While most area children spent their summer vacation relaxing by a pool or playing outside, more than eighty area students took to the classroom at Wallace Community College Selma in an effort to retain what they’ve learned throughout the school year.

Wednesday, children at Camp WCCS were given the opportunity to demonstrate to their families and friends what all they’ve learned throughout the summer. Valerie Ashmon, camp director, said Camp WCCS not only puts a strong emphasis on summer fun, but also has a strong educational aspect.

“When we initially had the meeting with parents and explained the academic side of the camp, that was what really drew them,” Ashmon said. “The children have cut down on the summer learning loss, and they’ve had fun while doing it.”

Ashmon explained that through classroom instruction and hands-on activity, campers have been able to have an enriching educational experience through a fun approach.

“I’ve had a wonderful experience hosting this program. I worked with some older students, some excellent teachers, some great camp counselors and some excellent Americore workers,” Ashmon said. “Also, the staff at Wallace has been great.”

Khadijah Ishaq, parent to two Camp WCCS campers, said she was very impressed by the program and what her children have learned through participating in it.

“For one thing, I really like the education component of it. I think a lot of times, it can be kind of hard to get that education component during the summer,” Ishaq said. “But not only have they retained what they learned throughout the school year, but they also learned some new things.”

Ishaq’s children, Desiree and Zion, both attend Meadowview Christian School.

“They’ve got to do a lot of fun activities,” she said. “I think the fact that it’s hands-on, they’ve really enjoyed that.”

Campers will travel to Georgia Thursday for a field trip to the Georgia Aquarium and Six Flags over Georgia. Friday will serve as the last day for Camp WCCS.