Children flock to Barrett for summer fun

Barrett Park is the place to be this summer. The village’s summer camp has one of its highest enrollments in recent years, with 250 children signed up for the six-and-a-half week program.

The number of children participating increased for the second straight summer, up about 20 kids from last year and nearly 100 from two years ago. Camp Director Nicole Winter said she had to add two more groups this year as well as additional counselors.

“There are a lot of kids who come back year after year, starting in kindergarten,” Winter said, adding that many look forward to the day when they can become counselors themselves.

The camp began just a few days after the school year let out and continues every morning through Aug. 14. Many parents signed up their children because of the camp’s affordability — $180 total for a child in the village, with discounts for siblings. “It keeps them occupied and it’s a good price a month-and-half,” said parent Chris Pellegrino, whose 7-year-old son, Steven Manzi, attends the camp.

Pellegrino said her three oldest sons, now in their 20s, attended Barrett Park when they were younger and had a blast. Last year, she kept Steven home during the summer but decided this year he needed more to do. “He likes it,” she said of the camp.

Recreation Director Tom Roberts said he believes the increase in enrollment is because of the economy and people looking for affordable options for their children. “It’s a very cheap camp for people,” he said. “Barrett is a bargain compared to the other camps around here.”

The end of each week at the camp is Crazy Friday, and children get dressed up to match the theme. Last week was Halloween Day, as kids and their counselors donned costumes. Right before the Fourth of the July, there was Red, White and Blue Day. Other themes this summer include sports, tye-die and mismatched clothes.

Winter said she has added some new activities this year. There is now a learning corner that children visit once a week. A recent activity was making playdough. Every Friday morning they also have journal time. “They write about their favorite activity for the week,” Winter said.

William L. Buck School classmates Lorenzo Della Speranza and Thomas Marten, both 7, say their favorite activities are dodgeball, basketball and the obstacle course. They also like the dress-up days.

John Cataldo, 9, who attends Brooklyn Avenue School, also listed dodgeball as a favorite activity. He likes his counselors as well. “They’re fun and you can talk to them,” he said.

Winter said one of the biggest challenges this summer has been the persistently hot weather. On a typical day, about 90 percent of the registered kids are at camp, but that dips a bit when temperatures get near the triple digits.

It’s those really hot days, Winter said, when the camp scraps some of its regular activities and plans more water games. She said the sprinklers are also constantly running in the back field. “The staff and even myself go through sometimes,” she said.

Winter said that the children come to camp every day with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. She said her counselors are doing a good job keeping the kids safe and entertained. “My staff is working very hard despite the extreme heat,” she said. “They’re involved and playing with their kids.”