RESERVE — St. John the Baptist Parish Recreation Director Kerry Watkins says some of the best memories of his childhood summer days are of going to summer camp.

“I’d go every summer,” he said. “I loved it. You’d get to meet kids from all over the Parish and do some really fun things.”

St. John the Baptist Parish children can make their own memories this summer thanks to the Recreation Department.

The annual St. John Recreation Summer Camp begins June 5 and runs through July 13 for children age 4 through 12.

The camp is held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at East St. John High School and at West St. John Elementary School.

The cost is $150 per camper, which includes transportation to and from the camp, a daily lunch and all field trips.

Watkins said the camp continues to offer the same activities he enjoyed as a kid, including arts and crafts, team sports, swimming, games and contests and movies.

The children also will enjoy learning experiences, including a STEM camp and visits to museums, historical places, the zoo and the Aquarium of the Americas.

Various speakers also visit the campers.

“It’s not just all fun and games,” Watkins added.

For parents, the camp offers peace of mind.

“There are a lot of parents wondering what they’re going to do with their kids over the summer because they have to work,” Watkins said.

“We offer them a place to go, lots of things to do and a way to keep them out of trouble.”

Parents may register online at sjbparish.com or at Regala Park Gymnasium, 200 Regala Park Road in Reserve.

The last day to register is Friday.

Fees must be paid in advance.

For more information, call 985-652-9569 or visit sjbparish.com.

The department is also accepting applications for camp counselors, counselors-in-training and lifeguards.