Camper Experience Pioneer Life

Josh Silveira, righy,7, of Canonsburg, learns how to play tug-of-war from Jeff Donahue with Washingtion Parks and Recreation during Pioneer Living Day Camp

Boys and girls from the ages 7 to 10 put down their video games / iPads and step out into the bright sunshine and fresh air to partake in some old-fashion fun this week. During Pioneer Living Day Camp run by Washington County Parks and Recreation at Mingo Creek County Park, the campers enjoyed activities in the spirit of those who settled the United State such as Native American games, archery, butter making, panning for gold and much, much more. Even with the absence of electronics or a high speed internet connection, the kids seemed to enjoy connecting with nature and learning about the past.

Jeffrey Chickis,10, of Cecil, tries his hand at an Native American game by flipping sticks off the back of his hand then catching them during Pioneer Living Day Camp

Boys Of Summer

Gage Burekes (right),reacts while he and friend, Jason Cramer, and Brayden Caccin, all of Mt.Pleasant, play on the tire swing at Frick Park in Mt.Pleasant -photo illustration

Snow Day

Tracey Fiesta,Kelsey Primus and Anthony Domina, enjoys sled riding behind Zachariah Connell Elementary School in Connellsville

'Stop, Drop and Roll'

South Connellsville Fire Company Chief Jeremy Grubbs shows Karson Snyder,3,how to aim a fire hose during a fire prevention program at Creative Kidz Learning Center in South Connellsville.

Friday Night Game

A group of boys stand along a fence to watch the football game Charleroi vs. Southmoreland

Winning Catch

Richie Feczko makes the winning catch for Forest Hills during the East Suburban Baseball League 10 & under Championship game.

Day At The Park

Steven Manges with friend Riley Hill pour water from their boots after playing in the stream at Mingo Creek County Park.

Pumpkin Patch

At the start of my shift, I had high hopes of finding a feature or two. It was a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon when I came across the Springhouse which was crawling with kids. Their activities included hayrides, a petting zoo and this pumpkin patch.

I could feel my adrenaline start to pump.

I focused on the huge pumpkin hay-bales. Jenna Papper and her cousin, Josh Conkle, were having so much fun that they
payed no attention to me or my camera. I worked different angles so I would include the big blue sky as the backdrop.