July 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 17

and run the camps. There is a small
fee for attendees at Garfield Park
and the park collects and keeps
the revenue from the camp. Bethel
Park camps are free. Each park
provides the space and equipment,
assists with marketing and ensures
that the camp meets park standards.
Staff members are on-site to answer
questions and handle emergencies
that may arise during the camp, but
the students are responsible for running
the camp. Students and staffers
meet before the camp, when the
planning begins, and staffers make
themselves available for questions
during the planning phase. After
the camp is over, all parties meet to
evaluate the camp and staffers provide
feedback to the students about
their plans and performance. In a
separate meeting with the faculty
member, decisions are made about
the future of the camp. Without this
collaboration, these camps would
not exist as neither park has the resources
to do this on their own.
According to Pete Bolden, park
manager at Garfield Park, " The
relationship between UIndy and
Indy Parks has expanded programming
opportunities where the patrons,
students and institutions all
win. I would highly encourage other
parks departments and universities
to explore these relationship
building opportunities. "
Derrick Miller, park manager at
Bethel Park, notes, " The partnership
we have with UIndy has been
nothing
short of awesome! Because
of Dr. Jennifer VanSickle's
forward thinking and passion to
see her students excel in all aspects
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PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | JULY 2 0 22 | Parks & Recreation
17
Jennifer L. VanSickle, Ed.D., is Professor of
Sport Management at University of
Indianapolis (jvansickle@uindy.edu).
of the sport management arena,
Bethel has been a constant recipient
of free fall and spring break
camps that are totally organized
and facilitated by UIndy and advised
by park managers. This partnership
allows us to offer high-level
programs without impeding upon
our limited budget. To that end,
youth in our community are able
to enjoy camp for free, as well as
build
healthy relationships
with
other caring adults. "
With a little initiative and clear
communication, you too can create
a low-cost program that will benefit
you, your community, university
faculty and students.
http://tjensen@funexpress.com http://tjensen@funexpress.com http://www.FunExpress.com/Corporate http://www.FunExpress.com/Corporate
July 2022 - Parks & Recreation

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