Camp Madness Begins At Town Parks

By Tanjua Damon

Newtown parks, Dickinson and Treadwell, turned into camp central station Monday as the first session of the Park and Recreation camp got underway.

Parents dropped off their children for the first day of camp July 9 to the two town parks for some supervised summer fun while mom and dad are off to work or fulfilling other obligations.

Children were running around in groups with their camp counselors playing ball, using hula hoops, swimming, enjoying the playground equipment, and meeting new and old friends.

At Dickinson Town Park, 237 campers from age four to the sixth grade arrived to the sun shining, ready for camp. Another 185 campers are attending Treadwell Town Park.

There are three two-week sessions for summer camp at the two town parks. The first session runs from July 9 to July 20; second session will be held July 23 to August 3; and the final session of camp will be August 6 to August 17.

Camp hours are 9 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday. There are extended camp hours offered from 8 am to 6 pm for an extra fee. For more information about the cost of camp, contact the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department at 270-4340.

Swim lessons are provided for the campers at both parks as well as a free swim time. Campers will also enjoy sports, field trips, and arts and crafts during their camp sessions.

A middle school camp is also available. Over 35 students started the camp Monday. The middle school camp runs from July 9 to July 27, from 9 am to 3 pm, unless the group is on an extended field trip. The three-week program is action packed, with trips including white water rafting, tubing, Six Flags, and Roller Magic.

There are also some specific week camps being held at the teen center on Church Hill Road. Some of the camps include Three Cheers for Newtown, Broadway Hits, Olympics in Newtown, and Circus Week.

For more information on these camps contact Parks & Rec at 270-4340.