Brave Kids Summer Camp held

"I always love coming to The Factory," said Tessa. "I had not been to this camp before, and I wanted to try it out."

"It sounded like fun," said Belle, who added that she was looking for a chance to get out of the house during the summer when she signed up for the art and gardens week at Brave Kids Summer Camp.

Layton noted that since he is homeschooled, he wanted to spend time with other kids, and Ava said she joined the camp because she really likes art.

"I came last year, and it was super-duper fun," said Cora.

Brave Kids Summer Camps are held at The Factory Ministries, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, for three days each week for six weeks in June, July, and August. Children who live in Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) and who are in first through sixth grades are welcome to attend up to two weeks of camp for free. During some weeks, both morning and afternoon sessions are held, with up to 18 students per session.

Each week of camp has a theme. Art and garden week was held in June. "We are doing a 'getting messy' week, which will include slime and painting," said Karla Beiler, director of PV elementary advocacy with The Factory. "We will do a cooking and baking week and a skill and tell week where we will have a police officer and a construction worker (among others)," said Beiler.

Beiler noted that each day includes a lesson that enhances the activity. "We typically do a story," she shared. "Today we talked about flowers and how they are all flowers, but they are all unique," she explained. "(We talked about how) each (flower is) different, and their different names and how they all look different." Beiler noted that although activities are based on the theme, they also include an academic facet. "We try to add in components of literacy and math, and we offer a range (of activities) because there are such a range of grades here." Snacks and games in the gym are included in the agenda. Three student helpers join in to oversee the campers.

The camp was first held in the summer of 2022, following the completion of the Braves Learning Center in The Factory. "It's another enrichment activity to keep (students) connected over the summer," said Beiler. "Overall, there are more than 120 spots (for students to attend over the summer)."

More information about Factory programs for children may be found at https://thefactoryministries.com/what-we-do/#early-learning.