Kids went camping at Luseland’s library!

By Joan Janzen

LUSELAND - The Luseland Library held their first Kids Summer Camp on July 8th with a “camping” theme. Twelve children aged 7-12 attended, including four kids from the local daycare. They enjoyed arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, games and snacks from 2:30 - 5:30 Tuesday afternoon.

Campers at Luseland’s Library had a lot of fun on July 8th and were proud of the crafts they created. Photo by Dawna Nienaber

Librarian Dawna Nienaber successfully transformed the library into a campsite for the day, complete with twinkle lights strung from the ceiling. They read stories and talked about what they loved about camping. “Most of the kids said s’mores,” Dawna noted. However she was surprised at how many children listed a toothbrush as one of the most important things to pack on a camping trip.

The kids created wilderness stuffies using felt patterns from a kit. Sewing is an important life skill; however it was new to most of the kids. Although some found it challenging, Dawna said it was great for developing fine motor skills, and they were all excited at the end to be able to show their parents what they had made.

The library received a $2500 grant from the Community Initiative Fund to purchase supplies and provide healthy snacks. “We indulged in fruit kabobs, a s’mores treat mix, carrot sticks and juice boxes,” Dawna said.

The campers created their own tents out of popsicle sticks and construction paper. “Their imaginations were able to run wild decorating the tents and setting up a mini campsite,” explained the librarian. The kids used leftover fairy garden items to decorate their tents.

Hats off to Dawna Nienaber who gave so much of her time preparing for the event. “It has been a lot of work, but the days are so fun for all the kids and myself. It truly makes it all worth it.”

And the fun will continue, as three more camps are scheduled for the summer.