Puddles from receding floodwater behind Bowmar Baptist Church have canceled the annual sports camp for children this year, program director Bryan Tribble said.

As the Mississippi River peaked at record highs in May, 2 to 3 feet of seep water covered fields behind the church on U.S. 61 South where soccer, golf, basketball, baseball and other activities have taken place for nine years, Tribble said.

“What remains is a saturated field that stinks,” Tribble said.

He said the “displaced critters,” such as mosquitoes and gnats, are a cause for concern for about 70 children ages 6 to 12, signed up to attend this year.

Church receptionist Joy Smith said reports of larger wildlife riding out the flood in Vicksburg prompted a hiatus this year.

“We normally have about 500 kids at our summer camp,” Smith said. “We were not only worried about snakes and gators, but about bacteria.”

The sports and Bible study session has been free for children in grades K-6. This year’s event had been moved back to June 20 from June 6 before the plug was pulled this week, Tribble said.

Shelly Tingle’s two daughters, Emily, 13, and Mary Beth, 10, love to read and take music lessons. But last year’s lessons out on the ball field had both girls raring to go for this summer, Tingle said. Her son, Alex, 7, ended up playing basketball at Purks YMCA as a result of last summer’s sports camp, she said.

“My girls weren’t into sports,” Tingle said. “They do a lot of reading. But, the camp really exposed them to different sports, like golf. We’re looking forward to next year.”

Parents interested in registering their children for next year’s camp may contact the church office at 601-636-2596.