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Branford Recreation Summer Camps Canceled Due to COVID-19

For the first time in 70 years, Branford Parks and Recreation has canceled an entire summer of camp programs. The decision was difficult but necessary to ensure the safety and health of all, from campers to counselors and every family involved, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cancelations were announced to families on May 21 in an email sent from Director Alex Palluzzi Jr. and Assistant Director Dale Izzo. The canceled programs include Branford Parks and Recreation Summer Camp, Theatre Camp, Mini Explorers Campers and Families, and Teen Travel. In addition, all Branford Parks and Recreation summer sports camps and clinics have been suspended for 2020.

"After careful deliberation, lengthy discussion, and consultation with experts in the fields in public health, we have decided to suspend all our summer camps programs as well as sports camps and clinics for the summer of 2020, " stated Palluzzi and Izzo, in the May 21 letter.

They also noted that, with the health and safety of children and staff  paramount, "...the only way we can guarantee their safety is to refrain from holding these programs."

Any payments received to date for canceled Branford Parks and Rec summer programs will be fully refunded. In addition, the department is working to develop distance recreation programs and will be sharing more summer plans for those programs in the near future, said Palluzzi.  The department is also already working toward offering "...the best summer camps ever" in 2021, he said.

Last year, Branford Parks and Recreation served up to 350 youngsters through summer programming. So far, parent response to news of the cancellation decision has been "very understanding," said Palluzzi, speaking with Zip06/The Sound on May 26.

"The bottom line is we're being vigilant about safety and the best practices," said Palluzzi.