During a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the success of the summer camp program, particularly the Camp Kindness initiative, which emphasizes values such as respect, leadership, compassion, and self-care among children aged five and up. Each week, campers engage in activities that reinforce these values, earning wristbands and creating kindness chains that reflect their experiences and lessons learned.
The meeting also showcased the upcoming Kindness Awareness Day in November, where the theme \"Rockin' Through the Ages\" will be celebrated with displays of campers' achievements. Additionally, the All STEAM Day, held at East Las Vegas this year, brought together approximately 800 campers for a day filled with science, technology, engineering, arts, and math activities, including hands-on experiments and creative projects.
Councilwoman Diaz attended the All STEAM Day, further integrating community engagement into the camp experience. The meeting revealed that the summer camp program saw a significant increase in participation, with 10,078 children involved this year compared to 8,555 last year. Daily averages also rose from 775 to 861 participants.
The aquatics program, which includes swim lessons and junior lifeguard training, also experienced growth, with enrollment jumping from 2,260 in 2023 to 2,739 in 2024. The number of classes offered increased from 507 to 571, and the program achieved a 100% capacity in 438 instances this year, up from 355 last year.
Officials expressed gratitude for the community's support and the dedication of staff, noting the challenges faced in recruiting lifeguards earlier in the summer. The overall positive trend in camp attendance and engagement reflects the program's commitment to providing enriching experiences for children in the community.