More than 400 children descended on University Covenant Church in Davis this week for “Breakaway: Quest of the Time Travelers” — a high-energy, interactive summer day camp for 3-year-olds through sixth-graders.

This is the fourth year that UCC has hosted the day camp, which has grown every year.

This year, 476 kids experienced time periods from Persia to the future through music, dance, drama, arts and crafts, outdoor recreation, story-telling, snacks, games, learning activities and more. A giant inflatable slide drew the attention of those driving by the church.

A gathering of this many kids also provides the opportunity to make a difference on the other side of the world. Every day, the children were encouraged to collect coins to raise money for the building of a well to provide clean water in Africa.

Some of the kids are quite entrepreneurial and even created lemonade stands to raise money. Last year, the campers raised $4,743.50, which helped pay to build a well in Rwanda.

This year’s camp ran from Monday through Friday. Campers’ parents are invited back for “Breakaway Sunday” on July 29 at 9:30 or 11 a.m. for a recap celebration of the event for the entire family.

Among the activities, camp included the presentation of a drama about an orphan searching for a place to belong. While chasing after a villain who stole a time pod, being captured by pirates and visiting the future, she and her adopted family learned what it means to find that Jesus’ love has made it possible for her to be part of God’s family. Each day ended in a cliff-hanger, leaving kids eager to return the next day, organizers said.

“Kids are having a blast while learning key truths that will stay with them for a lifetime,” said  Breakaway Director Glen Nielsen. “We want them to know about God’s love while having an experience they won’t forget. The music, stories and activities are teaching them about hope, truth, belief and courage and trust ― lessons that will stay with them for a lifetime.

“We are grateful for the 270 volunteers who are making this event possible — and thankful for an outpouring of generosity from many people and businesses. Over half of the kids attending are guests to University Covenant Church, and we see this as an opportunity to love on the community kids!”

University Covenant Church values young families and provides programs geared toward strengthening and encouraging families, parents, marriages and children. In addition to the annual Breakaway camp, weekly children’s programs are held throughout the year. See ucov.com for details.

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Alex Din, left, and Justin Qvistgaard play with goo at the crafts station last week during University Covenant Church’s “Breakaway: Quest of the Time Travelers” summer day camp. Courtesy photo

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Getting silly at University Covenant Church’s summer day camp are Alex Wright, in back, and, from left, Kyle Wittkop, Jack Meyer, J. Karl Sperandio, Riley Nielson and Josh Sherwin. Courtesy photo

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Bailey Garcia works on crafts during summer day camp at University Covenant Church. Courtesy photo

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