Community Recreation - Updated May 7th
May 7th Update
I wanted to give you a brief update on summer planning, namely the Day Camp Program. We had originally intended to send information out next Tuesday, May 12th . However, as of today, we still have not received the guidelines and procedures from the state regarding the opening and operation of day camps for the summer of 2020. Due to this, we will be delaying registration by at least one week.
I wanted to give you a brief update on summer planning, namely the Day Camp Program. We had originally intended to send information out next Tuesday, May 12th . However, as of today, we still have not received the guidelines and procedures from the state regarding the opening and operation of day camps for the summer of 2020. Due to this, we will be delaying registration by at least one week.
It is my understanding that the document will be released at some point next week. Until we are able to review the requirements and determine measures needed to be taken in order to reach compliance, it would be quite difficult to send out camp information in advance of this.
We have three different camp options ready to roll out upon receipt and dissemination of the state information, so assuming we are confident that the program will be in compliance and it is practical to open, the turnaround on distributing camp details should not take long. For anyone intending to set up a payment plan, Town Hall will be opening by appointment only on Tuesday, May 26th. Please schedule a time to come into the Recreation Department by calling 829-2208.
I will be sure to keep everyone posted as my hope is to have registration open by the week of May 18th-22nd. My apologies for the continued delays on all of this as I truly sympathize knowing that families are hoping to lock down their daycare needs for the summer as soon as possible.
Take care!
Peter C Bingham
Community Recreation Director
April 30th Update:
I hope all is well and that everyone continues to hang in there! With Governor Mill’s recent announcement of gradually easing restrictions over the next several weeks, I wanted to reach out to everyone and give them an update on Cumberland/North Yarmouth Community Recreation’s tentative plans over the next few weeks. Please keep in mind that this is an ever evolving situation with the unpredictable nature of this virus never far from our mind.
Taking this all into account, over the next few days the Recreation Department will begin pulling together plans for a modified summer line-up of activities with the cornerstone being our day camp programs. As I have mentioned recently, offering affordable/quality child care for the upcoming summer is crucial for working families and will continue to be our primary focus.
While we will be unable to offer the full slate of summer programs that have been offered in the past, due to facility and distancing concerns, I am quite confident most activities and programs will still take place with a best practices approach.
I will have more specific information next week, but for planning purposes this is our anticipated timeline:
- Produce and distribute (electronically) a modified Summer Program Brochure by May 12th
- Open online registration for summer programs, including summer camps beginning Thursday, May 14th
- Open Town Hall office to in-person registration in late May/early June
- Establishing date & location for Aftercare 2020-21 Lottery
- Begin offering some enrichment camps the week of June 22nd
- Start Summer Day Camps on Monday, June 29th
- Operate Day Camps through Friday, August 14th
As I mentioned above, I will have a more specific list of programs/activities and dates by next week. There is no doubt that the look of day camp for the summer of 2020 will be much different from years past. From field trips to daily protocols ,including no longer having large groups together we will be operating with a new set of rules, guidelines & expectations. After meeting with our Recreation Leadership team I have no doubt they are up to the task and excited for the new challenges while continuing to deliver a high quality experience for children of our community.
Thanks and once again thank you for your patience, vigilance and positive feedback!
Peter C. Bingham,
Community Recreation Director