Eco Camp returns with open house

According to Eddie Cochran, “They’re ain’t no cure for the summer time blues,” but he might be singing a different tune if he comes to Saipan this summer as Marianas Trekking and Verizon are teaming up to provide the kids of the Commonwealth Eco Camp 2005 at the Marianas Resort & Spa.

Eco Camp 2005 is returning for its sixth year with a number of popular activities for children between the ages of four and 15 years old to include daily swimming lessons, go-kart rides, and field trips.

The adventures actually get started before the camp gets underway as parents can take their little campers to the Marianas Resort & Spa for an open house tomorrow from 9am until 12noon.

Parents will be able to get a first-hand look at where their children will be spending the summer days, learn about the activities in which they will participate, and meet the camp counselor.

In addition to the meet and greet, parents and kids alike will be treated to a free round of golf on the short course and ride the go-karts. While the open house only lasts until 12pm, the free passes for the golf and go-karts can be redeemed until 6pm.

“We provide a fun, interactive and educational environment for kids from around the planet to learn, share, and play. Our camp provides top instruction, a low teacher to student ratio, and outstanding facilities to ensure that your child has a unique and enjoyable experience,” said camp director Chris Nelson.

Eco Camp 2005 will be held Monday through Friday between the hours of 9am and 3pm, and parents will get a break, as the counselors will provide a pick-up service at the tennis courts of American Memorial Park at 8am, and remain open until 5pm free of charge.

The camp officially opens for the first session on Monday, June 13, and continues until Friday, June 24. The second session starts the following Monday, June 27, and runs through Friday, July 8. The third round of Eco Camp 2005 resumes Monday, July 11, through Friday, July 22, and the final session starts Monday, July 25, and comes to a close on Friday, August 5.

Eco Camp 2005 is open to local kids and off-island visitors between the ages of four and 15 years old. After being grouped by age, the kids will take swimming lessons, ride the go-karts, go on field trips, go kayaking, snorkeling, mountain biking, horseback riding, and learn about moviemaking, ocean safety, golf, ballet, arts and crafts, and more.

The cost to enroll your little camper into Eco Camp 2005 is $25 per day, but parents can save with weekly enrollment fee of $100, or even further with a full session of $175. Lunches will be provided for an additional $5 per day, but children can bring their own as well. While registration will remain open, organizers encourage parents to enroll their children as soon as possible because space is limited.

To register for the Eco Adventure Camp, take the trip to the Marianas Resort & Spa and sign up at the Marianas Trekking office, or save some time by visiting them online at www.ecocamp.mp or by calling 323-7743.