Camp Scully getting ready for steamy, theme-y summer

Attention, campers! It's time to plan your summer at Camp Scully, located on Snyder's Lake in North Greenbush.

Owned and operated by Catholic Charities of Albany and Rensselaer counties, Camp Scully is a residential camp for boys and girls, 7-14. It is fully accredited by the American Camping Association.

This year, the camp will continue its program of different theme weeks, according to Angela Keller, associate executive director of Children's and Youth Services for the Catholic Charities office, located in Wynantskill.

Themes

This year's theme schedule is:

* June 27-July 3: The Great Outdoors, including nature, wildlife, outdoor cooking, environmental stewardship, and map and compass activities;

* July 4-10: My Country 'Tis of Thee, exploring Native American crafts, Amish art, Thanksgiving and the Gold Rush;

* July 11-17: Camp-A-Lympics, a competition in such Olympic events as swimming and relays;

* July 18-24: World Tour 2004, looking at traditions, games, crafts, culture and food from around the world;

* July 25-31: Survivor Island, during which groups will form a council to participate in physical and mental challenges, crafts, and team building; and

* August 1-7: Lights, Camera, Action, during which campers' singing, dancing, acting and athletic talents will be highlighted.

Ms. Keller said that campers will also learn to embody six core values: service, caring, understanding, love, loyalty and youthfulness.

Volunteers needed

Ms. Keller has asked for volunteers to help prepare the camp for the summer sessions.

"We always welcome volunteer groups or individuals to help us with painting, weed-whacking, unpacking inventory from winter storage, cleaning the buildings, preparing the beds and getting the kitchen ready," she said.

She also noted that Camp Scully is still hiring staff members, noting that "there is a critical need for two top positions. We are looking for a health director and an aquatics director. We cannot open without them. Both must be 21 or older and have CPR/First Aid certification."

(The 2004 season runs from June 27 through August 7, for a total of six sessions. Approximately 85 percent of the children attend through scholarships. For information about Camp Scully, call 426-3511, or go to www.ccalbany.net and click on "Camp Scully Information." Registration forms and staff application forms can be downloaded. Information also appears in an ad on page 11 of the print edition of The Evangelist.)

(4/22/04) [[In-content Ad]]