Junior 49ers exposed to different activities

By Glenn Klevens, On-line Forty-Niner

June 25,1998

More than 450 children are on campus this week swimming, playing sports and just plain having fun at the 1998 "49er Camp."

Campers from as far away as Huntington Beach are taking part in this annual event designed to provide young children with an opportunity to partake in physical activities. Those activities are not limited to just the "major sports" such as baseball, football and basketball.

"The kids are exposed to different types of activities that they haven't been exposed to before," said Bob Wuesthoff, camp director for 34 years.

Swimming is a major activity at the four-week camp. In fact, it is the only sport that is part of the daily regime. "Swimming is a life-saving function," Wuesthoff said.

The staff includes almost 50 instructors, trainers and lifeguards. The program is very structured and divided into four groups based on age and instructor recommendation.

Activities such as archery and weight training are standard. Bowling and sand volleyball have been added in the last couple of years to further enhance a child's experience.

Wuesthoff retired five years ago from the staff of Cal State Long Beach, but has stayed on to head the camp for one simple reason.

"I love kids," he said. "I want them to enjoy the camp, and it is a great opportunity for them to perform basic skills and become involved with physical fitness."

The first session filled up earlier than ever this year, and 349 children have already been enrolled for the second session which will start on July 20.

T-shirts are given out to every participant. They are also given a skill ability performance test, pre- and post-camp physical fitness tests and numerous certificates of achievement.

The highlight of the camp is "demonstration day," which is held at the end of the camp. This gives parents a chance to see the progress of their child's physical awareness.

The camp is run by the division of sports, athletics and recreation and the department of physical education. There are two four-week sessions that run during the summer for 5- to 13-year-old children.