If summer camp did nothing more than unplug kids from technology, that would be reason enough for kids to attend. But summer camp does much more than that.

Summer camp provides opportunities for kids to be physically active, grow more independent, reconnect with nature, have free time for unstructured play and learn social skills.

“Summer camp is all that and more,” said Kim May, director of the Salvation Army Service Center in Troy. “Young people who attend summer camp also develop life-long skills, learn teamwork and make new friends.

“There are many benefits of summer camp, and each summer the Salvation Army offers the summer camp experience free of charge to young people between the ages seven through 14.

“The Salvation Army is offering the opportunity for 10 young people here in Pike County to attend Camp Hidden Lake in Lexington, Mississippi July 13-18. There is no charge to attend the camp, and Camp Hidden Lake is an excellent facility with an exciting summer camp program.”

May said the summer camp’s cultural focus is on Christianity and the campers attend chapel each morning.

“The camp offers many different activities so the campers will have opportunities to participate in activities they enjoy and also have a chance to try new things,” she said. Camp Hidden Lakes offer arts and crafts, music, dancing, drama, all the team field sports and swimming.

“Campers may also choose to participate in activities that might be new to them,” May said. “The camp offers biking, hiking, canoeing, tennis, martial arts, model rocketry, photography and fishing. The camp has a zip line that’s exciting and fun, and there’s also the option of taking a wilderness trip.”

Parents or guardians of children who are interested in attending Camp Hidden Lake should call the Salvation Army Service Center and Thrift Store a 334-808-1069 and set up an appointment.

“Parents or guardians will need to fill out an application, and the slots will be filled on a first-come basis,” May said. “There are opportunities for friends to attend together if they get their applications in soon.

“Camp Hidden Lake is an excellent camp,” May said. “We will transport the campers to and from camp, and it’s all free. We encourage young people to take advantage of this opportunity to attend summer camp and have experiences they will remember for a lifetime.”

May said Camp Hidden Lake is a fully accredited camp with rolling hills, towering pines and a large beautiful lake on 310 acres. For more information, call 334-808-1069.