Tate Field at Hugh B. Bain Middle School was a flurry of activity on Aug. 6, with groups of children singing, dancing, running through streams of bubbles, and competing in sack races and an obstacle course.

It was the annual Kidpalooza celebration, marking an end to the six-week summer Camp XL program run by the Cranston 21st Century Community Learning Center in Cranston Public Schools.

The camp serves students entering grades K-8, and this summer was their first in-person programming after a year and a half of virtual after-school and camp activities. The camp offered a variety of options including music, art, Earth science, dance, gardening, sports, crafts, green engineering, and a watershed education program with Mystic Aquarium.

The Kidpalooza celebration was ringed with tables covered in student displays and projects.

According to the program director, Sarah DeCosta, the demand for camp was higher than ever this year, and registration filled up quickly. With 135 campers, it was the largest the summer program has been since she took the helm in 2017.

“After spending so much time isolated at home, kids have been really excited to make friends and experience the joy of summer camp,” DeCosta said.

Campers and staff had to wear masks indoors, and some activities and field trips changed for safety reasons this year. But judging by the happy shrieks, elaborate project displays, and voices raised in song on Tate Field, Camp XL was a successful return to fun and learning.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)