Y camp

named for

Doug Cutler

PUTNAM --- Hale YMCA announced that it will offer Summer  Day Camp and School Vacation Club programs for children entering grades kindergarten through fifth grade. Registration is now open for Camp Cutler, named in honor of Douglas Cutler.

Douglas Cutler (1952-2016) was instrumental in the development of the Regional Technology Park and the Hale YMCA Youth & Family Center. A longtime Woodstock resident and Putnam Town administrator for 18 years, Cutler was passionate about his community, youth development and hiking. He was integral in coordinating with the Hale YMCA Board of Directors, local and state officials, builders and utility services to ensure the project was completed in a timely fashion. 

To honor his tremendous contribution, the YMCA’s flagship Summer Day Camp has been named Camp Cutler.  

“Doug knew that the Y, as the first business in the Technology Park, deserved his attention in order to insure a successful town project,” said board member Lyn Smith.  “James Morton, former president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford, acknowledged him at the groundbreaking ceremony and likened him to the Wizard of Oz, the man behind the curtain, orchestrating the project without a lot of recognition. Doug was in a position to engage the right people to get the job done.  And that he did.” 

Cutler was also deeply committed to youth in the community. His leadership of the Putnam PRIDE antidrug coalition was largely responsible for obtaining federal grants to fund the program and its’ activities for nine years. “The success of Putnam PRIDE is a direct result of Doug’s hard work,” said Board Member and Deputy Police Chief Lee Konicki. “This, combined with the unmitigated success of the Hale YMCA and its expanding youth programs, lays testament to Doug’s dedication to the youth and families of Putnam and all of northeastern Connecticut.” Cutler died shortly after the Y opened in October 2016.

At Camp Cutler children entering kindergarten through 5th grade will participate in a variety of activities, ranging from swim lessons, nature activities, arts and crafts, structured sports activities, group games, expanded learning opportunities, and much more. Camp will run when school lets out in June, and the last week of camp is Aug. 21 through 25. Additionally, Vacation Club child care will be offered April 10 through 14.