Chicks, geese and ducks go with kids at YMCA day camp

DINGMANS FERRY - Day campers at Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA, recently got up close and personal with some cuddly creatures. Day Camp Director Pat Leggio brought in live ducks, rabbits, chickens and guinea pigs from Country Ark Farms for a week of lively learning, explaining how the children especially enjoyed the ducks “because they just followed each other around all day.” The campers had the opportunity to play with and take care of the animals, picking blueberries for the rabbits and guinea pigs and saving bits of bread from lunch to take back to the ducklings. “I was most surprised by the eagerness of the campers to clean the animals’ cages!” Leggio said. Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA offers several day and sleepaway camp experiences for children and teenagers, including traditional activities such as swimming, sailing, kayaking, rock and rope climbing and crafts, plus specialized two-week programs in Horseback, Ranch, Equestrian, Mountain Biking, Climbing, Kayaking and Teen Adventure for youngsters who want to focus on specific interests. For more information, contact Program Director Cherie Hammond, 570-828-2329 or cherie@campspeersymca.org or log onto its website at www.campspeersymca.org .