Registration Underway for Camp Glen Mar

            Though winter still has several weeks to potentially blanket the area with snow, registration is underway for summer activities at Glen Mar United Methodist in Ellicott City. Yes, the time to nip summer boredom in the bud is now. 

            For the fifth consecutive year, the church will become the site of Camp Glen Mar and will bustle with activities that encourage movement and skill development as well as foster social, emotional and educational growth.  The camp is available to little ones who will be 4 years old by June 1 through fifth graders during the 2011-12 school year. 

       Glen Mar started the camp to provide a safe, community-oriented summer program for parents to send their children.  “Relationship is one of the key elements with children’s ministry at Glen Mar Church and Camp Glen Mar carries that into its camps as well.  Campers learn new skills and have a lot of fun but most importantly make and nurture new friendships,”  says Glen Mar’s Minister for Children and Families, Margaret Precht.                                                                                           

        To foster personal relationships between youngsters and adults, the ratio of children to counselors is ten to one or smaller.  While the camp instills Christian values such as good morals, saying grace before meals, and acceptance of others, it does not teach the Bible. 

       The 2012 camp offers six week-long programs. Even if a program has been held at Camp Glen Mar in the past, it will be done differently so it’s a new experience for children who attended before. 

     Children can attend any combination of the programs.  They are: 

       Backyard Adventure will give campers the opportunity to cultivate outdoor skills by running, playing and having fun in Glen Mar’s big backyard.  Activities include kick the can, arts and crafts, tag, science, and an obstacle course. (June 18-22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.) 

       Kids in the Kitchen will teach children how to eat healthy, develop cooking skills, and expand their culinary palates.  Families are invited to a Snack Attack party Friday afternoon prepared and served by campers.  (June 25-29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)

       Extreme Recess will include oodles of fun-tastic activities - dodge ball, arts and crafts, dancing, team sports, indoor and outside games, creative dramatics and computer skills.  (July 2-6 except July 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.).

      Summer Sensations will not only get folks moving, it will stimulate their senses of smell, touch, sight, taste and sound.  (July 9-13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.) 

      Mix It Up will provide campers opportunities to create their own rotation of activities ranging from balloons, magic, team sports, games and jewelry making.  (July 16-20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.) 

      Lights-Camera-Action will stir up the creative juices via acting, set building, or behind-the-scenes action.  Campers will work toward a performance for family and friends on Friday. (July 23-27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.) 

       Cost is $225 per week except for Extreme Recess, which is $180.  A 10 percent sibling discount will be given for each additional child when registered for the same week of camp. A 10 percent discount is also available to any camper who signs up for four or more total camp weeks.  A $50 deposit for each camp is due at time of registration. Make checks payable to Glen Mar UMC.  All deposits are non-refundable.  All camp balances are due by June 1. 

       The Summer Sensations and Mix It Up camps are available from noon to 4 p.m. for $140 each to Glen Mar Vacation Bible School participants.  Online Vacation Bible School registration begins March 1 and will be full by the end of April. 

      Both Camp Glen Mar and Vacation Bible School are open to people of all religions and church affiliations.

      To register for Camp Glen Mar or Vacation Bible School, visit www.glenmarumc.org.  For more information about camp, call 410-465-4995 ext. 212 or e-mail Camp@glenmarumc.org

     Camp confirmation, payment information, health history and camp handbook will be e-mailed within two weeks of receipt of camp registration and deposit. 

      There is an 80 percent refund before June 1, 50 percent refund between June 1 and 15, and no refunds after June 15.