x
Breaking News
More () »

Camp Cuts Activities To Keep Campers Cool

JACKSON TOWNSHIP — This is the time of year youngsters involved in sports, cheerleading, and other activities get together at summer camps. Organizers of ...

JACKSON TOWNSHIP -- This is the time of year youngsters involved in sports, cheerleading, and other activities get together at summer camps.

Organizers of one outdoor camp in the Poconos had to make some changes to the schedule this week because of this heat wave. This entire week the people at the International Sports Training Camp in the Poconos have altered their activity schedule, mainly getting the kids off the fields early and into the shade and water longer.

At the International Sports Training Camp in Reeders, the focus of the camp is to participate in all sorts of sports, all outside, all day long.

Each week there's a new group of campers, and this week a group got the pleasure of experiencing the hottest week of the summer.

"We're making sure in these afternoon sessions they're not in the sun, in the direct sunlight, if they're out on the field," said Kara Klaus Major, International Sports Training Camp.

When it's not a heat wave, campers will be on the fields, playing up to seven hours of sport a day.  But with the heat wave, the camp counselors cut the activities short and moved them to the shade and to the water.

"Usually you go to the upper fields, but when it gets really hot, they just have you go to the waterfront or inside and play basketball," said Zachary Rubin of Stroudsburg.

"I have lake games today. I'm going on the blob and the summit and the surf boards and all that," said Josh Baum of New Jersey.

The counselors also realize keeping their campers in the shade in the water or hydrated isn't enough. They also make sure the kids are taking enough breaks to rest, and that the campers are also paying attention to something that may be a little difficult to talk about.

"If your urine is really yellow, it definitely means you're not drinking enough. It's got to be that light color," said Major. "Even though it's not fun to talk about, it's important. We're telling the kids and staff so they can be aware."

They say it's a good indicator to tell whether or not you're hydrated.

To avoid heat exhaustion, drink water regularly. If you have a headache, take a break and get to a cool area.

Before You Leave, Check This Out