Free Sample Camp Will Showcase Summer Recreation Programs

What would it be like to compact an entire summer camp experience into just a few hours?

That is just what local recreation officials and organizers plan to do Sunday, June 10, when Dickinson Park hosts the town’s first-ever free “Sample Camp,” an event that is open to the entire community.

A number of Newtown Parks & Recreation summer camp leaders, and vendors who lend support with various summer camp recreation programs will be at the event, according to RoseAnn Reggiano, the parks department’s assistant director of recreation.

“Our Day Camp site directors and a few counselors, will do a few games, and our Teen Adventure Camp site director and counselor will be on hand to meet visitors and those who have already signed up for summer camp,” she said.

The free “Sample Camp” will also feature a number of musicians dedicated to the cause, and welcomes all Newtown families for free refreshments, demonstrations, games, and a chance for those already registered for summer camps to meet Newtown Parks and Recreation counselors and staff.

The event will also provide an opportunity for those not participating yet to register for a summer camp or park activity if they see or experience something they like during Sunday’s event. The “Sample camp” will also serve as an opportunity to solicit donations for the local camp scholarship fund.

After a smaller fundraising concert at Dickinson Park had to be canceled last summer because of inclement weather, a group of Parks & Rec employees including Director Amy Mangold and Reggiano, along with Newtown Bee Associate Editor John Voket began brainstorming about ways to expand the concept into an orientation for registered campers.

According to Mangold, every summer there are children who want to attend the local Parks & Rec summer camp, but who are left out of the fun and comradery because the expense is simply not affordable for their parents or caregivers. And even with a nominal scholarship fund, the money to help these children have some fun in the sun typically runs out before all the requests are filled.

“When a family has a need for a scholarship they are referred to Social Services; if the need exists then they tell us that the family qualifies and the scholarship money is used for that family’s camp needs,” Mangold said.

Given the current economy, the Parks & Rec director said there are a lot of children or families that live in Newtown who can not afford to go to camp. 

“Last year we used almost $8,000 of camp scholarship money,” Mangold said. “We currently have $500 left and that will not go far. Social Services sends out an annual fundraising letter to area business to help raise funds, but it seems each year, and again probably due to the economy, less comes in.”

Reggiano said the event will provide free refreshments, a bouncy castle, and orientations to summer sessions including: the Knit and Chat Summer Camp; Nighthawk Lacrosse; Fairfield County Tennis; Sewing Lesson – Learn to Sew; The Ridge Equestrian Center Horseback Riding; US Sports Institute Sports Camps; KidsFit PreSchool programs; Challenger Sports – Soccer and 1st Kicks; and the Slamma Jamma Basketball Camp.

Raffle prizes will include various gift baskets, a Vitti’s Dance Studio gift certificate, and two gift certificates from the Ridge Equestrian Center will be offered for a silent Auction.

Activities will be taking place around the Dickinson grounds, while visitors can grab a snack and listen to music under the pavilion.

Musicians scheduled to participate at the event include Newtown recording artist Darryl Gregory, performing material from his repertoire including selections from his latest release Big Texas Sky.

Multi-instrumentalist and music teacher Joe Proc will be performing with two of his students, Julie Ketchum and Shaun Mangold. And guitarist Brendan Walsh will be performing with Voket.

To make a donation to the camp fund in lieu of attending the Sample Camp, or for more information, access the Parks & Recreation website at www.newtown-ct.gov or call 203-270-4340.