Luau marks end of summer camp

Gregg Park campers got to experience a little bit of Hawaii without ever leaving Graniteville.

The children enjoyed a luau to wrap up this year's Gregg Park Summer Day Camp. The Beach Boys were echoing through the Civic Center gymnasium as the campers learned how to hula dance and participated in a limbo competition with each other and their camp counselors. The kids were decked out in hula skirts, leis and Hawaiian flowers while enjoying snacking on pineapple, cookies and Hawaiian Punch.

This year, approximately 60 campers signed up from the ages of 5 to 12, according to Park Director John Maietta. He said camp is a great way for children to spend their summer days.

"Kids can interact with other children. They can make friends and it takes away from the boredom of summer," said Maietta.

Ashlee Briatico's twin sons Landen and Jaxson, 5, and her 8-year-old son Braden attended the camp this year.

"They really enjoy it," she said. "It doesn't cost a whole heck of a lot of money to send them."

The annual camp costs $40 a week for park passholders and $50 a week for individuals without a pass. The camp offers activities including crafts, swimming, games, movies and more.

Jaxson Briatico mostly enjoyed swimming and the crafts.

"We made football helmets," he said excitedly.

Carson Rodgers, 10, has been going to the camp since she was 5. Going to camp is something she looks forward to every summer.

"We get to swim and do fun activities and get a chance to hang out with people you love," Rodgers said.

When asked what her favorite part of camp was she gestured towards the activities behind her saying the luau was the most fun.

Camp counselor Breannah Thomas has been with the camp for two years. She used to be a camper and said she remembers all of the good times she had while interacting with the children.

"It's very fun; it's changed a little but not much," she said.

The Gregg Park Camp is held for four weeks every summer Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call the Gregg Park Civic Center at 663-7552.

Contact Amy Banton at abanton@aikenstandard.com.