The Hartselle Senior Center hosted its first senior summer camp last week, with plans to make the new feature an annual event.

The camp consisted of themed dress-up days and activities and even included a visit to the bowling alley.

Center manager Steven Griffin said the camp was a new idea to give senior citizens something to do each day.

“It is important to get out of the house and socialize with other people. The senior citizens here are like a big family,” Griffin said.

The senior center welcomed about 25 participants each day to take part in the camp. Campers enjoyed a pajama day, went fishing at the park, went bowling, enjoyed a gospel singing and took part in flag-themed trivia.

Griffin said the event was a definite success. “We are going to make this an annual event. It’s really been great,” he said.

Of all the events that took place, Griffin said bowling was the real highlight of the week. “Nothing does your heart good like seeing a 98-year-old lady going bowling,” he added.

Margaret Mayfield, who regularly participates in the activities at the senior center, was one camper who enjoyed the week of activities. “It was wonderful. Most of all was the bowling, but all of it was good,” Mayfield said.

Melba Lindley is another regular at the senior center, and she said bowling was her favorite activity as well. “I enjoyed every minute of it. Bowling was my favorite, but I also enjoyed the games and the hymns,” Lindley said.

Shirley Austin has been taking part in senior center activities since 2002. She said she enjoyed having something different to do. “I really enjoyed it. I guess my favorite part was all the games and the bowling alley,” Austin said.

Heather Drinkard and Staci Wells, with the Sparkman Civic Center, originally came up with the idea for the senior day camp. “Without the city, this would not be possible,” Griffin said.

The senior center holds similar activities each day throughout the week for adults over 60. Griffin said the center offers crafts, games and puzzles throughout the week, as well as lunch and day trips. The lunch is free; however, donations can be made to the center. “It’s a great place to eat, play cards and have a good time,” Griffin said. “Come join the fun.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the activities can call the senior center at 256-773-0786. The senior center is located at 406 Nance Ford Road.