Thursday, October 1, 2026
For more than two decades, the Seaford Recreation summer program has given local children from kindergarten through sixth grade a place to make friends, try new activities and create memories close to home.
This summer, the camp helped celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary by hosting an America250-themed tribute that brought a patriotic twist to its 21st year.
Last Thursday the children arrived dressed in red, white and blue and spent the morning participating in activities inspired by the country’s history, including making patriotic bracelets, creating a 250th anniversary banner with their handprints and competing in a Statue of Liberty relay race.
The celebration opened with campers standing together for a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” creating a memorable moment for the young participants.
"It was just a day to celebrate 250 years," Ralph Pascarella, a Seaford High School teacher and one of the program’s founders, said. "The kids went to it. We gave each of them a medal, red, white or blue. They wore red or blue that day, and we just had activities geared toward celebrating."
For Pascarella, who founded the program along with fellow Seaford educator William “Billy” Dietz, the anniversary celebration reflected what the camp has become over the years — a place children can have fun while building connections within their community.
"It's turned into something huge," Pascarella said. "The parents are awesome. The kids are great. It's just a nice, easy-going recreation camp."
The program offers children a variety of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, music, American Sign Language instruction, and juggling and circus arts.
For campers like Tyler Okon, 7, the program is about spending time with friends and trying new things. Tyler, who is attending the camp for the third year, said he enjoys the friendships he has made, along with activities like sign language classes and Color War.
Nine-year-old Sophia Ramos, a fourth-year camper, said she enjoys playing soccer, gaga ball and participating in arts and crafts. She added that one of the best parts of the camp is “the many new friends that will stick with you forever.”
A major part of the camp’s success, Pascarella said, is the connection between generations of Seaford families. Many counselors are Seaford graduates who attended the program as children themselves.
"That's a huge plus," Pascarella said. "A lot of these kids will want to be teachers, so it's a great kind of way for them to get their feet wet."
The return of former campers as counselors has helped create a sense of continuity, allowing children today to experience the same community atmosphere that previous generations enjoyed.
Parents emphasized that the program has also provided a valuable summer option for local families.
Matthew Bullis, who enrolled his son, Mason, in the camp, said the experience has exceeded expectations.
"Mason had a great time," Bullis said. "The counselors are amazing and the experience was incredible for my son."
Bullis said having an affordable recreation program nearby gives families an opportunity to provide their children with a positive summer experience without traveling far from home.
"It was worth every penny, 110 percent," he said.
The camp has also continued to strengthen its ties with the broader Seaford community. Each summer session includes visits from local organizations, including the Seaford Fire Department, which brings trucks to camp and gives children a chance to learn about emergency services while cooling off with the department’s hoses.
"It's all, the whole community gets involved," Pascarella said.
After 21 years, Pascarella said the goal remains the same: providing children with a fun, welcoming environment where they can enjoy their summers and make lasting memories.
"For those four weeks, Monday to Friday, from 9 to 12," he said, “everybody has a lot of fun."
