GONE CAMPING: CHILDREN ENJOY VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES AT AREA DAY CAMPS

Austin Purcell watched as Kristin Miller, a member of the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department, drew an outline of his body during a session of "Pee Wee Gym" at the Osage Community Centre. The children then colored the drawings.

Clarissa Walker colored a design during the Salvation Army Summer Day Camp '98.

Tyrone Wade, 10, has two years and a few inches on C.J. Walker. Undaunted, C.J. stands his ground, eyes focused, mind intent on stealing the bacon.

Fourteen children ages 7 to 12 are playing "Steal the Bacon" in the Salvation Army's gymnasium in Cape Girardeau. It was Tyrone's and C.J.'s turn. Tyrone had outraced C.J. from his team's side of the basketball court and captured the water bottle -- used in lieu of bacon -- in the center of the floor.

Now he has to outmaneuver C.J. and get to the goal.

Bottle in hand, Tyrone feints left, jukes right. Left. Right. Left ... then Tyrone makes his move. Racing right, he eludes C.J.'s tag by inches, and scampers to the goal. One point.

Tyrone's teammates pierce the gym's steamy air with screams of delight, shrieks incredibly loud for throats so small.

Summer camp is here.

The Salvation Army Day Camp '98, which began last Monday and will continue through July 30, is one of several daytime programs available to area children this summer. The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department is offering a host of day classes, and Southeast Missouri State University's series of camps is in full swing.

The children in the Salvation Army camp live on the city's south side. Many can't afford or don't have access to other summer programs around the city. The cost is $1 a day, or $35 for the summer.

Each weekday morning from 8:30 to 12:30, the 22 children who enrolled in the camp participate in activities and listen to speakers.

Friday, the day of the Steal the Bacon game, was Get Wet Day. The youngsters played with water hoses and balloons behind the Salvation Army building, 701 Good Hope.

Last week included Kids Bee Fit Day and a movie day. Activities coming up include Pet Pals Day, Freddie the Fire Engine Day, a picnic, Crime Lab Field Day, a pizza party, a scavenger hunt and a visit from magician Bill Coomer. The camp will end with a farewell party at Kid's World.

"There's always something to do," said program director Stephanie Drummond. "I try to make it ... so that they will want to come back next year."

One camp participant, Jasmine Moore, 9, prefers more cerebral activities. She has enjoyed the math and science activities most.

Gabe Edwards, 11, wants to be the next Michael Jordan.

"I like basketball, and we get to play a lot of basketball," he said. "It's a lot of fun. We get to go bowling and go swimming and we had some special guests speak to us.

"We get to come here and meet new friends and horse around with them," he said.

Would summer be as fun without camp?

"Probably not," Gabe said, "because I probably would have to stay in the house."

Camps this week at Southeast Missouri State University include the Volleyball All-Skills Camp, Gymnastics II camp, Boys Basketball Camp, Recreational Camp and Football Camp.

Some Parks and Recreation Department classes began June 8 for children ages 2 to 12. About 500 children will participate this summer in such classes as cooking, a variety of sports, outdoor activities and theater. Another 1,000 youths will participate in swimming classes, said Chris Eastridge, a recreation programmer.