Large Grant Benefits Beloved Southington Summer Camp

Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The local YMCA chapter is the beneficiary of more than half a million in federal funds that will make its popular summer camp in Southington that much better.

The Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA was notified the Senate passed a fiscal year spending bill for 2024 that provides funding for government agencies.

According to the YMCA, the bill included funds for $520,000 in improvements at YMCA Camp Sloper, 1000 East St., Southington.

YMCA officials thanked state Rep. Christopher Poulos, D-Southington, and U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., for helping in the effort.

Funding will aid the Camp Sloper's ongoing capital campaign for improvements there.

Specifically, the funding will help the camp build a new office and infirmary at the site.

“With over 1,000 campers per day being served at YMCA Camp Sloper, some of our most
basic needs are to improve the size of important areas like our camp office and
infirmary," said Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA Chief Executive Officer Mark Pooler.

"We want to make sure we have the right facilities in place to continue to offer both safe and efficient service to our camp families and guests throughout the year."

Poulos, a Southington native and past camper at Camp Sloper said “YMCA Camp Sloper is a source of community pride for Southington, so whenever I can help by securing funding at
the state level or helping connect Mark and his staff to federal funding opportunities, I am committed to collaborating with them because the YMCA strengthens the foundation of our community."

The YMCA has put in more than $5 million of improvements at Camp Sloper as part of the capital campaign.

These improvements include: the dredging of Sloper Pond; the installation of 800 feet of sewer lines; a new bathroom and changing room facilities; a new splash pad; one new pavilion; and several other building upgrades and improvements.

The YMCA has been working on the capital campaign since 2022.

Many of the donations have come in from local supporters, area businesses, foundations, and government support.

Also, community members can schedule a visit and tour with Pooler at mpooler@sccymca.org.

The YMCA Camp Sloper Capital Campaign is still ongoing and active. For more information on the campaign, visit this link.