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05/28/2020 12:00 AMNorth Branford Parks and Recreation officials have made the difficult decision to cancel a family favorite, the summer Kids Camp program, for the 2020 season. The camp usually operates as nine weekly summer sessions with optional extras.
In a notice issued May 27, Interim Parks & Recreation Director Patrick Rossiter and Recreation Supervisor Kerry Haynes said the decision was based on numerous factors, including a survey of families of past campers, in which "... the majority of you had strong misgivings about your child participating" they noted. The two also took a hard look at the quality of the programming that could be offered while addressing the safety and needs of all, stating, "...the most important factor in our decision though was the safety of your kids, your family and the whole community."
Recognizing that planning on have a child attend camp assists many families with their childcare plans for the summer, the department is currently researching options families may be able to access and will share any resources once they have been gathered. Haynes told Zip06/The Sound one option being developed is a local summer babysitter/childcare provider listing which will likely include some interested area paraeducators and past camp counselors who are seeking summer work. Families would be responsible for further vetting any of the care providers on the list, said Haynes.
North Branford Parks and Rec is also working on developing some options for recreation programs and activities which could be offered at some point during the summer, based on what is allowed by state and local guidance.
"As you are well aware, this is a very fluid situation," department officials noted in the May 27 statement. "We will continue to monitor and as new guidance from the CDC, the Governor and the Health Department is released, we will consider all options for camp and other recreation programs."