Summer Camp in Full Swing At Saline Community Education

Fifteen 9-12 year olds gathered Thursday afternoon to take a drawing class, as part of their summer camp curriculum at . Saline Community Education Camps are open to all kids, kindergarten through age 14, and promise a summer full of activity.

Two Twelve Arts Center teachers, from the Art on the Go van, offered up an art project to fourth, fifth and sixth graders. They were to be given an imaginary $1 million budget to create the tree house of their dreams. Each student used pencil, marker, then chalk pastels to create their masterpiece.

Jake Doneth, 12, started by creating a budget that included items he'd like to acquire for his tree house, which came complete with a security presence. Fellow camper Alex MacArthur saw Doneth's work and said, “Dude, you’re way over two million.”

Thursday was also “crazy hair day.” There are several themed days at camp, including "pajama day" and "pirate day." Camp Leader Todd Waltz plans to really get into the theme by showing up to camp in a full pirate costume. “You can’t not dress like a pirate on pirate day!” he said.  Waltz just graduated from Eastern Michigan University where he majored in computer information systems, and otherwise is a native to Saline.

Megan Collins was the other Camp Leader for Thursday's group. She is a certified teacher who really likes math and science and finds a way to incorporate the subjects in the activities. 

“We take time for math and science and other academics twice per day,’ Collins said.

Of course, it wouldn't be summer camp without field trips. The kids will go swimming, roller skating, ice skating,and mini-golfing. They'll aslo visit the zoo, parks, the Jiffy plant and an ice cream stand.

Before the art class ended, the room burst to life with younger kids, one group on their way out to play croquet, the other settled in to make their own hand puppets.

For more information on how your kids can join the summer fun, contact Saline Community Education at 734-429-8020.