caption

 

Camp Cutler

The first Hale YMCA Camp Cutler was a huge success, serving 375 children. Courtesy photos.

 

PUTNAM — The Hale YMCA announced the close of the inaugural summer of Camp Cutler Day Camp on Aug. 25. The Camp served 375 children from the local community, grades K-5, surpassing enrollment goals. Additionally, all 375 kids received free breakfast and lunch for the entire summer, thanks to a partnership with Putnam Public Schools. The Hale YMCA was able to provide $12,000 in Financial Assistance, allowing low-income families a chance to send their kids to camp at a reduced rate.

As summer winds down, everyone at the Hale YMCA is very proud of the fun, enriching experiences offered to the many children that attended Camp Cutler,” said Amanda Kelly, executive director of Hale YMCA. “Friendships were made, skills were learned and the building was abuzz with the voices of happy kids moving from one activity to the next. The counselors had to stay on their toes for 10 busy weeks, but everyone agrees that the inaugural summer of Camp Cutler Day Camp was an overwhelming success!”

Campers participated in a wide range of activities, including swimming, archery, sports, music, arts and crafts, walking the Putnam River Trail, nature programs and more. The highlight of each camp day was the Opening and Closing ceremonies, where the official Camp Cutler flag was raised and lowered, camp songs were sung and the kids picked a “Counselor of the Week” to receive a water dunking. A few special visitors stopped by to share stories and safety tips, including representatives from the Last Green Valley and the American Red Cross.

Feedback from campers and their families has been extremely positive. “My granddaughter learned great life skills at Camp Cutler, like how to work in a group and independence, and she created lasting friendships,” said one Grandfather. “I was a camp director for 15 years, and this program is one of the best I have seen. Thank you so much for providing this transformative experience for my granddaughter!”