‘Messy Olympics’ obstacle course at Camp S.H.A.R.K.

Pictured is Ava Sanchez during the gunnysack segment of the Youth Center’s “Messy Olympics Week” obstacle course recently held at Camp S.H.A.R.K. at Rossmoor Park.

Kids at the Youth Center’s “Messy Olympics Week” at Camp S.H.A.R.K. in Rossmoor Park had a blast staying active and cool by recently participating in an obstacle course. About 20 children participated in the sport activity led by Camp Director Jay Martz and other staff members.

The obstacle course included a Hula Hoop Hop Scotch, a water exchange where staff members were soaked, mini hurdles, a sports ball toss and a gunnysack competition. Kids worked up a sweat doing the course a number of times and were rewarded for participating.

One camper was 9-year-old Gianna Hicks who said the obstacle course was a lot of fun and liked how she was able to run it a number of times. “It’s like exercise, and I hope to someday be a triathlon athlete when I grow up,” she said with a big smile on her face.

Hopping the mini-hurdles skillfully on one foot, were a favorite of 5-year-old Eva Sanchez. Although she missed her mother the day of the competition, Staff member Jena Stern said he kept busy and active. Eva has dreams of becoming a teacher when she grows up, but also wants to be a soccer and basketball player, too.

Emmy Cobey, age 6, of Los Alamitos especially enjoyed drenching Camp Director Jay Martz at the water exchange station. She hopes to someday help others by becoming a medical doctor, and her favorite subject in school is mathematics.

Also enjoying soaking Martz was 7-year-old Miles Palafax, and 7-year-old Alex Castillo. Miles hopes to return to camp next year so he can do favorite activities like jumping rope and playing on the playground at Rossmoor Park. Alex especially enjoys Water Day Fridays where he gets to squirts others while staying cool. Someday he hopes to join the Army, and he wants to learn more about the ocean in school.

The Hula Hoop Hop was a favorite activity for 7-year-old Selena Valdez. She said she’s made a few new friends at camp, and hopes to become a teacher. She said this summer she’s enjoyed all the activities at Camp S.H.A.R.K.

Parents can still register their children for Camp S.H.A.R.K. by going online at www.theyouthcenter.org or call 562-493-4043 for more information. Both The Youth Center’s Camp S.H.A.R.K. and Teen Camp ends Aug. 7. The after-school program and R.A.S.C.A.L.S. begins Aug. 8.