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sports
CSULB
plays host to kids’ summer camp
By Todd Leland
Summer On-line Forty-Niner
As summer’s warm
days and blue skies blanket Cal State Long Beach, hundreds
of children invade the campus for a month of fun and games.
In its 39th year, the 49er Camp program is enjoying another
successful summer of activities and recreation.
“Thirty-nine years - it surprises people,” Camp Director Bob
Wuesthoff said.
Each season the 49er Camp enjoys the company of up to 1,000
boys and girls. Wuesthoff divides the group into two sessions,
each has about 500 kids.
“We emphasize safety in all our programs and activities,”
Wuesthoff said. “With lifeguards, trainers, swim instructors
and others, we employ about 60 to 65 people. We like to have
smaller groups to ensure safety.”
The main emphasis of the program is providing numerous recreational
activities for all of the participants.
“We have kids from ages 5 through 12 that we split into four
different age groups,” Wuesthoff said. “We have games, sports
and activities for each group and always plan our days so
that the kids don’t do the same thing on consecutive days.”
Some of the activities, sports, and games at the 49er Camp
are elementary games for the younger campers, as well as archery,
soccer, flag football, rhythm & dance, bowling, racquetball
and, of course, swimming.
“Swimming we do everyday,” Wuesthoff said. “We have eight
swim instructors - four men and four women - so that swim
instruction can be done in small groups to better emphasize
safety and learning.”
Heightening the experience for the campers is the interaction
with the 49er Camp staff, who supervise and coordinate the
sports and games, while on occasion participating to their
own enjoyment.
“We mainly supervise and make sure everyone is playing safely
and having fun,” said staff member Cody Dunn. “We also get
involved in the games, especially if it gives us the opportunity
to get in the pool.”
Dunn also said the 49er Camp is a great way for parents to
give their children an opportunity for social interaction
at a young age and develop their people skills.
“With so many kids at home stuck in front of the TV or playing
video games, the 49er Camp is an excuse to get them out of
the house to exercise,” Dunn said. “Plus, being around all
the other kids helps build their confidence.”
The 49er Camp is affiliated with CSULB’s sports and recreation
department and the kinesiology department, and may be contacted
at (562) 985-4049.
It runs daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from late June to early
August. The program is divided into morning and afternoon
sessions. The cost of the camp is $400 per camper for the
entire program, and discounts are available for each additional
child from the same family.
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Todd Leland/Summer
On-line Forty-Niner
This summer’s
49er Camp gives children the opportunity to exercise and develop
their social skills.
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