Over the next five weeks, 61 students will be strengthening their minds at summer camp. The YMCA of Selma-Dallas County’s Power Scholars Academy held its first day of camp on Tuesday.

“Every summer, kids lose a little bit. They slide back a little bit from what they’ve learned the last year,” said camp instructional coordinator Shelley Patterson. “We’re still trying to make gains.”

Patterson said the camp is designed to help kids in both math and reading and to prevent learning loss over the summer.

“It was successful last year, and we want it to be just as successful this year,” Patterson said.

The camps is held from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

In the mornings, kids will be doing learning exercises to help with math and reading.

After lunch, kids will do enrichment activities such as arts and crafts, water safety and others.

On Fridays, students will go on field trips except the first and last Friday.

“I am excited to see the kids grow. To see them go from not being able to do well on something to being able to master it,” Patterson said. “That’s why we teach.”

Each week is given a theme. The first week is about friendship and learning how to be a good friend.

During this first week, students will also be tested to determine their math and reading levels and given time to become familiar with their teachers as well as each other.

“They’ve had a really good time so far,” said camp director Stacy Buchanan. “I think we are off to a right start.”

Week two is superhero week. Students will be encouraged to dress as their favorite superheroes. That Friday, the students will visit the Selma Fire Department’s station three to learn about local heroes.

The following week is college pride and the field trip will be to the YMCA in Montgomery.

“They have huge waterslides,” Buchanan said.

Strong and healthy is the theme of week four. Students will be given a tour of the Vaughan Regional Medical Center.

Then lastly, week five is themed, “When I grow up I want to be…” That Friday students will be treated to a fun-filled day with activities, games and hot dogs.

“It’s going to be a great time,” said 10-year-old camp participant Mahan Liagat.

Liagat said she did the camp to get herself out of the house during the summer break. She said if all goes well, she might do the camp again next year.

Ryane Reese, 9, said she also attended the camp to get her out of the house this summer.

Reese believes it is important to continue learning while school is out.