Early Bird Registration took a different form this year with an online only process. “We weren’t quite sure what kind of response we would have to the online Early Bird Registration, but we started receiving registrations within minutes of the 8 a.m. start time,” said Mark Pooler, who will lead YMCA Camp Sloper as the camp director for his 16th season.

“Heidi Greenlaw was quickest at the computer and so Bethany and Donovan Greenlaw were the first campers to register for the 2011 season. We have been acknowledging the first camper who registers for the summer for over 10 years now. It has become one of our Sloper Traditions and I think the kids and parents really enjoy it,” Pooler said.

The reason that Heidi was at her computer early that day was because of Donovan’s desire to get into the Fort Building program. “I’m really looking forward to building forts and meeting new friends this summer,” said Donavan, who will be entering third grade this fall. Donovan also enjoys spending time at the waterfront swimming or building sandcastles in the sandbox, hiking the trails, and sliding down the ever-popular 80-foot superslide. This is his second year attending YMCA Camp Sloper.

Bethany Greenlaw, who is in swim team at the YMCA, attended Junior Lifeguard Camp last summer and has chosen the same program again this year. “My counselors were always nice and fun to be around. I almost cried when it was over,” said Bethany, who will be an eighth-grader in the fall. The watermat and slip-n-slide are two of her favorite water activities, but when she is out of the water she likes high-ropes and rock climbing. “I’m looking forward to seeing all my camp friends, and having a good time. I especially liked Teen Night,” she said.

Heidi explained why she chose YMCA Camp Sloper for the kids. “We have always been a part of a YMCA. We were new to Southington last year and I thought this might be a good way for the kids to meet new friends that they would be in school with,” Heidi said. “Being active, outside and having fun is what summer is all about.”

“We have received close to 1,000 registrations to date, which is on pace with last year’s registration,” Pooler said. YMCA Camp Sloper, which serves the towns of Southington, Cheshire, Berlin, Kensington and New Britain, has grown in popularity in recent years, he said.

“We decided to do online only this year for Early Bird because we felt it would be easier for all our parents. It was very well received and a great success,” Pooler said.

Registration is ongoing at either the Southington or Cheshire YMCAs during normal business hours or online at www.ymcacampsloper.org.

For more information, call the YMCA Camp Sloper Outdoor Center, at (860) 621-8194, or visit the website.