Summer is officially here and while many children are scrambling to find things to do, Gospel Tabernacle Church, located at 1530 Lawrence St., offers a plethora of activities during its Learning, Fun and Fitness Camp.

Every Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., area children can learn heart-healthy tips, reading and math concepts and work their muscles through such games as hopscotch, kickball, jump rope, team races and exercise.

“The children of the community deserve to have a memorable summer experience,” said camp director Beverly A. Waters. “The smiles on their faces should be full of excitement, and parents deserve to have their expectations of a safe, enjoyable and educational summer camp.”

In its first year as a camp, children ages three to 17, have learned about journalism by visiting the Selma Times-Journal; city government by visiting the Selma City Mayor’s office; law enforcement by visiting the Selma City Police Department; and have taken swim lessons at the Selma-Dallas YMCA. With the help of nearly 10 adult volunteers, including college students, Waters said the array of programs is beneficial for the children.

“Many of our children’s parents work late and can’t do things with their children because of their work schedules, so the camp gives children an opportunity to experience other areas and to learn different things,” Waters said.

And because many parents cannot afford to send their children to traditional camps or to swim lessons at the Y, Waters said parents are grateful for what the church is doing.

“They are delighted for their children,” Waters said. “They enjoyed our ideas.”

Waters said during the camp, a nutritionist also came to speak with the children about eating healthy.

“She talked about the right foods to eat, the importance of drinking water and how much to drink and Vitamin D,” Waters said. “We wanted to express to our children how to be heart healthy and how to have a healthy body.”

The camp, which is held inside the church’s learning center and costs $5 per child each week, will end June 30.