East Boston Prepares For Arrival Of Guard Up Camp

Walkers shouldn't be alarmed if they come across a wizard or zombie during their walk at East Boston Camps this summer.

Starting July 2, residents of Westford should be prepared to share the campground with groups of kids. The camp will run until August 14, and will return for the next several summers following a contract signed with the Westford Conservation Commission. 

From that Sunday and on the camp will be used as a home for Guard Up! Inc. A summer camp for children where they get to play as either wizards or warriors or zombies. 

An area known as the "Boys Camp" will be off-limits for anyone not involved with the camp, said Meghan Gardner, Guard Up! owner.

"The consideration is important because we need to protect our campers from any unauthorized people in the area," said Gardner. 

Gardner also noted that this rule was not just endorsed by the camp, but also required by law, and anyone that will work in the Boys Camp area with the children will need to pass a criminal background check.

However, for those who frequent the camp often, a new trail will guide walkers around the camp's grounds. However, people using these trails will not need to undergo a background check.

According to an announcement on the Westford Conservation Committee website, "the public will still be able to walk up past this area over a temporary camp bypass trail that is marked with red diamond shape markers placed on trees."

Another precaution Gardner wants walkers and the public to take is to make sure dogs are kept on a leash, stating that some kids are allergic to dogs and one in particular has been attacked by a canine. 

"A dog seeing these kids playing is going to run right out into the middle of the camp and try to interact with the kids," Gardner said. "That can create a dangerous situation for the children in the camp."

Gardner said she was honored to be chosen to take control of the campground and said the commission wants to be sure the camp will be in hands of a group that cares about conserving the area. 

"They wanted to make sure that the camps had an environmental message and we do that within our camps as well," said Gardner.

Update - 6/29/11 4:23 p.m - This article has been clarified to reflect that local residents walking on the trail surrounding the Guard up! campsite do not need a background check, we apologize for any miscommunication on this issue.