On a sweltering summer day in DeKalb's University Village housing complex, children take turns running through a sprinkler.
Nearby, Camp Power leader Larry Heiden does his part to keep the kids cool by handing out brightly colored water balloons to enthusiastic children.
“I think any time you are out there and you’re showing a positive impact anywhere is a good thing, whether it’s with the community, with law enforcement, with volunteers or people from the Y," said Heiden. "All of it is positive. All of it is good.”
This is the fourth year for Camp Power, a free summer program offered by the Kishwaukee YMCA.
Camp Power director Katisha Muhammad says water games are just one activity campers can look forward to, thanks to the contributions of community organizations.
"On Mondays, we have Adventure Works," said Muhammad. "They come out and do slack lining with us, which is kind of like tight rope walking. And then we also have United Elite come. They do MMA, which is like kickboxing. And then we have Girl Scouts. "
Campers participate in a literacy program led by an area teacher, learn healthy eating strategies in nutrition education, and spend time with Northern Illinois University's athletic teams.
DeKalb police officers also volunteer at the camp, according to Muhammad.
"For the most part, they are very active," said Muhammad. "They slack line with us, they water balloon fight with us, they play tag and games with us...so they're pretty much just here to build a relationship with the community that's very much so needed."
Muhammad is in her third year at the camp. She explains how she is trying to do her part to bridge the gap between camper and counselor.
“We still have our academic component over there, we still have the same hours, we still run nutrition education, so the only thing that’s different is just the staff.”
Parents can enroll their children at any point in the summer. Registration forms are available in the University Village office or from the director on site at the camp.