News Feature
Originally published in
The Weekly Packet, September 14, 2023
Blue Hill camp sees ‘wildly successful’ summer
by Carrie Jeffrey
The Blue Hill Select Board met on Tuesday, September 5, and discussed the recreation department’s summer day camp, which was offered for the first time this summer. According to Sawyer Houghton, camp director and Blue Hill’s recreation program director, the camp was “wildly successful.”
The camp originally started its operation at George Stevens Academy but transitioned to Blue Hill Consolidated School after the first few weeks. Campers’ ages ranged from 5 to 12 years old, and they were separated into appropriate age groups. The camp drew 99 campers, with about 25 of them participating for the eight-week duration.
Running July 3 through August 25, the camp featured a variety of different weekly activities and crafts as well as field trips. According to Houghton, the outings were very successful, and the camp was able to go places every other week, including Acadia National Park and the University of Maine’s Planetarium at Orono.
Another major highlight of the camp was its daily swimming lessons at the Blue Hill YMCA. According to Houghton, the staff was accommodating and helpful with managing the campers and programs.
As for program feedback, follow-up surveys completed by participants’ parents included great reviews with some suggestions, said Houghton.
Soccer program
The YMCA’s recreation youth socceer program is beginning its first season. According to Down East Family YMCA Executive Director Matt Montgomery, 74 kids are enrolled in the camp, with jerseys already on order. Right now, the main focus is gathering and securing sponsors. The town agreed to cover the cost of goal nets.
