Summer Camp Builds Bridges to Healthier Future for Under-Resourced Bolingbrook Kids

Written by Erin Sauder

Summer break has been anything but boring for the more than 150 Bolingbrook kids participating in DuPage Township’s Summer Bridge program.

The day camp, held annually for area under-recourced students in kindergarten through eighth-grade, encourages physical activity while focusing on enhancing the children's teamwork, leadership, and social skills.

The youths meet from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Bulldog Park behind Brooks Middle School and have field trips on Thursdays to locations around Bolingbrook such as Hidden Oaks, AMF Bowling Lanes, Wilderness Falls, Pelican Harbor, and many others. The students are under the supervision of program staff and Bolingbrook High School National Honor Society volunteers.

“This is our third summer but every year we keep changing it to make it better,” said Kristina Parro, youth coordinator for DuPage Township. “It is truly a remarkable program that the children, many of whom have not been able to attend summer camps in the past due to the high costs.

When the program first began, about 40 students enrolled. The next summer it grew to about 100.

“This summer had 170 enrolled and we have a huge wait list, too,” Parro said. “It’s been really cool to see the program grow.”

She especially enjoys interacting with the students.

“The kids just love it so much and the parents are so appreciative,” she said. “I’ve heard kids say to each other, ‘I’m so excited to be going to camp,’ or ‘I didn’t want to miss camp yesterday.’ It’s so nice having a day camp for them to go to because a lot of them haven’t been able to afford expensive day camps in the past.”

The Summer Bridge program is funded by DuPage Township.

“It’s really cool we can offer this free of charge for the whole summer,” Parro said. “And the kids really get into it. Even when it’s 98 degrees. They’re just super excited to come every day.”

Camper Sydney Hinojosa, 8, has had a blast at camp this summer.

“I think it’s a fun opportunity for me and my brother,” she said. “It’s fun to hang out with new friends and old friends.”

Danielle Dempsey, 11, has also enjoyed camp. This is her third summer participating.

“I like playing games and having fun with the team leaders,” she said. “And hanging out with people and meeting new friends.”

The volunteers enjoy it also.

Bolingbrook resident Marianne Edquiban, 17, has been helping out with the camp for the past two summers.

“Last year I heard about it from a friend and I was planning to just help out for a few days,” she said. “But then I fell in love with it. I had so much fun. My favorite part is seeing the kids and teaching them. And it teaches me responsibility as well.”

Austin Nelson, 16, of Bolingbrook has been volunteering for three years.

“My friend’s sister ran it the first two years so I got pulled into it because they were friends,” he said. “I came not knowing what to expect. It was really fun so I kept coming back. The kids are great. I like giving the kids something fun to do outside rather than sitting inside playing video games. It’s more fun to come outside and play.”