More than 25 five-year olds are experiencing day camp "like the big kids" as part of the Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center's new High Fives summer camp program for children entering kindergarten.

"We are thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response to the program," said JCC Early Childhood director Nava Viniar. "We initially planned for a maximum of 21 children, but once we reached capacity, we quickly expanded to two groups."

Offered for the first time, High Fives is a full summer program under adult supervision offering a variety of developmentally appropriate activities, including daily swim instruction, sports, Jewish culture, computers, arts & crafts and special events. The children spend three days at the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Wheatley Heights and two days at the JCC. The length of the day is the same as kindergarten, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the children get to ride a school bus just like the one they will be riding in September. The children benefit from using the air-conditioned facilities at the JCC, as well as the ballfield and outdoor equipment at the campgrounds.

"The High Fives program is wonderful because it introduces the children to our campgrounds so that by the time they enter first grade, they are ready for a real camping adventure," added Viniar.

For more information on High Fives, call Nava Viniar, director, Early Childhood, at 822-3535, ext. 342.