While they might not be as easy to recognize as their cape clad counterparts, everyday superheroes fight to make the world a better place during their everyday duties, just like Wonder Woman or Superman.

On Friday, youth from the Summer My Way program had the opportunity to meet with these everyday superheroes during Superhero Day at Northside Childhood Development Center.

The event was organized by Janie Townsend, the program’s curriculum coordinator.

“We want them to also understand that there is a such thing as everyday real-life superheroes,” Townsend said, “not just Batman and Robin. Not all superheroes wear capes.”

Summer My Way is a free six-week program that offers youth a variety of educational and healthy opportunities. The camp is led by the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.

Townsend invited several everyday superheroes to share their story with youth in the program, including Niles Fire Department firefighters, Chad Cherrone and Billy Alton; Dowagiac police officer, Ryan Maggert; Niles Lakeland Hospital nurse, Sarah Maggert and Northside teacher, Donna Dodge.

Each talked about their career and their passion for helping others through their work.

Traditionally, Superhero Day at Summer My Way has featured dressing like superheroes and activities related to beloved comic book and movie characters, but this year Townsend said she wanted to offer the campers the chance to meet the heroes that make their community a better place.

For their part, campers dressed like their favorite superheroes. Donning capes and masks, they greeted the visitors with a sign that read: “Welcome heroes.”

Northside teacher Donna Dodge talked about the traits that superheroes like Batman use to save the day. The traits included intelligence, honesty, the ability to face fears and a strong moral code, among others.

The youth were taught how they could utilize these traits to be everyday heroes, too.

“It might just be helping a friend in need or somebody who needs help,” Townsend said. “They are capable of being superheroes, because [superheroes] are people.”

Townsend said she hoped the activity encouraged the campers to appreciate the other heroes in their lives.

“There are so many different role models in their life … their parents and grandparents are all superheroes, [too]” Townsend said.

To thank the everyday heroes for their visit, the campers made cards for each everyday hero who volunteered their time.