“Explore, grow and go out,” is the message being sent to campers participating at this year’s Blue Lake camps, said director Phyllis Murray Friday.

And there is still time to join in on the fun, she said.

“That’s exactly what the summer experience at Blue Lake is all about,” Murray said. “Time here is all about exploring your faith, your passion, your creative side and a bunch of other exciting aspects of camp life.

“This exploration leads to growth,” she said. “As we grow closer to God, we get a better understanding of who we are.”

She said attending summer camp is a great confidence booster for children.

“They also get to experience being out in nature, which, even living in a city like Andalusia, many don’t get,” she said. “It’s also confidence building. If your child doesn’t swim, we can teach them. If they can’t canoe, we’ll teach them. They get to experience different people and make new friends. Then, there’s the teamwork component.

“At Blue Lake, we get to combine all of that with a Christian component for a wonderful experience,” she said. “Oh, and it’s fun.”

And there is a host of camp opportunities to choose from for kindergarteners through high school.

“We’ve even got one for grandparents to come out and enjoy a part of their grandchild’s summer vacation,” Murray said.

Murray said camp time periods range from a single day up to one week and feature a variety of special interests.

“There are 19 camps on the list,” she said. “Some are new. We’ve got one called ‘Senses and Non-Senses,’ that will incorporate the works of Dr. Seuss who will teach students how to use the five senses in making good choices. It’s going to be really fun.

Murray said camps will begin on June 11 and continue each week through the end of July.

“A lot of people think you have to be a Methodist to come to camp here,” she said. “That is just not true. It’s open to all kids.”

Costs range from a $30 day camp up to $280 for a weeklong camp. Camps are all-inclusive, meaning meals and lodging are included in the cost.

“We’ve really got something for everyone,” Murray said. “There’s one for those who are interested in music and performing arts. There are two for girls only – a diva camp and a princess camp. There are a variety of camps for those who’ve completed sixth grade through those in high school.

“Whatever they’re interested it, we’ve got something for them,” she reiterated.

For more information, visit Blue Lake’s website at www.bluelakecamp.com or call 334-222-5407.