Camp Sonshine has full attendance for its first day

One camp, Camp Sonshine has a waiting list, as there are more children than space available at the camp.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — It’s the first day of summer camp for many kids in Lincoln.

Camp Sonshine has a waiting list, as there are more children than space available.

An executive director for the camp says in 2020, they had mostly new families register, and they were at 60 percent capacity following COVID guidelines.

This year all of their families who needed childcare returned.

“This year, we have those families who came back because they really loved the experience,” said Jeff Kieser.

“Their kids have, and then the kids from the year before are returning as well. So that has really helped fill our programs for this summer.”

Now, the camp, which has locations in Roca and Firth, has a long waitlist as families prefer Camp Sonshine’s outdoor options.

Campers share why they love it so much.

“Every time I come to camp it’s kind of like a second home,” said Joseph Mulk, a young camper. “I just, everyone is just so kind to me and there’s just so much to do.”

“It’s fun in a way that there’s like so many things to do,” said John Marsicano another camper. “Like over there, there’s a pool, there’s like human foosball, that’s a great one.”

Kieser says summer camp gives children some of the things they missed during COVID like social interaction and friendship.

“That helps kids grow in some areas that may have been slowed down just because of constraints from COVID last year,” said Keiser.

Mulk shares he and his friend have grown to be a leader in training at the camp and its inspired his future job path.

“It really helps you learn leadership and I kind of want to be a counselor in the future. So I feel this is a good way to learn,” said Mulk.

They have openings available for the week of July 4th and are looking into options of expanding into a third location. For more, click here.