The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
CAMP PROVIDES OUTDOOR FUN
Common Ground summer camp gets kids outside
Common Ground: The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal, 14240 Baird Road in Oberlin, has a summer camp geared toward getting children outside and enjoying a variety of fun activities.
“We have what we call, ‘Earth Camp’ that is geared toward kids ages 6 to 14 years old and our Teen Adventure Camp, for ages 15 to 17 years old,” said Jen Libertowski, Common Ground’s marketing and development manager. “We have the camps over the course of six weeks, running from June 25 to the week of July 30.
“It’s all about getting these guys outside and learning about themselves and the environment.”
Libertowski said their camps offer a variety of different activities.
“We have hiking available through our gorgeous 30-acre wooded area right on the Vermilion River Valley,” she said. “The water is a place the kids love to swim in and have a good time together.
“We also have a large Slip ‘N Slide, which is another good way for the kids to cool off. There is also the horse back rides, Gaga Ball, which is a form of dodgeball in an octagonal pit, and a variety of arts and crafts.”
Ken Fraelich, executive director of Common
“We have hiking available through our gorgeous 30-acre wooded area right on the Vermilion River Valley. The water is a place the kids love to swim in and have a good time together.”
— Jen Libertowski, Common Ground’s marketing and development manager
Ground, said the camp is all about unplugging children from electronic entertainment and getting them to enjoy nature.
“It’s healthy to have a good balance of outdoor activities,” Fraelich said. “They need to take a break from playing Fortnite on the PlayStation 4.
“Don’t get me wrong, video games are fun, but it is spoon-fed entertainment. It’s important kids come out and craft their own fun. It’s kind of a lost art form in today’s world of entertainment, so I’m glad we can provide the space for a camp like this.”
Hailey Meyer, 10, of North Ridgeville, was one of the campers enjoying the great outdoors.
“Everything I have done, has been really exciting,” Hailey said. “I love coming
outside for these activities. My favorite thing is going horseback riding.”
Alex Bialko, 11, of Sheffield Lake, said the day goes by quickly while at the camp.
“There is so much to do, I run out of time before I know it,” Alex said. “I love working on the crafts and getting cooled off on the Slip ‘N Slide.
“I am actually really disappointed when I have to go home at the end of the day.”
“It’s healthy to have a good balance of outdoor activities. They need to take a break from playing Fortnite on the PlayStation 4.”
— Ken Fraelich, executive director of Common Ground