‘Family Night’ Wraps Up Summer Camp at Eagan Center

Story and photos by

Nichole Richardson

   The James J. Eagan Center held its annual “Summer Camp Family Night” on Tuesday, July 12 to celebrate the ending of another successful camp year. Boys and girls danced to songs displaying this year’s chosen theme of “A Night of Hip Hop.”   The theme was voted on by counselors during the training week and introduced to campers the first week of camp. Presenters included Mayor Tom Schneider and assistant camp director Nick Stroot.

Children were broken down into ten groups that were determined by their ages, and performed a dance they had practiced at camp throughout the week. Six-year-old Abigail Raupp really enjoyed making new friends and performed like a champ. “I wasn’t nervous-I was happy,” said a smiling Raupp.

“The children love to include their parents in their camp experience and definitely look forward to this night every year. We try to include opportunities for our campers’ parents to be involved and experience the fun of their child’s camp activities. The children also love to watch each group’s performance during our scheduled rehearsals throughout the day,” said Diane Beers-Gallop, director of the James J. Eagan Summer Playground program.

In addition, awards such as honorary certificates and Doozles gift cards were given out to camp staff for their hard work and dedication. “The entire staff of volunteer counselors as well as paid counselors vote for their co-workers they feel have shown excellence in providing our children a safe and fun camp experience,” said Beers-Gallop.

Stroot handed out the following awards:

• Jr. Counselor of the Year: Tommy Truong
• Veteran Counselor of the Year: Jada Chavis
• First Year Counselor of the Year: Nya Martin
• Director’s Choice Award: Dung Truong

Performances were taped in front of the live audience and air on Charter cable 992 or AT&T U-Verse 99, and will be able to be viewed online at Florissantmo.com. The summer camp ran from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 6 through July 15, and was open to any child ages 6-12. The six-week program was available to residents and non-residents alike, at both the Eagan Center and John F. Kennedy Community Center. The cost was $120 for residents and $275 for non.

New this year was “Donuts and Dash,” which allowed parents to grab breakfast with their child before heading off for the day. Parents were also asked to sign their child in and out daily, to ensure constant communication between parents and counselors.

Campers enjoyed “swim days” every Tuesday and Thursday at various area pools, along with arts, crafts, songs, and games. For an additional fee, there were optional “treat days” supplied by Taco Bell, Doozles, and Papa John’s, among others. For information regarding next year’s summer camp, contact the Eagan Center at (314) 921-4466. Winter and Spring Break camps are also available.

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