Kierston Fagerstrom takes her stance, pinches one eye shut and aligns the tip of her weapon with only one objective in mind: hit the bullseye standing just a few short yards away. The arrow launches forward with her release, sinks into the ring - but misses the center.
With nothing more than a shrug of her shoulder, Fagerstrom, 12, of Montoursville, expressed her interest in archery, but said canoeing was her favorite "because you tip."
Fagerstrom was only one of about 60 kids participating in the East Lycoming YMCA's summer camp at Indian Park in Montoursville last week.
Kindergarten through sixth-grade students from all over the area are taking part in the organization's 10-week long summer camps held throughout the county, according to Dan Johnson, program director for the East Lycoming YMCA.
The camps are set up to mirror residential camps, Johnson said, but with a commuter set up and daycare model.
Campers are dropped off at their registered location at 6:30 a.m., and are off to the parks about 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Throughout the day, campers take part in hands-on and recreational activities, like nature walks, pitching tents, arts and crafts, canoeing, fishing and archery.
This year marks a reinvention of the traditional indoor summer camps, lead by Dave Fagerstrom, River Valley Regional YMCA CEO, to bring kids back outside, according to Melissa Wallis, communications coordinator.
"This camp is more fun than most of (the camps)," Kierston Fagerstrom said, adding she's participated in the organization's other camps in Texas, Florida and Indiana. "(Here you) interact with more kids and the counselors."
"I really like to go canoeing," said camper Anabelle Brunette, 12, of Montoursville.
Montoursville students Joseph Shriner, 13, and Stephen Griggs, 12, along with fellow camper Nick Shuda, 11, of Montgomery, all said they think the program is fun. Each of the campers said it was their first time taking part in the event, and said archery, swimming in the Montoursville Pool and tipping boats while canoeing were three of their favorite activities.
"Swimming's awesome," Shuda said.
"It's very athletic," Griggs added.
The YMCA branch in Williamsport holds its camp at Riverfront Park in Loyalsock Township and the Jersey Shore YMCA at Pine Creek.
Registration is available throughout the course of the program at each branch's location, Johnson said.
The camp is $90 a week, with scholarships and STEP Inc. subsidies available for those unable to afford the cost.
