LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Lima Family YWCA of Northwest Ohio kicked off its summer camp Monday as part of its Teen Outreach Program, better known as TOP.
Campers spent the morning getting to know one another through an icebreaker activity similar to bingo. Participants filled out cards by finding peers who matched different descriptions, such as having traveled on an airplane, liking black licorice or playing chess.
Afterward, the teens headed to the TOP garden, where they help maintain and grow vegetables that will later be sold at community events and local farmers markets.
Many of the campers are returning participants who say they enjoy the opportunity to give back to the community, build friendships and learn new skills.
"I started coming because we help the community, so it gives us community hours for school. And it's fun to do with friends, learn to socialize with others, make new friends," said returning TOP camper Travius Patton.
"We do the garden over here. It was like not this big last year, it's super big. And we learned a lot of lessons like how to take care of ourselves, that type of thing. And I just like the people here really. It's a very welcoming place," said returning TOP camper Brianna Alford.
The six-week camp will feature weekly themed activities, field trips and lessons designed to teach practical life skills, including cooking and sewing.
