EFMP camp gives kids summer memories

by Kevin Tryon
USAG-K Army Community Service


Summer camp: doesn’t it bring back great memories? From memories of going to the zoo, going skating, or just hanging out with friends, all children should have stories to tell their classmates about what fun stuff they did over the summer. And for area members of the Exceptional Family Member Program, that was just the case.

ACS employee Charlene Sanchez said 12 campers, ages 6 to 12, enjoyed the Kurpfalz Park, Vogelweh Bowling Center, Siegelbach Zoo, the Dinosaur Park and the Kids’ Zone on Pulaski Barracks during the EFMP summer camp.
“The camp was a wonderful experience full of fun-filled activities and trips. My daughter was eager to go each day and she enjoyed getting to know other EFMP kids,” said Susan McCoy.

While at the Kurpfalz Park, the children were able to pet some of the animals, enjoy an exhilarating zip-line ride across a pond and take a train ride around the park.

I was at the Kid’s Zone for the grand finale. While the kids were enjoying their pizza, cake and ice cream, their parents were admiring their arts and crafts skills. The cordoned off party area was also used as a makeshift art gallery where the children showed off their talented work. One of my favorite pieces of work was a Play-Doh dinosaur that one of the campers had made.

EFMP summer camp has taken place in the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern for three years and is sponsored by Army Community Service and staffed by ACS and Child and Youth Services employees, parents and volunteers. The EFMP program also sponsors Community for Autism Understanding, Support and Education. The next CAUSE group will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Vogelweh Elementary School library, Bldg. 1049.

For more information on the EFMP program, call 493-4094 or 0631-3406-4094.