Parks and Recreation Presents Summer Programs

With May already beginning and and summer fast approaching, the department urges residents to register early for all their favorite camps and programs for children and adults. The department is offering some old favorites as well as new programs, trips, and themes for the summer camps of all three age groups.

“Now is the time to think about summer,” said Parks and Recreation director Wendy LaMontagne, “people should do it now or they might forget about it.”

The danger in waiting to register is twofold. Programs may be full to capacity, or if a program does not have enough pre-registration, it may not run at all and last-minute interested parties might have otherwise saved it.

As with last year, the summer camps will feature themes for each of the three sessions. For the Sunrise Camp, the themes offered are “Beach Fun and Sandcastle Competition”, “The Suffield Stars Talent Show” and, in recognition of the London Olympics, an Olympics-themed camp focusing on sports and fitness.

The Kids Korner/Morning Munchkins camp will also offer an Olympic theme called, “Hooray for the USA”, “Seasons of Fun” and “Storybook Theater”, wherein students will work with books and practice storytelling techniques.

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The tweens camp represents a challenge, according to LaMontagne.

“In this age group, we always have to offer something new and stimulating,” she said.

This year's offerings include canoe programs, and visits to the outdoor learning center at Suffield Academy where campers will enjoy the Outdoor Ropes and Challenge Course. Returning due to its popularity in prior years is the Lego Camp.

Representatives from Play-Well TEKnologies will lead participants creating a variety of models using the popular building blocks. With a beginner course for children in kindergarten through second grade and advanced class for students entering the third and fourth grades, the Lego program incorporates science, engineering and architecture in an entertaining yet challenging environment. The courses tend to fill quickly, so registering early is advised.

New offerings this year include classes for the older elementary grade students in making fantastic friendship bracelets, instructed by Intermediate School teacher Kara Forest, Also running for the first time is Piellucci potters, an introductory pottery course instructed by Patti Piellucci, another teacher in the Suffield school district.

As always, the Parks and Recreation department offers a full variety of sports programs for children and adults. This year, there are clinics dedicated to softball, baseball, tee-ball, soccer, basketball and tennis.

Horseback riding will be conducted at the End of Hunt Farms on Hill Street.

Fitness programs for youth and adults include Zumba, boot camp, running and tennis.

“People usually think of the children, but we like to remind people that we have plenty of fitness programs for adults as well,” LaMontagne said.

The department also sponsors several bus trips to popular destinations throughout the season. This year features a trip to Boston for the Tall Ships Festival, as well as a trip to Beantown which features a ride around Boston Harbor in a fast boat called Codzilla. The schedule also features several trips to New York City.

“These are great for people who don't want to spend an exorbitant amount of money on gas,” said LaMontagne, “they can join us on the bus.”

Program and registration information can be found at the Suffield Parks and Recreation's section of the town website.

Anyone interested in any program or having any questions about the offerings and availability should call the general number at the Parks and Recreation Department, 860-668-3862.