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YMCA outlines camp contingencies and confirms local fitness center closure
Summary
The YMCA said it can staff summer camp for about 48–50 children weekly and will provide scholarships for more families, but the Bucksport fitness center has closed; members can transfer to nearby Ys and equipment may be repurposed or sold.
The YMCA told the Bucksport recreation board it has contingency plans for summer camp after the municipal pool was taken out of service and confirmed that the local fitness center has closed.
Matt, speaking for the YMCA, said the organization is staffed for camp and is serving roughly 48–50 children per week, similar to last year. He said scholarship requests have risen to about 24 children this season—up from roughly 10 in prior years—meaning nearly half of camp participants now receive some financial aid. "We were scholarshipping about 10 kids a summer… we’re up to 24 kids," Matt said.
Camp alternatives: the YMCA plans to use buses to transport campers to Craig's Pond and to bring YMCA lifeguards to those sites. Swim lessons could be moved off-site (Blue Hill or Wiggins) if necessary; families who cannot be accommodated would be refunded.
Fitness center closure and equipment: the YMCA reported the Bucksport fitness room closed this week. Members will be allowed to transition to Ellsworth or Blue Hill YMCA locations, and Bucksport members will retain their lower Bucksport rate through the summer. Most fitness equipment belongs to the town; officials said they are exploring options to let town or school employees use the equipment, set up scanner-ID access, or sell items if not used.
Market pressures: board members noted new commercial entrants (Queen City Athletics and a Planet Fitness opening in Ellsworth) have affected membership and revenue. Matt said the combined effects of membership declines and operating costs contributed to the decision to close the local fitness center.
Quotations: "We have to bring lifeguards with us when we go someplace that doesn't provide lifeguards," Matt said of off-site camp plans. "We're pretty well staffed for camp. We're averaging about 48 to 50 kids a week."
