Free ‘Sample Camp’ Promises

Fun, Fundraising For Campers

An idea to showcase local musicians while passing the hat to raise funds to send Newtown children to summer camp has morphed into a Sunday afternoon event that will take over Dickinson Park Sunday, June 10, from 1 to 4 pm.

The free “Sample Camp” will not only feature a number of musicians dedicated to the cause, but will also welcome 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 the Sample Camp.

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

“Originally, a bunch of musicians were going to get together for the last Dickinson Park concert last summer and pass the hat,” Mr Voket said. “But after talking with folks at the Parks & Rec, we thought we would try and find a way for all residents to get a look at the kinds of events offered by the department this summer.”

So officials decided they would throw some hot dogs on the grill, chill down some soft drinks, contact a number of summer program participants and camp counselors, and make an afternoon of it for the whole community.

According to Ms 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. Ms Mangold said a student can attend from one week up to seven weeks. 

“Most of the students who need to go because parents work are the ones who also typically need scholarships, so their cost is for seven weeks,” she said. “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.”

With 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,” she 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.” 

“Having worked with other nonprofits on summer camp projects before — particularly with the Salvation Army — I learned that even a week away at camp for a child can greatly enhance social skills, nurtures self-respect, builds character, and generally improves his or her sense of self within a greater community,” Mr Voket said.

According to the American Camp Association, campers’ parents have reported that when their children return home from camp they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right, and are willing to be more responsible.

“These are qualities we all value, and to think there are children right here in Newtown who want to go to camp and can’t afford it is all the more reason to spread the word and get people out to this free family event,” Mr Voket added. “And if visitors enjoy themselves, maybe they’ll donate a few dollars so a child who really wants to go to camp this summer can have that chance.”

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 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 Mr Voket on a number of popular tunes from Van Morrison, Dave Mason, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffett, and other notable acts.

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.