The Dunbar day camp classes have taken some pretty interesting trips this summer to learn more about the world around them.

The classes have visited such places as Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, the home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Civil Rights Museum, Rosa Parks Library and Alabama State University.

They also have studied several cultures through different activities.

The classes have enjoyed activities such as arts and crafts with an international theme, a visit from an African native, several guest speakers and have participated in various workshops.

One of those workshops was held to teach young people about conflict resolution, violence prevention and bullying.

Daily activities day campers enjoy include arts and crafts, swimming, sports, board games and other fun and educational activities.

The Dunbar Recreational Center was founded in 1968 as the first center in Greenville to serve the black community. It was founded in honor of poet Paul Lawrence Dunbar, who was the first black poet to receive international recognition for his work.

The son of a couple born into slavery, Dunbar's parents stressed the need for education. His first book of poetry, Oak and Ivy, was published in 1892.

Dunbar Recreational Center is directed by Curtis Davidson, who took over the center this year.

The day camp is held in two summer sessions with the second session of the day camp starting July 8. Some activities available to campers include a cultural enrichment trip, workshops, speakers with international backgrounds and arts and crafts, with the continuing focus on different cultures. The group will be taking a trip Tuesday to Tuskegee Institute. To end the first session, a special picnic was held at Sherling Lake.

Day camp director Donna Smith said that the program has been a success and that they have seen two good groups this summer and the young people have had fun while learning.

"We have seen some good groups and the staff tries to provide learning in a fun environment," she said. "The groups have explored the world and the people around them through art, research and local persons with international backgrounds."

Greenville Parks and Recreation Director Jerome Harris said that the day camp is a very educational and fun program for young people. He said that Smith works very well with the children involved in the program.

"Donna is a great director," he said. "She does a lot to educate the kids and do educational things with them. The kids love her."

For more information about the program, contact Donna Smith at 382-8708 or Jerome Harris at 382-3031.