Residents and board press staff on summer‑camp sanitation after campsite move

Board members told the Berwick Select Board on Aug. 18 they remain concerned about sanitary conditions for the town youth camp after it returned to the fields this year.

Town manager Arthur said the town is exempt from day‑camp regulations but described the current on‑site sanitation: four porta‑potties (three near the field house, one by Sullivan Street) and a staff bathroom that staff said campers could use. "Hand sanitizer is not handwashing," one board member said during questions, pressing Arthur on whether the campers had reliable access to sinks. Arthur said he would check whether counselors escort campers to the restroom, whether the porta‑potties are inspected each morning, and whether additional portable hand‑washing stations should be rented for next year.

Board members also expressed concern about children eating on astroturf in batting cages and suggested adding picnic tables and improving supervision and hand‑washing access. Arthur agreed to gather more operational details and include potential equipment rentals and placement among items to address for next year’s camp planning.