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August/September 2025 | maconmagazine.com 95 three others. The draw of nearly 900 participants (including specialty tennis sessions) stretches to capacity each season. It would be tough to expand. "We've reached a place where we've met capacity on what we can do," Walker explains. "With renovations at a couple locations, we're aiming for about a thousand kids in future summers." CRAFTING AN INTENTIONAL CURRICULUM "Kids get a chance to build new relationships when it comes to coming to camp," says Walker. "They meet new friends – maybe lifelong friends – and that bond, forged over our six-week program, is the most important thing for us." Rather than a loose "drop-in" model, camps follow a structured, weekly-theme curriculum designed to prevent the "summer slide" and boost social- emotional growth. "It takes a vision," says Natalie Allen, recreation programmer. "I plan programs based on what the community wants—academics, financial literacy, reading, and more—so kids can enhance those skills outside school time." That vision extends to partnerships with local vendors: YouthUp, Inc. brings emotion management workshops. "Some of the letters kids wrote at the end said, 'Ma'am, you helped me solve situations at home,'" Allen recalls, marveling at six weeks of measurable change. An acrobatics basketball team from Atlanta LEFT From left, Natalie Allen, Armand Burnett, and Robert Walker of Macon- Bibb County Recreation ABOVE Happy campers and staffers at Memorial Park Recreation Center ready to move and learn. coaches fundamental skills and self esteem, "because we're all about health, nutrition, and fitness," said Allen. OKS Martial Arts offers belt-graduation ceremonies in a fitness option that instills discipline, confidence, and control in students. Yoga and meditation instructors help campers learn stress management and breathing techniques. Across every site, reading circles, STEM challenges, art projects, and field trips to places like the Museum of Arts and Sciences keep kids engaged in learning, without "feeling like school" in the summer, according to the leaders. MONTHS OF WORK GO INTO A DAY IN THE LIFE "An average day," explains Assistant Director Armand Burnett, "starts with breakfast, then life- skills stations – swimming, sports, academic games – lunch, more activities with our vendors, and it starts to wrap up around 3 or 4 p.m.," though parents may pick up after traditional business hours end. "We have computer labs, gym time, game rooms… there's never an idle moment," even if there's not a scheduled activity. Every day follows a detailed schedule Allen compiles into a comprehensive binder throughout the year, filled with field-trip permissions, transportation plans, meal menus, and vendor