If Tyler Perkins and Matthew Hodgson were home this summer, they would be watching television and playing video games. Instead, they are diving into sports.

They are two of many kids attending KydZone Extreme Summer Youth Camp, held at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District park every weekday through Aug. 14. This week, the theme was Sports of All Sorts, with every day being filled with variations on classic games such as dodgeball and basketball, and arts and crafts. However, there is more to the camp than just activities.

“I’m having fun meeting new people,” Perkins, 7, said.

He was also excited about the weekly field trip, which coincides with the theme, this week being a trip to a Monarchs basketball game.

“I haven’t been to (a basketball game) in years,” Perkins said, proclaiming how happy he was with the choice of the week’s outing.

Hodgson, 9, prefers Kick the Can to basketball, but likes the camp as a whole.

“I like having fun, going on field trips. There’s fun Friday, with a wacky or fun theme, cool arts, cool games,” Hodgson said. “It’s about having fun, building teamwork.”

Maria Peters, a counselor for the camp for two summers, echoes young Hodgson as to what the goal for the camp is.

“It’s about teamwork, friendship, making memories that last a lifetime,” she said. “It’s a camp that’s about having fun, meeting new people, meeting friends, playing games (and) going on field trips.”

Sydney Colfescu, 9, loves playing Monkey Soccer, where instead of only using feet, players are limited to using their hands, and making friends at the camp.

“It’s about getting together, meeting new people, having a good time,” she said.

While the kids love the sports aspect of the camp, and making new friends, the counselors enjoy just working with their young wards.

“I love seeing how excited the kids are to come to camp every day, how bummed they are to leave,” Said Lauren Haines, a counselor. “We’re saving the kids from boredom.”

Kevin Grassle enjoys playing Doctor Doctor, a variation of dodgeball, with the kids.

“They are always full of energy, always have a smile, always having fun, they’re happy all the time,” he said.

Peters felt that the job was perfect for her, describing the camp goers much as Grassle did.

“They say the funniest things, they’re so high energy. They’re just like me, but I’m older,” she said. “It’s by far the best job I’ve ever had.”

Whitney Khan, the supervisor of the camp, said the summer has been successful.

“Hearing kids begging their parents to stay longer makes you feel good,” she said.

The counselors are proud of their camp, proclaiming it is better than the competition and that it is more exciting.

“It’s better than any camp you have ever imagined,” Peters said.

The camp goes for eight weeks during the summer, from June 22 to Aug. 14, with a field trip every week, with upcoming field trips including Adventureland and the Sacramento Zoo. The camp caters to children 1st-5th grade. For more information, the CSD can be reached at (916) 933-6624.