Camp Scholarship Fund Needs Help

By Kendra Bobowick

If you can spare a few dollars, the summer camp scholarship fund needs the help.

“For so many kids it’s an important part of their summer,” said Parks and Recreation Director Amy Mangold. Some families cannot afford the $110 per week to send a child to camp between 9 am and 3 pm, however. “The scholarship helps [those] families,” she said.

“Any help that anyone can give is great,” said Assistant Director of Recreation RoseAnn Reggiano. Thinking of the camp sessions running between the end of June through mid-August, Ms Reggiano said, “They’re out and moving and exercising; they’re making friends.” Camp is fun, it is social, and many children look forward to seeing site director Jeff Earle and the counselors that welcome them, she said.

Noting that last year the town funded $7,700 in camp scholarships, Ms Mangold indicated that this year’s fund was below $1,000.

Camp sessions at Dickinson and Treadwell Parks include swim lessons, games, crafts, amusements, entertainment, day trips, and the fun that comes with water balloon fights and ice cream on a 90-degree day.

Social Services Director Ann Piccini admitted funds are low. “We no longer have the money we had,” she said. The fund was able to sponsor camp for 13 families last year, but this year is looking bleak. “We won’t be able to do it.” Soon sending out letters to different civic groups, she hopes to collect some camp scholarship money, but will have to choose how to apply it. “I’ll have to pick the neediest of families,” she said. Ms Piccini added that anyone can donate, and contributions of any size are appreciated.

Contributions can be made at either the Parks and Recreation Department or Social Services office at Town Hall South, located behind the police station. Make checks out to the Camp Scholarship Fund. Mail donations to Newtown Parks & Recreation Department, 3 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470.