Spectacular “Spooktacular” at RKY

Nov 03, 2011

Photo: A Spooktacular Halloween party at RKY

A great kids’ Halloween party took place at the RKY camp in Parham on Oct. 29. Put on by the District 4 Hinchinbrooke Recreation Committee with the help of staff at RKY camp and student volunteers, the campgrounds were completely transformed into a ghoulishy spooky haunted playground that had the 60 costumed attendees screaming in frightful glee. The arts and crafts building was transformed into a haunted house with strobe-lit cobwebs with every kind of terrifying Halloween bauble hanging from the rafters. It housed a live coffined ghoul, a hook-handed pirate, and a hidden grim reaper who clawed at unsuspecting visitors’ legs as they passed by. Those who dared enter shrieked in delight and many even returned for a second scare. The party included a guided haunted walk through the surrounding forest. Inside the main dining hall snacks and beverages were served and party goers enjoyed various activities including a coloring contest, pumpkin and cup cake decorating and multiple costume contests with prizes for the winners. For a final treat the costumed mob made their into the dark night to five of the camper cabins each inhabited by costumed staff who offered treats to all who came knocking. Bob Teal, who chairs the committee, said the rec. committee and the RKY staff put in numerous hours to treat local kids to a memorable party. Rhonda Vincent, the food services manager at the camp, said the idea of holding a Halloween party at the camp came to her one fall when she was working at the camp all alone and was completely spooked out. “I thought it would be a great place for the rec committee to have their annual Halloween party and they got on board last year when it was held here for the first time.”

Camp Director Christina Bonner, who is new to the camp this year, said she is pleased to offer up the camp for free to the community for this kind of special event. “Local kids often don't have an opportunity to come to the camp, so putting on events like this gives them a chance to come out and enjoy it.” She said the camp would also be hosting events for the upcoming Frontenac Heritage Festival, so those who missed the opportunity to visit this Halloween will be invited back in February. Hats off to all of the volunteers and staff who helped make this Halloween a memorable one for many local youngsters.