“Suffield Still Shined This Summer”

“Suffield Still Shined This Summer”

Written by: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki-Director of Special Programs-Suffield Parks and Recreation Department

The 2020 global pandemic-COVID-19 could not stop the smiles, laughter and great memories that were made this year at the Suffield Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Camps and programs. There was a tremendous amount of preparation, re-planning and logistics that led up to conducting our traditional summer camps and program to keep them in-person. Although temperature checks, masks and many enhanced safety precautions were put in place, the campers and program participants had a blast.

At the Kids Korner Camp, the campers enjoyed new themes each session that combined an educational component with pure fun! The campers celebrated America and Suffield during Session 1, “Celebrate the Good Times” was the theme for Session 2 where holidays, cultures and traditions from all over the world were celebrated each day and during Session 3, the campers learned all about Nature and the planet in our “Young Environmentalists” theme. There were many highlights of camp but some of the most memorable days were when the campers dressed up and celebrated our all-time favorite day-“Halloween in July” where the Police and Fire Department visited camp and passed out candy and treats to the campers. The other highlight of camp was when the Suffield Ambulance Department visited along with the Suffield Police Department on the second to last day of camp. The campers were able to learn so much from our Community Heroes! The camp staff did an excellent job throughout this challenging time and their work ethic, positive attitudes, perseverance and dedication to camp was remarkable. For Kids Korner the camp staff were- (Lizzy McCoy-Director, Shannon Billick-Assistant Director, Marissa Dery-Counselor, Grace Karam-Counselor, Peyton Ryan-Counselor, and Sydney Eitel-Counselor.) The campers enjoyed and looked up to all of our terrific program staff at all of the camps. When interviewing the campers for a short video on the last day of camp, asking the children what their favorite part of camp was and many of the replies were “Everything” made all the planning, preparation and extra-enhanced measures all worth it.

In addition to our Kids Korner Camp, we also offered a variety of our other very popular traditional camps and programs including the new and innovative Summer Explorers Camp, Youth Adventure Camp, Paint it Up Camp, Crafty Kids Camp, Home Alone Safety Program, Art in the Park, Premier Field Hockey Camp and a variety of Zoom Meet up Game Nights for the Bowling Buddies Outing group throughout the summer. Babbs beach was also a very popular spot for swimming and enjoying the beauty of Suffield throughout the entire summer and the season was also extended this year for the community to enjoy even longer than previous years.

Our new in person outdoor adult fitness programs which included our “Ready to Run” program instructed by Sarah Supino owner of Unique Fitness and the Tababata Bootcamp and PowerBurn programs instructed by Joseph Hicks-owner of TeamJTraining and our new Energizing Yoga flow program instructed by Laura Dromgold were all a hit this summer! It was great to be able to offer the outdoor fitness programs at our beautiful Bruce Park Pavilion that have helped many continue with their fitness goals safely during the pandemic.
The staff at each of the programs have worked very hard at making the summer memorable and special for all the participants. Many thanks goes out to all of the counselors, junior counselors, volunteers, program instructors, coaches, lifeguards and gate attendants on helping make a safe and fun summer for the community despite the pandemic. Most importantly, many thanks to all of the parents, campers and community members that registered for all of the programs this summer.

We hope you and your family will sign up for our many fall program offerings. For a full listing of all programs, please log onto www.suffieldrec.com