Dec. 27 — Winter break camp is all about fun and games

The Sumner/Bonney Lake Recreation Department offers a fun-filled camp for children ages 6-12 during their winter break

Roxanne Cooke / of the Herald

While their parents work, local children are spending time in Sumner playing games during their winter break.

The Sumner/Bonney Lake Recreation Department is hosting a winter break camp for children ages 6-12 — but it’s not a daycare, said Britt Nardozzi, a site director for the department.

“They get a place to have fun,” Nardozzi said. “It’s great for their social skills.”

Children are usually dropped off by 10 a.m., but the camp begins at 6:45 a.m. and runs until 6:30 p.m. There is a combination of free time and structured play, and children are welcome to bring some of their own toys. Movies, group games, free time and arts and crafts are all part of their day.

Ten-year-old John Baker from Bonney Lake said he likes all the games, free time and good exercise.

“You get to have fun,” Baker said.

Aaron Seitz, also 10 and from Bonney Lake, said it’s always interesting.

“Lots of things are fun,” he said. “They mix it up. You don’t get bored.”

It’s a good experience for children, Nardozzi said. Instead of sitting at home all day during break, they can interact and share with other children, work together on teams and meet children they might otherwise never spend time with.

Most children are receptive to a day full of fun and games, but some — younger ones especially — have a hard time saying goodbye to their parents for almost an entire day, Nardozzi said.

But one boy in particular who had trouble when his mother dropped him off at the camp ended up not wanting to leave when she came to pick him up, Nardozzi added.

Julia Whitley of Sumner, who is 10, summed it up: “It’s a fun experience.”