160 Children Enjoy Cambridge, Maryland, Carnival

CAMBRIDGE, MD-- The 600 block of Pine Street, Cambridge, Maryland, was the place to be on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, as around 160 children from the Empowerment Center, New Beginnings Youth and Family Services, Visions Learning Center and Waugh United Methodist Church (UMC) joined together for a host of fun activities. The event was the third annual Summer Fun Carnival sponsored by the Pine Street Committee (PSC).

Octavene Saunders of the PSC thanked those that volunteered for making the carnival possible and said, "The Dorchester Elks Lodge #223 donated all of the food and most of the drinks, and have done all of the cooking. This is their third year of supporting us."

The PSC also acquired ice cream at a reduced price from Charlie Gabbins and made it free for the children participating in the programs.

Youngsters enjoyed ring toss, water balloons, bike races, basket ball, jump rope, a three legged race and were given prizes. Some children won money in various dance contests decided by six judges. Arm and face painting was provided by Dorchester County Recreation and Parks.

The young people also enjoyed Gil the Magnificent (Gil Cephas) who went from table to table to dazzle them with magical tricks.

Looking at the children who came out to enjoy the fun, Mr. Cephas said, "I think this is wonderful. Whenever there is a group of kids coming together in a positive way, enjoying themselves, I like that."

"Our children have participated in many different activities so our students have really enjoyed it," said Cynthia Sampson of the summer youth program of Waugh UMC.

She felt the highlight of the carnival was "the fellowship of all the different groups getting together. The uniqueness of each program has something different to offer."

"I think that it is wonderful that all of these groups have come together and are participating as one," said Coleta Lee, program aid for the Empowerment Center. "The children are really enjoying themselves. I know that they are having a wonderful time with all the drinks, the food, and contests."

"It's something different for the kids to do," said Ben Saunders. "I like to see these smiling faces. To me, the only time you can enjoy yourself in life is when you are a child."

He continued, "Once you get older your responsibilities catch up with you and next thing you know you have forgot basically how to live. If you grow up too fast you are going to find out that life is not too easy. Nowadays some kids just stop being kids."

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