NORWICH – The YMCA will be starting up its nine-week-long run of hosting Day and Teen Camp at the grounds of Camp Thompson in Smyrna next week.

“I want to personally welcome parents and children to the 2007 Day and Teen Camp programs. Children and camp are truly a passion of mine,” said YMCA Camp Director Rhett Genung.

This year’s program – the YMCA’s 39th annual – will have theme weeks. “Each week there is a different theme. Activities for that week will revolve around that theme,” said Genung.

The program is divided into separate age groups, 5 to 6, 7 to 8, 9 to 10 and teen camp 11 to 16. This allows the camp to offer more age- appropriate activities.

The camp offers a range of outdoor activities including, environment education, 4-H programming, arts and crafts, swimming and recreational sports. Each child is responsible for bringing a bag lunch, swimsuit, towel, and a sweatshirt in their backpack.

Camp begins June 25 and ends Aug. 24,; campers need to registers before the starting date to guarantee a spot on the roster and late registration will also result in an increased fee.

Children are bused from the YMCA to the camp every day. Activities begin at 7 a.m. but the bus does not leave until 8:30, and returns at 4:30 with the end of day activities conclude by 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.