Sycamore fun camp offers week of learning, faith and fun
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More than 100 area children took part in the 2026 Sycamore Summer Fun Camp, which concluded Friday after a week filled with hands-on learning, friendship, faith and fun at the Sycamore Youth Center.
Campers attended the free program throughout the week, participating in a wide variety of activities designed to educate, encourage and inspire. Daily programming included STEM projects, arts and crafts, Bible lessons, outdoor games, music and other interactive activities that kept children engaged from start to finish.
Each camper also received a hot lunch each day, courtesy of Trinity Health System, whose support helped make the camp possible.
According to Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center, this year’s camp was the most successful since the program began.
“Without a doubt, this was the best summer camp we’ve had since we first started offering it,” Bauman said. “Watching more than 100 children learn, grow, build friendships and experience the love of Christ throughout the week was an incredible blessing. The campers were enthusiastic, respectful and exceptionally well-behaved, and it was evident that they truly enjoyed every aspect of the program.”
Bauman credited the camp’s success to the dedicated team of volunteers, staff members, instructors and youth leaders who invested their time and talents throughout the week.
“This camp simply would not have happened without an amazing team of people who poured countless hours into planning, teaching, mentoring and encouraging these young people,” he said. “Their energy, compassion and commitment made a lasting impact on every child who attended. We are also deeply grateful to the parents who entrusted us with their children and to Trinity Health System for providing nutritious lunches each day.”
The camp concluded with children sharing stories from the week and looking ahead to returning to the Sycamore Youth Center this fall.
Bauman noted that Sycamore’s after-school programs and fall classes will begin in the coming weeks, providing students with additional opportunities for educational enrichment, recreation, leadership development and Christian discipleship.
The Sycamore Summer Fun Camp is one of numerous youth programs hosted annually by the Sycamore Youth Center as part of its mission to provide a safe, positive, Christ-centered environment where young people can develop academically, socially, physically and spiritually.
Reflecting on the week, Bauman pointed to the words of Jesus found in Matthew 19:14: “Let the little children come to me …”
“That verse reminds us why we do what we do,” Bauman said. “Our desire is to help every child know they are loved, valued and created with purpose. Seeing that come to life throughout the week made this our best camp yet.”