Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Summer Camps topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
St. Mary's County recreation staff preview summer camps, say head coaches nearly all cleared
Summary
Recreation staff told the advisory board that registration for summer programs opens March 19, the annual Easter festival will be March 22, and head coaches for spring sports are largely through background checks; staff also described camp offerings and safety training.
St. Mary's County recreation staff on March 6 told the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board that registration for summer programs opens March 19 and that the department is preparing 11 summer camps and a March 22 Easter festival on the Governmental Center lawn.
The department said the county has emphasized volunteer background checks and training for youth-sports leagues this spring. “Right now, currently, with all of our head coaches, ... I'd say we have 95% of those already with background checks,” said Arthur Shepherd, Recreation Division manager.
The nut graf: the announcement lays out how families can sign up, what camps will offer and how staff are addressing safety and staffing. The recreation guide and registration forms are on the department website and printed guides were distributed in the Enterprise newspaper; staff said there is no online registration at this time and registrations must be mailed, faxed or dropped off in person.
Staff described 11 camps, including five specialty camps: arts and crafts; an outdoor “Elms Beach” environmental camp; a new youth fitness challenge at Hollywood Recreation Center; dodgeball at Carver Recreation Center; and a reading camp called Books R Us. Regular camps have been reorganized under a “Camp TREK” (Teaching, Reaching, Enriching Kids) framework that will include reading, math and positive-youth-development elements. Officials said camps will serve children from about 3½ years through age 15 and include two field trips each week. “The field trips are still included,” Kelly Siffert, youth development specialist, said.
Staff noted other safety and staffing preparations: campers and many staff have CPR and first-aid certification, and the department is working to make AEDs available at recreation centers. Todd French was identified as the staff member distributing consent forms and explaining disqualifying criteria for league volunteers.
Staff also asked for community help recruiting counselors; applicants as young as 16 were invited to apply. The department said programs will advertise in schools and on the department website.
Ending: Department staff directed anyone with questions to the recreation office across the street from the Governmental Center and said printed guides are available at libraries and recreation centers.
