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Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com www.TheCatoctinBanner.com The Catoctin Banner Newspaper September 2018 Page 31
First Year for Thurmont’s “A Day in
the Park” Rec Program Goes Well
James Rada, Jr.
Courtesy Photo
Rebecca Pearl (above in pink) was one of the special guests during the “A Day in the Park” rec
program, sponsored by the Town of Thurmont.
Thurmont’s first “A Day in the first week, and they decided that
Park” recreation program ran this they wanted to be a part of it.”
summer and was a great success Participants played games, did
despite the rain forcing staff to crafts, enjoyed outdoor activities,
adjust on some days. and interacted with special guests.
The program came about as the The overwhelmingly favorite visitors
result of the town wanting to create to the program were members of
activities close to home for local kids the local fire, ambulance, and police
to do. A survey was distributed by departments.
the town inquiring what activities, Weston Brantner, age eight, said,
times, and ages should be targeted “I liked it when the fire department
for the program. came. My uncle is a policeman and a
Thurmont CAO Jim Humerick firefighter.”
worked with Park Program Although rains plagued the first
Coordinators Deb Abraham week of activities, participants
Spalding and Michele Maze to weathered through, even hiking
create the program, which ran the Catoctin Furnace Trail and the
July 23-26 and July 30-August 2 Thurmont Trolley Trail.
(Monday through Thursday), from During the second week, the kids
8:30 a.m. to noon each day. The stayed primarily in the Thurmont
program was for ages five to fifteen Community Park.
and cost $10.00 per day or $35.00 Chase Cregger, age eight,
per week. attended both weeks and liked the
According to Michele Maze, the second week, “We got to do exciting
first year’s attendance was terrific stuff like sports and baseball,” he
and even improved between the shared.
two weeks. “I think people saw the Children could attend every day
pictures we put up on Facebook and or just one day. Despite the differing
spoke to kids and parents from the ages, they got along well and were
all great sports.
Chelsey Davis, age sixteen,
worked as a volunteer for the camp.
“It can get a little crazy being
around all of them, but it’s fun and I
like helping them when they can’t do
something.”
The program not only gave
local children something to do this
summer, but mixed in learning
opportunities with fun. “It
[participating] also helps with their
socialization and teamwork skills,”
explained Maze.
Now that the program is finished,
town staff can look at what worked
and what didn’t work to make it
even better for next year’s “A Day in
the Park” program.
