A summer day camp for area children was held in Dahlonega this summer, supported by a grant from the office of Catholic Social Services.

Two unique aspects of the camp were that it was ecumenically sponsored, led and counseled, and that it included a daily period of devotionals for the campers.

Primarily financed by personal donations, the camp held two sessions, each running for a two-week period: June 28 - July 14 for 80 children, ages eight - 11; and July 19 - July 30 for 40 youths, ages 12 - 16.

A grant of $300 through the office of Catholic Social Services from the Campaign for Human Development aided the project. Hot lunches were provided daily for the children.

All churches in Dahlonega supported the project by providing transportation during the sessions. A staff of seven college volunteers from various areas served as counselors. Given their room and $2 a day for food, these youths represented various faiths -- Catholic, Disciples of Christ, Methodist, and Presbyterian. Local high school students worked as assistant counselors.

Two of the college volunteers are seminary students in the Glenmary House of Studies at Loyola University in New Orleans. These counselors are Cullen Larson, 20, from Wyoming, Michigan, and James Veverka, 20 from Jackson, Minnesota.

They were joined by another seminarian from Glenmary, Bill Kenney, 22, from Charleston, West Virginia. Bill is studying at North Georgia College in Dahlonega this summer as well as aiding in the county's summer recreational programs.

Besides the opportunities for expression in recreation and arts and crafts, the day camp children had a daily devotional time. With the theme of "Family," this period of cultural enrichment sought to introduce and develop ideas of a Christian home and family life.

Various outings also highlighted the sessions, as trips to Marrell's chicken process plant, the carpet yarn weaving branch of Burlington Industries, Camp Glisson, the Methodist Assembly in Dahlonega, for swimming and a 10 mile hike and overnight camp on the Appalachian Trail.

Coordinated by Father Gerald Peterson, the project proved quite successful and rewarding for all involved. Perhaps the success could be measured by a 14-year-old camper, Ronald Cantrell, who said the last day of camp: "I've never had so much fun. I wish day camp would last three weeks or four or five …"

For the fifth consecutive year, the Ministerial Association of Dahlonega sponsored this day camp for Lumpkin County children. The day camp is a program for children who are deprived of the opportunity to participate in regular summer activities.