LAPLACE — Fifteen years ago, New Wine Development Corporation leaders realized a need for recreational opportunities for children, especially those facing financial and emotional plight in single family homes.

More than 3,000 children have enjoyed wholesome and affordable fun at the Kids On the Move summer camp, according to Pastor Neil Bernard, and many former campers have gone on to attend college or join the armed forces.

“Statistically, many kids growing up in single-parent homes or with a parent incarcerated end up in the judicial system,” Bernard said. “We started a camp to reach all kids, bring them on field trips and expose them to their potential in future careers.”

Kids on the Move is an eight-week camp for children ages 3 to 13. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 4 to July 27, campers enjoy swimming, field trips, sports, exercise, praise and devotion, computer time and educational activities.

Tuition averages $65 per week, and camp can be scheduled on a week-by-week basis to accommodate family vacations. Daily drop-ins are welcomed for $20 per child.

Bernard said approximately half of the participants have been eligible for no-cost tuition in past years.

Single parents of children ages 8 to 13 with an annual income of less than $25,000 are eligible for a full program scholarship.

Parents must provide a 2017 tax return and their child’s birth certificate.

Scholarship requirements and eligibility also apply to families with one parent incarcerated, with proof of prison name, location and DOC number.

“If a family doesn’t qualify for the scholarship but still needs financial assistance, we’ll work with them,” Bernard said.

“We don’t want to turn any child away.”

Project Director Dr. Tameka Jordan said Kids on the Move balances fun and education, bridging the gap between school years.

This year, there will be a heightened focus on STEM concepts, taught through collaborative group projects in which campers build a levee system, rocket models and heart models. Children will also learn about irrigation and oil refineries.

Jordan’s daughter has attended the camp for years and always enjoys morning praise and worship.

According to Bernard, campers also enjoy computer time, playing sports in the 6,000 square foot onsite gym and visiting places like Laser Tag or the Children’s Museum.

Before and aftercare are available between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and campers are served hot lunches.

Registration is open at New Wine Christian Fellowship from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 30-June 1.

The $35 registration fee rises to $40 after Saturday.

Registration is also available online at kidsonthemovela.org. For more information, call 985-287-2475 or 985-653-0008.

Jordan said New Wine strives to serve the community through providing emergency housing and rebuilding houses after disasters. By June 6, a Second Harvest food bank will be available at the site.

Tax-deductible corporate support is welcomed.