Huzzah for Summer Camp!

DENTON - Hundreds of local students traveled back in time as campers from the Caroline County Recreation and Parks school-based summer program took a field trip to the Caroline County 4-H Park on Detour Road for a hands-on medieval experience.

Campers got to visit stations where they tried medieval dancing, watched blacksmiths at work, played themed games, and explored a tent filled with medieval-style clothing, tools, weapons, and food displays. But the star attraction was a live jousting demonstration.

Local jousting enthusiasts from the Eastern Shore Jousting Association shared the history and technicalities of the sport. Some of the jousters included Michael Patrick, also known as “The Knight of Mystery,” riding his horse Digger, and Kaitlyn Blunt, “The Maid of Blossom,” riding Hidalgo. Students cheered as the jousters demonstrated their skills.

The medieval field trip experience was the epitome of this summer’s camp theme, which Rec and Parks staff developed after attending two Renaissance fairs earlier in the year to gather ideas. One of the Camp Directors, Caleb, said, “This has been my favorite camp theme so far.”

The school-based summer camp has been operating in its current form for about 15 years. It is put on by Caroline County Recreation and Parks, in conjunction with Caroline County Public Schools. It’s hosted every summer in all five of the county’s public elementary schools and runs for 19 days between June and the end of July.

The camp is funded by a grant through the Maryland State Department of Education and serves a dual purpose: to keep kids engaged and learning during the summer months, and to support their overall well-being. According to Lynn Davis, Program Specialist with Caroline County Recreation and Parks, the program’s main academic goal is to reduce learning loss that often occurs over summer break, also known as the “summer slide.” Davis said the camp also provides “that social and enrichment factor as well.” Davis said there are about 650 kids enrolled in the program this year.

Thanks to grant funding and help from community partners, the camp helps address food insecurity for kids in Caroline County. Each camper receives free breakfast and lunch daily, and on Thursdays, they’re sent home with weekend meals.

New to the leadership team in 2025 are Camp Directors Caleb and Gus, both of whom also work in Caroline County Public Schools during the academic year. That continuity, they said, is part of what makes the camp so rewarding. “We only don’t see these kids about one month out of the year,” Caleb joked. But the connection they maintain helps them watch kids grow both during and between school years. “Seeing that development, seeing the kids smile,” is Gus’s favorite part.

For some campers, the experience is already coming full circle. Brittany, who is heading into 10th grade, was once a shy camper herself. Now, she’s participating in the LIT (Leader in Training) program, helping support younger students and learning new leadership skills in the process. The LIT program helps high school students build leadership skills, with the goal of preparing them to become junior camp counselors once they turn 16. “I remember when I was a camper… I didn't really enjoy it as much as I'm enjoying it now,” Brittany said.

Zach, who is entering sixth grade this fall, has attended the camp every year since he was eligible at Greensboro Elementary School. He says it’s helped him get ready for the upcoming school year – especially when it comes to math. But when asked what he likes most, he didn’t hesitate to say “Gaga ball.”