We Can't Get Enough of Rockville's Summer Camps and Programs
Aug 11, 2007 20:50 - 2 Comments
Posted by: Cindy Cotte Griffiths
Department: Opinion
Tags: by Cindy Cotte Griffiths, parks, recreation
Department: Opinion
Tags: by Cindy Cotte Griffiths, parks, recreation
There is no time I appreciate the City of Rockville Recreation and Parks Department more than during the summer. Both of my sons enjoy Rockville’s Summer Camps, and I am happy to have close-by, safe options for them to enjoy. This summer they have already attended skateboarding, pottery, computers, science, and nature camps, and there’s more to come.>
What really impressed me this year was what happened when something went wrong. My son was physically unable to stay in a camp due to a medical problem. When it became apparent that he couldn’t go back, I called the Recreation Department. The staff member who helped me was familiar with my son (even though we had never spoken before), knew exactly what I was concerned about, and had him transferred to another camp within an hour. I couldn’t believe how efficiently they handled the matter. I send my sincerest thanks to the Recreation Department staff!
What I am hearing from most parents in Rockville, is that their families like the summer camps and playground programs as much as my family and they really depend on them. Last week the before/after care for campers and the Summer Playgrounds program ended. The camp choice for the month of August is limited. It’s difficult to find private camps with openings at the end of summer and the kids have to adapt to a whole new system for just a few weeks. Parents have been wishing that a full schedule of Rockville camps with before/after care, and the Summer Playground program, be extended for at least one additional week.
If you are not familiar with the Summer Playground program, the City staffs ten parks with “experienced, creative, and energetic recreation leaders”. The kids (ages 6-12) do sports, make crafts, swim, and take field trips. Families pay an affordable fee to attend from June 25 –August 2. In my neighborhood, the kids really depend on this program. For most of these children, it is the only camp they will attend all summer. When they are not at the park, they are alone in their apartments. I know that there are budget constraints and that the Recreation Department is expected to fund its own programs, but the City really needs to expand the number of weeks this program is offered.
It’s obvious, we can’t get enough of our terrific Recreation and Parks Summer Camps and Programs!
Follow on Twitter
Cindy, Great post. Our family has a special fondness for the skate park camp which my son has attended 3 years running. We found the administrative staff for that camp above and beyond helpful and efficient. >
Question: Any sense of the best way to encourage the powers that be to extend the camp season?
We are in 100% agreement with everything you mention in your latest post. The City of Rockville camps are the best out there. Our kids love them, the counselors are fun and professional and they couldn’t be any more convenient. Before and after care is key for families with two working parents and you’re right, if it could be extended one or even two additional weeks, it would be a huge help. I don’t know who we can ask to make this happen, but if the demand is there, it might be worth it to the City to explore adding a week or two to their programs.