In addition to summer fun, Wallace Community College Selma is also emphasizing the importance of education and retaining information learned throughout the school year in their Camp WCCS.

More than 80 campers entering the third through eighth grade have been enjoying the camp for the past several weeks, which includes many educational field trips, computer instruction and a host of other activities.

Valerie Ashmond, camp director, said Camp WCCS uses hands-on activities to engage campers in learning.

“We’re kind of unique in the fact that we have a strong educational base. Our curriculum is in line with state and national core standards,” Ashmond said, noting that the camp teaches a broad list of classroom subjects such as English language arts, mathematics and science and technology.

Thursday, Ashmond said campers will visit the Georgia Aquarium.

“Last week they went to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville and before that they went to the McWane Science Center in Birmingham,” she said. “We really want the students to expand on what they’ve been learning throughout the school year.”

In addition to Selma and Dallas County, children from Birmingham, Atlanta, Montgomery and other areas around the region have been participating in the summer camp.

Cicely Curtis, who has been teaching upcoming fourth graders about electricity, said campers have most enjoyed the hands-on aspect of the program.

“They have been very receptive to the information and learned a lot,” Curtis said. “This morning they actually listened to a presentation by Alabama Power and made many connections to what they’ve been learning in the classroom.”

After spending time with the campers and facilitating them through the learning process, Brandi Oliver, camp councilor, said the program has offered an enriching atmosphere that campers have thrived in.

“I was lucky to be offered the chance to work with these wonderful kids — they’re all great,” said Oliver, who is a rising sophomore at the University of Alabama. “I encourage other students to get involved with this program, and I definitely think I’ll do it next year.”