CLAY, W.Va. — The West Virginia National Guard is continuing to assist kids and families affected by the June 23 flood through free day camps.
The camps are designed to ease the emotional stress at home, according to Lt. Col. Melissa Shade, state public affairs officer for the National Guard.
“Crafts, activities for the kids to just relax and be a kid for a day and enjoy some of the activities that we have planned for them,” Shade said.
The next camp is scheduled for Saturday at Clay County High School. Registration and drop off is from 8-9 a.m. at the school auditorium. Pick up is at 5 p.m. that day.
The camp is open to students in grades 4-12 who were impacted by the flood. Friday marked three months since the disaster.
“Just to see the smiles on these kids’ faces when they’re climbing a rock wall and they’re getting to shoot a rocket with the star base folks, it’s just nice to see them be in a normal setting and just relax,” said Shade.
Lunch and snacks are provided for all participants.
“We are asking all the kids affected — if then want to bring a friend, we won’t turn anyone away,” Shade said.
The Guard began offering camps to kids earlier this summer.