Photos by Samantha Bengtson
A boy gets ready to jump in the pool during pool time as part of the City of Gonzales Summer Day Camp program.
Below, Senior Lead Gabriel Almanza and an intern work with campers during Wonder Camp’s pool time.
GONZALES — The number of youth campers in the City of Gonzales Summer Day Camp more than doubled this year, rising from 91 to 212 participants this summer.
With the growth in the number of campers, additional staff also had to be hired to 26 interns, between their ninth and 10th grade years, and 22 regular staff camp members.
Among those staff members is Day Camp Senior Lead Gabriel Almanza, who is in his second year of working with the camp.
Almanza was encouraged by his sisters because he works for the local school district as the liaison.
“I wanted to open up a few more doors and get more involved with the kids showing them some fun throughout the summer,” Almanza said. “It’s really fun and enjoyable. I suggest it for anyone who’s looking for a summer job. It’s perfect, especially if you like to get involved with kids.”
Intern Gregory Lucio is looking to gain some work experience with his internship with the Gonzales Recreation Center.
“I wanted to teach the kids the value of learning what’s right and wrong,” Lucio said. “I like it a lot because it’s taught me a lot about kids and what to expect from them at certain age ranges.”
Caitlin Martinez really enjoys being with youth, especially at younger ages. Martinez was placed as an intern for Wonder Camp, which is for kindergarteners and those transitioning to kindergarten.
“It’s a new experience,” Martinez said. “Every child is different, so you don’t know how one day is going to go to the next.”
The City of Gonzales Summer Day Camp changed this summer because of Wonder Camp. Students begin the day with going into a classroom where they practice their letters, writing their names and going to the park for activities. The campers have lunch and then go to the Vosti Center for nap time.
“After that we come to the pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the days that they don’t they have craft tech,” said Monica Almanza, staff lead for the camps.
The entire Day Camp has a weekly field trip and goes to such places as Tatum’s Garden, Monterey Zoo, the Planetarium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and most recently the campers went to Ravine Water Park in Paso Robles. Upcoming trips include Discovery Museum, San Jose Tech Museum and the Sanctuary Rock Gym.
