Summer officially began on June 28 for local children in Newtown Parks & Recreation’s Summer Day Camp programs, held at Dickinson Memorial Park and Treadwell Memorial Park.

Campers were all smiles around both parks as activities were underway on the roughly 90 degree day.

Dickinson site director Stephen Pansa said the summer was off to a “good start” just before noon, and it was nice to “get back into the swing of things.”

With expanded capacity compared to last year, when the pandemic meant activities were limited, Pansa is thrilled. He also noted that hand sanitizing, handwashing, and mostly keeping campers in their groups is ongoing this year. And while large-scale full-camp gatherings will not be happening this summer, all other camp activities are happening, including presentations.

“We have a lot planned for the campers,” said Pansa.

Across town at Treadwell Memorial Park, site director Brooke Hadgraft said the camp’s activities “got going right away” once the day began.

She shared that there are many new staff members at the camp this year, and said they all fit in “already” by lunch time.

Hadgraft also noted it was nice to see campers smiling.

And by the end of the day, Newtown Parks & Recreation Assistant Director of Recreation Rose Ann Reggiano said, overall, “The first day of camp was awesome!”