The Berryville Community Center began the summer busier than ever. BCC Director Jamie Hussey, Asst. Director Christina Gillison, Events Coordinator Melisa Curtis and their team of instructors and trainers have seen a huge uptick in program attendance and use of the center, and not just by chance.
“Led by Jamie, we’ve tried a lot of new things,” Curtis said. “And this just how we planned it to happen. I’m also the lifeguard supervisor, and for the first year we have twenty lifeguards so the BCC pool and city pool will never have to close because we couldn’t have one on duty.”
Free swim class sessions for 5th and 6th graders are already full, and paid swim club and swimming lessons for age three to adult at the city pool are on waiting list status.
Changes large and small made over the past couple of years to better serve the community are paying off. Dog owners are loving the two large, shaded dog parks with obstacle courses, and numerous events like the recent Summer Bash and last year’s Park-It Market where vendors rent two parking-space areas at the BCC Annex brought new interest. (The 2025 Park-It Market is June 6 and 7). There is a lot going on and it’s well worth the effort to peruse the BCC website.
One of the bigger changes is the center’s summer programming for kids. Rather than six-week-long summer sessions, BCC this year is trying out numerous three-day mini camps appealing to different age groups. This includes a Cornhole Camp. In fact, word has it there are already practices going on for league participation in September. Yep. It’s a thing.
Each camp fee is $35 and includes a free camp t-shirt, stainless steel water bottle, and day pass to the BCC pool or city pool on camp days. All camps are sponsored by The Berryville Community Center Foundation and the City of Berryville. Camps with spaces still open include:
June 10 Beginner Basketball Camp: Get ready to dribble, shoot, and mark a path to basketball greatness in Carroll County. For ages 6-10, Grades 1-4. Tue-Wed-Thu, June 10 – 12 from 9 a.m. – 12 noon in the BCC Gym. Instructors are Kyle Farrar and Aaron Hall. Enroll by June 9.
June 24 Fishing Summer Camp: Learn about fish and fishing, ecology, habitats, and human impact on the environment. For ages 8 -14. Tue-Wed-Thu, June 24 – 26, 9 am. – 12 noon at George’s Pond. Instructor(s) AR Game & Fish Commission. Enrollment ends June 17
June 24 History Camp: Join up for an exciting journey through Carroll County history. Explore local museums, take part in hands-on activities, and discover what life was like in the early days of Berryville. For ages 8 -14. Tue-Wed-Thu, June 24 – 26, 1 – 4 p.m. Berryville Community Building and Berryville Square Enrollment ends June 17
July 15 Berryville Onstage Theater Camp: Three action-packed days of theater fun as Berryville Onstage makes a summer camp comeback. This immersive camp experience includes acting and stage presence, voice projection and character building, theater games and improv fun plus creating and performing a play for family and friends. For ages 8 – 17. Tue-Wed-Thu, July 15 – 17 from 12 – 4 p.m. in the BCC Banquet Hall. Instructor: Julia D. Borkowski, casting director at JB Talent Konnections and executive director of the Berryville Film Festival. Enrollment ends July 8
July 22 Cornhole Summer Camp: Introduction to Cornhole includes lessons on stance and delivery, throwing techniques, bag control, and scoring. For ages 10 – 18. Tue-Wed-Thu, July 22 – 24 from 12 – 3 p.m. in the BCC Banquet Hall Instructor: Arkansas Cornhole League State Director Scott Scrivner. Enrollment ends July 17.
July 29 Archery Summer Camp: Kids of many physical skill levels can enjoy archery. A little concentration and hand-to-eye coordination is all it takes. This is a great way to sharpen skills, build self-esteem, and create a stronger atmosphere for success. For ages 8 – 14. Tue-Wed-Thu, July 29 – 31 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon in the BCC Gym Instructor(s) Arkansas Game & Fish. Enrollment ends July 22.
And that’s not all. As this list is being written, new mini camps (golf, pickleball, tennis, science, math and more) are being scheduled between now and August, so there will be plenty of summer fun until school begins.
Avoid FOMO [fear of missing out] by checking online at bcc.berryvillear.gov or bcc.recdesk.com often. Just click on Summer Camps and don’t miss a thing. Register online or call the front desk (870) 423-3139.