Camp getting ready for summer fun

With winter snows melting away, cans of paint, brushes and rakes are beginning to emerge from sheds and garages; lawns are being raked and mowed; and windows are being washed.

Beginning in April, that's what will be happening at Camp Scully, a camp for children, 7-14, which is operated by Catholic Charities of the Albany Diocese.

Located on Snyder's Lake in North Greenbush, Camp Scully will be readied next month by staff and volunteers for the first overnight session, which begins June 22.

Theme weeks

"We have a number of new initiatives for our camping program this year," said Angela Keller, associate executive director of Children's and Youth Services for Catholic Charities:

* "We're introducing 'theme weeks' that will be part of all our programs this season," she said, using the example of "international week" when foods, music and costumes from different countries will be incorporated into arts and crafts programs, field games, and other activities;

* The rope course has been redesigned and moved to a different location on the campgrounds; "this year, we will have both high and low elements on the rope course, increasing its difficulty," Ms. Keller said;

* The camp's hiking trail and archery range have been given a brand new look.

"Campers returning to Camp Scully this year will have an entirely new experience," she noted.

Apply now

The staff is currently taking applications from campers as well as for counselor positions. Ms. Keller said that even though 50 percent of the counselors who worked at the camp last year are returning, several staffing positions are still available. They include:

* cabin counselors, who must be 18, enjoy children and have skills to contribute to the camping experience;

* an aquatics director, who must be 21, and have waterfront lifeguarding skills, as well as CPR, First Aid and WSI certification;

* a health director, who must be 21 and be certified as an EMT, RN, LPN or the equivalent;

* a cook, assistant cook and other kitchen help to plan and cook for 130 children and staff daily;

* an office position to assist the camp director with administrative tasks;

* a maintenance position, which requires experience with custodial and maintenance-related work; and

* a security guard position, 10 p.m.-6 a.m. nightly.

Help needed

Volunteers are also needed to help prepare the grounds for the summer sessions.

"Civic groups or individuals are most welcome to call us. We are looking for anyone willing to volunteer some time for painting, yard work or general cleanup," Ms. Keller said.

(Camp Scully is a coed, overnight camp that houses 100 children. Campers participate in swimming, hiking, sports, boating, canoeing, arts and crafts, rope course, archery, and peer socialization. Weekly sessions run from Sunday afternoon through the following Saturday morning. To apply for a summer position at the camp or to volunteer for cleanup, contact Jerri Biggins at 426-3511. The cost for a weekly session at Camp Scully is $210 per child. Scholarships help children in need to attend. For information or to register, call 426-3511, or write Camp Scully Registration, 100 Slingerland St., Albany, 12202.)

(3/27/2003) [[In-content Ad]]