VW Elks hosted special day at Camp Clay

VW independent/submitted information

The kids certainly took advantage of the gorgeous day on Tuesday, June 21, with more than 625 youngsters, along with 80 or so parents, showing up at the YMCA Camp Clay for the fifth Elks Day at Camp Clay. The free day at Camp Clay was provided to all area youths Van Wert Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Participants last Tuesday enjoyed swimming, the new splash pad, wall climbing, paddle boats, kayaking, canoeing, the nature trail — and especially the aqua park — from noon until 4 p.m.

The Elks also provided a free lunch from noon until 3 p.m., along with an afternoon treat of ice cream for all kids who attended.

Van Wert Elks Lodge was able to provide the special day through a Gratitude Grant received from the Elks National Foundation.

“We were very pleased with the turn out and happy that the kids came out to enjoy the day,” said Mike Stanley, lodge chairman for the event. “This was our fifth year at providing this type of entertainment for the youth and it is growing each year. We have members who look forward to volunteering for this event each year.”

Van Wert Lodge looks forward to being able to provide another free day at Camp Clay in 2017.