A cure for the lazy days of summer

Camp Willow provides creative outlet for youngsters

By: Nick D’Amore
   All kids need to fight the boredom that can come when summer becomes slow and routine is an outlet.
   Camp Willow is one camp providing that outlet and making sure the days of South Brunswick kids are filled with fun.
   "We blend recreation, socializing and individual learning styles with discovery within their own community," Patricia Pavloff, director of the camp, said Tuesday.
   This camp for developmentally disabled children has been running since Monday and it will come to a close Friday for the nine campers.
   The campers’ day begins in the gymnasium of the South Brunswick Recreation Department in Woodlot Park. Campers and their counselors sit in a circle and sing children’s songs, as well as a song to greet everyone in the group first thing in the morning.
   The group then takes a walk to the tree from which the camp derives its name — a willow tree out in front of Woodlot Park on New Road.
   Led by Dr. Pavloff, the campers begin singing, "Willow Wonderland," adapted from the song, "Winter Wonderland," and walked through the V-shaped tree.
   Following their morning rituals, the kids go to the art room of the recreation center, and, using their creativity, create artwork based around the theme of the day.
   On Tuesday, the theme was rainbows and each of the campers was given sheets of paper with an outline of a rainbow to make come alive with color.
   Some campers used colored tissue paper to fill in their rainbow framework, other used dyed ice cubes to offer a different sort of texture to their artwork.
   "There is some carryover of school activities," said counselor Margaret Kozlik. "We enrich a part of school they like and offer new experiences, as well, where they can grow."
   Ms. Kozlik said the children are given more freedom at the camp to express their own creativity and individuality.
   "It’s less structured and they have a freer will. They show us what they can do instead of us telling them what to do," she said.
   In addition to their daily gym and arts and crafts activities, the kids also take a field trip to the pool at Crystal Springs in East Brunswick.
   Dr. Pavloff said each of the campers is able to have his or her own counselor for the week of camp.
   "The staff is marvelous," said Dr. Pavloff. "We have a young and very committed staff."
   Melissa Katzenback is in the middle of her first week as counselor for Camp Willow and said she has learned a lot from her camper, Chris.
   "It’s been a learning experience. It’s a rewarding and different experience," she said.