On March 2, 2024, a group of intrepid souls will plunge into the waters of Staffordville Lake and emerge changed – or, at least, colder than they were when they went in. Why are people doing this? To raise money for a good cause.
The Events and Celebrations Committee dreamed up the Polar Bear Paddy Plunge as a way to raise money for Stafford’s Summer Recreation Camp, which serves children ages 5-13 and has done so for more than 65 years. From The Stafford Cidery to the Rotary Club, local organizations a businesses are already signed up and ready to freeze their behinds off.
The camp prides itself on making it possible for families, regardless of finances, to find a safe, fun environment for their children in the summer. The town estimates that approximately 50% of participants pay just $100 for the six-week session. Other families pay $400 for the first camper and $200 for any siblings, but the town says the true cost per camper is more like $900 – and that doesn’t include the time spent planning the camp by staff. All told, the six-week camp costs about $130,000 to run.
Jacquie Schors, the summer rec camp's coordinator, says, "There has been little in the way of permanent structure of the programming, and a lot of responsibility falls on the seasonal Program Coordinator to come up with six weeks of day-to-day activities and structure. We have been working extremely hard to put together a physical curriculum to pass on to future staff so the program can grow with more enriching and thoughtful activities and camp culture." With that in mind, here’s a taste of what the camp provides for its campers:
“Welcome Week” focuses on fun, safety, learning schedules and routines, and living the Camp Pledge.
“Plant a Seed & Cast Line” focuses on outdoor recreation and hobbies while delving into horticulture and agriculture, something many Staffordites are familiar with. From foraging to fishing, orienteering, and planting, activities are designed to strengthen food connections and understanding of commodities produced in our backyards.
“Run, Jump & Meditate” focuses on the health of body and mind. Through athletics, trivia, bubble meditation, superhero pose yoga, and create your own relay race, this week offers something for everyone and gets campers thinking about what it means to be healthy.
“The World of Imagination” cultivates camper creativity and confidence through a variety of mediums and imaginative play, such as the “Build a City” activity using upcycled materials, tie-dye, lemonade sip and paint, sidewalk chalk competition, printmaking, and scrapbooking. A camp art show concludes the week.
“Science, Technology, Engineering & Math” promotes camper curiosity of all things S.T.E.M. with an egg drop challenge, sand volcanos, slime making, and community volunteer-led presentations.
“Summer Fun” week concludes camp with spirit days, water sports, lunch on the beach, capture the flag, and classic summer fun to create memories and havea little fun.
"I see the future of the programming growing by bringing it back into the community eye," says Schors. "Some of the most successful activities and events have been possible because of community organizations like the Garden Club donating their time and material... We are hoping to create more community ties that will help not only bolster our offerings but help create a culture of civic engagement and responsibility."
Currently, the camp is funded using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, local tax dollars, private contributions, and registration fees. However, organizers say its funding is vulnerable to budgetary concerns at the municipal level. In order to ensure the camp continues to serve all who need it, regardless of income constraints, the Polar Bear Paddy Plunge is hoping it can raise enough funds to cover any shortfalls.
"Though we have been around for over 65 years, in some ways, we are brand new. That has its pros and cons," says Schors. While there are many years to look back on and see what has worked and what hasn't, it's also become background noise for some, fading into the background. "We need our community's support in not only securing funding on the budget and through fundraising, we need help growing this program back and making it better than ever. We need to show our children that they are worth it and we care. Stafford families deserve a stellar program, they work hard raising their families and our community the town we live in should be a part of that process. We have a beautiful lake and fun sandy beach, we have talented, compassionate members of our community to share their time and skills, we have an opportunity to make a positive impact on our young citizens, and I can think of a bigger honor and responsibility than that."
So, if you want to help ensure the future of Stafford’s Summer Recreational Camp, or just see your favorite local politicians and personalities end up in a freezing lake, register here.
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