The sounds of happy laughter could be heard as a group of small children erupted through the doors of Hogue Avenue Gym in Rockmart.

The youngsters, ages 5 and under, sported toothy grins as they looked toward the playground fronted by a space of green lawn.

“I can play,” one little boy said as he held a ball close to his chest.

Another child claimed that he could run faster than anyone at the countywide Community Summer Day Camp, which will continue through Aug. 3.

Director Trixie Morgan encouraged the group to wait in line before hurrying into the bright sunlight.

She reached to Michael Bowden and asked him to hold her hand. “All of the kids are special to us,” she said.

As the children made their way across the parking lot, a familiar thud could be heard from inside the building.

Older boys were proving their talent in a basketball game as they tried to outpace each other. Slender bodies met the challenge of getting the ball and sending it through the hoop.

Although the youth were caught up in the game, teachers explained they are also involved in activities offered daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Teacher Lorena Turner and Teresa Thompson directed children ages 8 to 10 while Henry Lee assisted the 6 and 7 year olds.

During the camp, all the children take part in arts and crafts, educational training, computer lab and technology advancement, field trips, story time, fun day and Bible trivia.

“Everyone is enjoying the activities,” said Trmeika Johnson, teacher for ages 11 and up. “It is a great program for our children and youth.”

The camp is sponsored by 4C of Polk County and the Rockmart/Aragon Ministerial Association.

Scheduled motivational speakers include representatives from Rockmart Fire Department, Home and Health Safety; Rockmart Police Department, Drug and Alcohol Prevention; Floyd EMS, Nutrition and Food Requirements and a back to school bash.

First Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Zion Habitation is providing transportation.

For more information about the 2012 camp, contact Lucille Harris at 404-402-1703 or 770-885-9769, Marilyn Pollard at 678-956-9350, Farisa King at 706-676-3216 or Rev. Patrick Ivey at 404-520-2329.