Ole Miss Summer Camps Keeps Kids Active

Rebel Quest offers hands-on learning, exploration and motivation

Rebel Quest camper Audrey Flashka’s favorite part of the day is building different objects with Legos. Photo courtesy of Ole Miss Communications.

Education and fun are combined for kids ages 6-13 who attend Rebel Quest this summer at the University of Mississippi.

The day camp for kids is designed to provide a fun-filled summer for children in the Oxford area. Camp fees are $175 per week including lunch, and the weekly camps go through July 26. Sessions run 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The registration form and medical form are available here.

Even though the day camp is not education-based, the staff at Rebel Quest tries to incorporate educational skills into the daily activities.

“We just try to provide a fun and exciting summer while the kids are here,” said Heather Outlaw, coordinator of Rebel Quest. “We like watching the kids have fun and playing in a safe environment on campus. Motivating the kids to stay outside and active is what we like to do.”

Qualified staff members are hired to work the camps for the summer. Outlaw said she looks for staff members who are pursuing an education-based degree or who have interacted previously with children.

“Meeting all of the kids and getting to know their personalities has been my favorite part of Rebel Quest,” said Kacey Graner, a first-time staff worker at Rebel Quest. “I really like working closely with the kids.”

Some of the main activities throughout the week include arts and crafts, led by resident artist Diana McKinion; dodge ball and kickball; swimming in the Turner Center; reading time; teambuilding activities; and free play in the Grove.

“It is a job, but I get to play with kids every day, and it is so exciting to watch them have fun,” said Erica Westbrook, a second-year staff worker. “My favorite activity with them is arts and crafts. I love helping the kids out.”

Once a summer, the campers take a trip to Yokna Bottoms Farm, a nearby organic farm, where they learn the importance of eating healthy foods. The campers are able to see how the fruits and vegetables come directly from the farm to their tables. — Elizabeth Burgreen, Ole Miss News Desk