REACH Explorers Summer Camp 2022

W r i t t e n b y G r a c i e G r a y

REACH Council has offered a free half-day, week-long summer camp for the past 24 years. This year, the camp was held at J.R. Irvin Elementary in Midlothian, where our REACH Explorers spent the week learning about space.

On Monday, explorers were greeted by the Creature Teacher, who brought along some furry friends. The campers were able to learn about (and pet) a chinchilla, python, fennec fox, kinkajou, and a baby kangaroo. It was an awesome experience!

On Thursday, our explorers had a visit from the Dallas Museum of Flight who brought an indoor planetarium and discussed the stars and planets in our solar system. Explorers had an opportunity to “travel through” space firsthand and have their burning questions answered.

We are super thankful for the time spent by both of these presenters!

Throughout the rest of the week, explorers participated in various indoor and outdoor activities, crafts, and educational lessons. They participated in UFO (frisbee) golf, balloon volleyball, alien sock hockey, relay races, kickball, and more! They created sand art, galaxy jars, telescopes, and painted pots which they were later able to plant succulents in. They also discussed things like the uniqueness of family, how to be a good friend and make good friends, and the importance of following your dreams.

As we ended our camp on Friday, we were at the Midlothian Civic Center. Explorers were able to participate in and destress with yoga, guided by Tonia from YogaFire Midlothian. After yoga, our explorers were visited by the Midlothian Fire Department. Explorers also completed an “Astronaut Training” outdoor obstacle course followed by popsicles. At the end of the day, explorers were sent home with a free Chick-fil-a lunch, thanks to our partnership with Chick-fil-a Midlothian.

A special thank you goes out to Manna House for providing take-home lunches for our explorers and their families all week as part of their summer feeding program. We also want to thank the Midlothian Fire Department for taking the time to visit with our explorers and talk to them about safety, as well as giving them a tour of the firetruck. Lastly, a huge shoutout goes to all of our parents, guardians, and volunteers that work together to make this possible each year. We could not do it without you!

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