Marshall Elementary School student Kelvin Aduma would likely be hanging around at home being bored this summer if not for a summer camp sponsored by South Carolina State University.

Instead, Aduma was taught how to swim by a former Olympian and strengthened his largest muscle – the brain.

“It’s much better than sitting at home,” he said.

Getting students physically and mentally active during the summer months was the impetus for the camp, said Dr. Valerie Fields, S.C. State vice president of student affairs.

She got the idea for the camp after talking with people in the community.

“A lot of them articulated that a lot of students in Orangeburg didn’t have a lot of constructive activities to do during the summer,” Fields said.

Approximately 30 students between the ages 6 to 14 have participated in the camp, which started in June and ends July 31. Fields said the children’s families even had some activities to do at the camp.

“Bridge was a big hit with the adults,” she said.

Josh West-Ravenell is one of the students who attended. His mother, Barbara, circulation director at The Times and Democrat, says Josh didn’t like writing before the camp.

Now, he’s changed his tune, she said. Creative writing is Josh’s favorite part of the camp’s activities.

“I learned how to write different stories,” he said.

West-Ravenell even interviewed S.C. State President Dr. George Cooper in his office.

“He was a tall man. I got to know more about him,” he said.

“I think it’s just fantastic. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to have my child there,” Barbara West-Ravenell said.

Fields said swimming and playing chess were big hits with the children.

Antonio Boyle, assistant vice president of enrollment management and a former Olympic swimmer, taught the children different swimming strokes and basic breathing techniques.

“I learned how to swim backwards and on top of the water,” said Kelvin Aduma.

Larry Moore was the chess instructor. He said many students didn’t know a thing about the game at the beginning. But now they have gotten very proficient for their age, Moore said.

“They are enjoying themselves,” he said.

The camp isn’t all games. Academic activities are included as well. Students say they are having fun expanding their intellectual horizons.

Whittaker Elementary student Chadajah James said she likes crafting poems and stories.

“I write stuff about my family and poems that rhyme,” James said.

In addition to writing, the students have been learning about etiquette, gardening and using the computer.

The students will present a dinner theatre to conclude the camp.

Fields said she hopes to continue the camp every year, adding that community members donated time and money to make the program a success.

“There has been an overwhelming response,” Fields said.

Kytyrce Kirk from Georgia is spending the summer in Orangeburg with relatives.

When asked what her favorite part of the camp was, she said, “Everything.”

n T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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