For 96 years, Riverwest youth have been going to summer camp at COA, and this summer 500 kids will again have a great time swimming, canoeing, playing basketball, creating art and crafts, and making friends. In 1906, a dynamic group of women created the Children’s Outing Association (now COA Youth & Family Centers) to provide kids with the opportunity to experience nature and have a great summer experience outside of the urban environment. Today, COA’s 230-acre wooded Camp Helen Brachman is located 3 hours northwest of Milwaukee on the shores of Lake Pickerel, in central Wisconsin near Stevens Point. Pioneers (ages 8-10) will enjoy camp cookouts, arts & crafts, canoeing, archery, and swimming. Trailblazers (ages 11-12) will also participate in advanced outdoor sports and overnight adventures. In addition to the swimming, canoeing, etc, Pathfinders (ages 13-15) will excel at leadership training and go on a wilderness camping expedition. There are three 11 day sessions: June 28 – July 8; July 11-21; and July 24 – Aug 3. Riverwest kids come back to Camp year after year, true to the camp slogan: “Come for the Fun, Stay for the Friends!” COA also provides Riverwest youth, ages 7-12, with a summer day camp alternative. The Goldin Summer Day Camp means summer fun every weekday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Before and after care is available from 7 – 9 AM and/or 3 – 5 PM. Programs begin at Kilbourn Park and each 2-week session includes field trips, swimming, arts & crafts, team sports, computers, library trips, and much more. Lunch and a snack are provided each day. This summer, there are four two-week sessions: June 17-28: “It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superheroes!”; July 1-12: “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes”; July 15-26: “Science Made Fun”; July 29-Aug 9: “Outdoor Adventure.” COA Youth & Family Centers will also provide drop-in summer programming for Riverwest youth ages 13 – 18. This will include use of the full size gym, swimming, trips to sporting events, canoeing trips, use of the computer lab (with our new computers and Roadrunner internet service), and a fun place to hang with friends. With 96 years of experience, COA wants Riverwest youth (and their parents) to know that there is a great place, a safe place, and a fun place to go this summer. So if you are interested in Camp Helen Brachman, Goldin Summer Day Camp, or daily teen activities, stop in at 909 E. North Ave or call the COA Registrar at 263-8383. Have a great summer! Riverwest Currents – Volume 1 – Issue 4 – May 2002