PALS camp helps area kids

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - School is out for the year and many students are off to summer camp, but not all kids get that chance.  That is where a program at Purdue steps in and teaches kids the value of turning off the video games and working up a sweat.

The 11th annual PALS camp on Purdue's campus hosts area kids and gives them a chance to work their bodies and their minds.

"The camp is the Purdue Athletes Life Success program.  It gives the kids a lot of chances to to meet like 500 kids and have different experiences, to do things like judo, art, football.  You name the sport and it's here to do.  If you're excited out there and you encourage them, then they get excited around it," said judo instructor Mark Coletta.

"Instead of staying at home watching TV, you just come out here and play sports.  It's very fun.  When I'm at home, I mostly play the same sport.  Since I'm here at PALS, I've done many sports.  It's more fun because you learn new things that you don't learn at home," said camper Carlos Huesca.

"We have a mission here with these youngsters.  It's a life success camp.  What we're trying to do is to help prevent learning loss over the summertime for youngsters. Between spring and fall, they may not be getting enough stimulation or enough physical activity.  We're dedicated to making sure that all of our community children have the opportunity to grow and to succeed," said Camp Co-Director Bill Harper.  

Campers are also taught how to use computers and Purdue Credit Union has classes on personal finance.  
This program lasts ten weeks.