After a summer filled with fun, the Newtown Parks & Recreation Summer Camp/Child Care Program ended with two separate pool parties for Dickinson Memorial Park and Treadwell Memorial Park campers.

The pool parties were held at Newtown Community Center, Saturday, August 8, for the Treadwell program and Sunday, August 9, for the Dickinson program.

“They did great. They did absolutely fabulous. They had a blast,” said Newtown Parks & Recreation Assistant Director of Recreation Rose Ann Reggiano on August 10.

The final three days of the program were canceled the previous week due to the power outages following Tropical Storm Isaias. According to Reggiano, they were the only full days canceled since the program began this year at the end of June.

When the summer began, Reggiano explained, there were new guidelines and restrictions in place for the program due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week, Reggiano said the summer overall was “a very good summer,” even with the rules and guidelines in place. The counselors “stepped it up,” she added, and instructors at Newtown Parks & Recreation’s other camp programs did the same.

“It was absolutely wonderful all the way around for a great summer,” Reggiano said.

So when the last three days of the summer were canceled, Reggiano said she knew she still wanted there to be a celebration. She thanked Community Center Director Matt Ariniello for arranging the use of the pool area for the day camp programs.

Games were held and campers were also free to enjoy the pools on their own. Reggiano said campers gave each other and counselors “air hugs,” and one camper told her it was nice to have “closure” for the camp program.

“I was very, very happy,” Reggiano said about the two pool parties.