about how great the program is,” Dillon added.
He reported that the summer camp includes academic support, enrichment, snacks, a chance for kids to learn about sports, trips to “The Plunge,” and field trips. There are also special clubs the kids can sign up for during the camp such as chess club, book club, and computer/math facts club. Various arts, craft projects, cooking, gardening, computers, and science activities, are just some of the pursuits offered to the campers.
“It’s a really good choice to send your child to a place where they get a variety of activities,” Dillon said.
He also noted that the summer camp is a good chance for the children to meet and hang out with kids from other elementary schools in Oakdale and surrounding areas such as Knights Ferry, Valley Home, and Riverbank.
Children can attend Super Summer Camp all nine weeks, one week, or intermittently – it’s the parent’s choice. Each week has a different theme such as West At Its Best with a field trip to Moaning Cavern; Beam Me Up with a trip to the Challenger Learning Center; Lights, Camera, Action! with a trip to a movie theater; Fun in the Sun with a trip to Fun Works; and others.
Dillon also gave examples where parents can pick and choose when they want to send their children to camp. He said that some kids are really into science and they have a science-themed week with a trip to the Tech Museum in San Jose, some are into animals and they have a safari-themed week with a trip to the Oakland Zoo. All these activities are included in the price of the camp.
The school district’s summer camp is run by its after school program managers and is manned by recreation leaders who are also district employees who’ve all had the necessary checks and clearances.
Fees are $100 per week and each additional child in a family is $85 per week for regular 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. hours. There are also early and late drop off times for an additional fee. Payments are due to the district office the Wednesday prior to the start of the week of camp attendance. Payments can also be made online through the district website. Super Summer Camp starts June 4 and ends Aug. 3 and will be held at Magnolia Elementary School. It is for current kindergarten through sixth grade students.
For more information, contact Matt Dillon at (209) 840-4326 or register at the district office, 168 S. Third Ave., Oakdale or call (209) 848-4884, ext. 128.
