Camp Bentonville
That kind of praise is music to the
ears of Ryan Ward, director of Camp
Bentonville, an annual series of summer
camps produced by the Bentonville
Parks and Recreation Department.
Throughout the summer many
area parks and rec departments,
community centers, youth clubs,
private organizations and churches
will host camps for local youth. The
number of camps in Northwest
Arkansas alone is amazing and there
is surely a camp to suit the interests
of every kid.
"We have something for
everyone," Ryan, who started out
as a summer camp counselor, said.
"If you are into sports, we have
camps. If you are into the outdoors
with hiking and kayaking, we have
that. Even if you are into video games and
programs for computers, we do that too.
We seriously offer something for every
one."
For the past five or six years, Camp
Bentonville has been selling out their
popular series of summer camps.
"When kids show up and see all of he
things that are set up, and all of the things
they are going to get to do, they
are just very excited," he said.
"Every summer I see it. That's why
we have so many kids come back
and do the camps over and over. It's
because they are so much fun."
The biggest challenge, Ryan
explained, is trying to stay
organized."
When you are working with 600
kids there are a lot of moving parts,"
he laughed.
"Camp Lego is very popular," he said.
"Camp Crystal Bridges is very popular.
Camp Memorial is what most summer
camps are based around. It's a sports
camp. We will do soccer and kickball
tournaments. We have a field day and
there is a pool day. They get to do all of
what a summer camp would be in one
week."
Camp Bentonville provides an affordable
opportunity for parents, Ryan said. But, it
also provides a great time for the kids.
"You are getting the opportunity to go out
and make new friends and be outside during
the summertime," he said. "It's a great
opportunity to get out, have a great time
and stay active."
Off icialKidsMag.com • MARCH & APRIL 2018 • 9
