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2002 r Town of Wappinger Recreation Annual Report 2002 ~.. . . fa E,c€.\\I€.O ~ _c ~~~ \ '';) c. f\ \r ,r..I~ CL~ ' \O'l~ Town of Wappinger Recreation Commission Chairman Ralph J. Holt Members James Chappas Joseph Ennesser Ronald Friedman Ellen Korz Stephen Miller Joanne Vazquez Director Skip Rottkamp Senior Citizen Director Kathi DeLisa Secretary Peggy Roe Maintenance Director Steve Tompkins Town Supervisor Joseph Ruggiero Town Board Joseph Paoloni Robert Val dati Vincent Bettina Christopher Colsey Town Clerk Gloria Morse 2002 Annual Program Report Programs: Boys and Girls Basketball (Winter) Boys and Girls Gymnastics (Winter) Boys and Girls Basketball Program (Summer) Adult Volleyball (Fall/Winter/Spring) Summer Volleyball (Summer) Golf Program (Spring/Summer) Tennis Instruction (Spring/Summer) Schlathaus Race (Fall) Summer Concert Series (Summer) Family Fun Night Program (Summer) Fall Concert Bus Trips (Throughout the Year) Christmas Tree Lighting (Winter) Halloween Parade (Fall) Easter Egg Hunt (Spring) Recreation Guide Baton Twirling (Fall, Winter, Spring) Adult Aerobics for Women (Fall, Winter, Spring) Ballroom Dancing (Winter) Summer Playground/Swim Program (Summer) General recommendations for next year: 1. More advertising of our programs. We should use different mediums to get our message out. 2. Explore the possibilities for more teen programs (13-17 years of age) 3. Explore the possibilities for an after-school program. 4. Alternate Swimming Pool (If we ever lose Deer Hill Conference Center) 5. Reese Park - Full year programs to take advantage of this facility) 6. Extend the hours of the Summer playground to meet the needs of working parents. Program Descriptions Boys and Girls Basketball - Winter Age range - 7 to 12 years old Director (s) - Diana Rossetti Location - Sheafe Road Elementary School Cost - $15 Description - The program ran Saturday mornings from early January to the end of March from lOam to 12 noon. The program contained between 20 - 25 youngsters on the average. Problem getting someone to run program. Recommendations for 2003 - I still feel the age group should be reduced to 11 years old. There is a feeling of a large gap between 7 and 12 year olds. Bovs and Girls Gvmnastics - Winter Age range - 7 to 12 years old Director (s) - Art Goldner, Robin Hassett Location - Myers Comers Elementary School Cost - $15 Description - The program ran Saturday mornings from early January to early May. Many experienced gymnastic instructors aided the directors. The program remained popular (enrollment was 61). This was down from the previous years enrollment, however, it was a manageable number. Recommendations for 2003 - Nothing significant should change. We really do need our own facility so we don't have to rely on the schools. Bovs and Girls Basketball Pro2ram - Summer Age range - 7 to 12 years old Director (s) - James Cancelleri, Bill Bianco, Victor DaNardi Location - Sheafe Road Elementary School Cost - $15 Description - The one week summer program ran from July 8 to July 12. 48 people signed up for the program, which focused on drills, fundamentals, scrimmage games and instructional techniques for playing basketball. This number was up from 2001. Recommendations for 2003 - I recommend we use Sheafe Road Elementary School again, due to the cooperation with Mr. Miller/Mr. Finch. Adult V ollevball Director - Walter Leczinski Location - Myers Comers Road Elementary School Cost - $15 Description - The program completed in May of 2002, and restarted on October 2, 2002 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Walter participates and directs the 55 participants that attend the program each Tuesday. Recommendations for 2003 - The recreation department is fortunate enough to have a director like Walter. Again, more of an effort should be made to pay him more so we can continue to have his services. Summer V ollevball Director - Walter Leczinski Location - Sand Volleyball Courts, Montfort Road. Description - This is an outdoor program that runs from late June to early August on Thursday evenings. Turnout was between 15 - 40 participants. Recommendations for 2003 - Again, lights should be added to the volleyball courts to accommodate residents who work late, and wish to participate in our program. Golf Proe:ram - Surine:'1Summer: Instructor - Peter Shea Location - Beekman Country Club Monday - Friday = June 27 - August 9 Offering morning and evening clinics Cost $20.00 Description: There are morning classes for beginners to advanced beginners to learn the fundamentals of full swing and short game ages 6 - 15. Also, there are evening clinics that will refresh the fundamentals but will also include introduction and play on the golf course each night ages 7 - 15. Recommendations: Golf is a very popular activity taught by a very good instructor Peter Shea. We have no trouble filling the spots at registration. The adult classes struggled because of lack of communication. The plan is to communicate with the residents about this program. We also plan on raising the fee of this golf program. Tennis Instructions - Surine:'1 Summer: Instructor - Barry Location - Pye Lane Courts Monday - Friday classes - June 24 - August 21 Morning and evening classes Cost - $20.00 Description: The Town offers tennis instruction for all levels of play. There is an adult session on Tuesday and Thursday's from 6:00- 7 :OOpm from May 14 - June 6. Beginners ages 6-9 ran from 8-9am, beginners ages 10-13 from 9-10am, Intermediate for all ages ran from 10-llam, adult ran from 11- 12 noon, adult beginners ran from 6-7pm and Intermediate adult programs ran for 7 -8pm, for three sessions June 24 through August 21. Recommendations: Barry continues to do a very good job. Continue to communicate with the residents about this program and registration will fill all its spots. Increase the fee to this program. Schlathaus Race - October 5~ 2002 Director - Linda Stowe, Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club. Location - Schlathaus Park Description - This was the 23rd annual race sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club. The race was in two parts: 5K run for adults and a one mile pumpkin run for the children. This year, 62 adults participated in the race. Winners of the race received a trophy, which were purchased from ABC Awards this year. Each child that raced received a pumpkin. Recommendations for 2003 - We should continue our funding for this race. We should continue to use ABC Awards that had the trophies well in advance of the race, and were cooperative to deal with. The number of runners were down, but hopefully more runners will be attracted to this competitive race. Summer Concert Series Director - Skip Rottkamp Location - Schlathaus Park Dates - June 27 - August 8 Description - Performing this year was: Thunder Ridge, Hot Rod Band, the Klassics, Final Touch, Johnny Dell & Nite Life, Stonehaven, Bob Martinson and the West Point Jazz Knights. Recommendations for 2003 - Two concerts were canceled because of poor weather. The Summer Concert Series needs more communication about the groups, dates and time. Attendance needs a boost!!! There will be 8 concerts in 2003. Familv Fun Ni2ht Pro2ram Director - Skip Rottkamp Location - Schlathaus Park Dates - July 5 to August 2, 2002 Description - Program was held on Friday nights at 7:30 pm. It featured entertainers who were family orientated. On the last 2 dates, a movie projector and screen were rented. After the performance on these last 2 occasions, a children's movie was shown on the stage at Schlathaus. The performers were Steve Max the Simon Sez Guy, Bob Martinson, Steve Johnson's Magic Show and Ned Gelfars the Family comedian. The turn out this year was better than last year. Recommendations for 2003 - More advertising should go into this program, and word of mouth should help attendance in 2003. Fall Concert 2002 Director - Skip Rottkamp Description - This was our second year trying this concert in cooperation with East Fishkill Recreation. We had a show on Nov. 1,2002 at Van Wyck JHS hosted by East Fishkill Recreation. The Nov. show featured Adam and the Newhearts and Preston Young. This was a free fall concert offered to the residents of both the Town of East Fishkill and the Town of Wappinger. The program was free and did not cost the towns anything. The Rotary's Interact Club of Fishkill sold refreshments. Recommendations for 2003 - These programs should continue in the Fall of 2003. I recommend we rotate the use ofWappingers Junior High School and Van Wyck Junior High School. Better advertisement is necessary to inform residents of the "fun" evening. Bus Trips Director - Steve Lowery Dates - Various Description - This year we took trips to the following locations: Mohegan Sun (Spring and Fall), Foxwoods Casino, the Yankee -Met Game, Saratoga Raceway and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. Recommendations for 2003 - In 2003 we will again expand our bus trips to accommodate more residents, as well as engage in different events. Christmas Tree Liehtioe Location - Schlathaus Park Date - December 1, 2002 Description - This years Tree Lighting was held in bitterly cold conditions. The Hudson Valley Council Band and the Roy C. Ketcham Chamber Choir provided entertainment. The New Hackensack Fire Co. delivered Santa Claus in one of their trucks. The Town supplied ornaments and apples, the Wappingers Soccer Club provided hot chocolate and Little League supplied candy for the children. We had many volunteers who served donuts, cider and hot chocolate to the people. Joseph Ruggiero lit the tree at 5:45pm. Turnout was down because of the weather and the fact that two other tree lightings were held on the same date. Recommendations for 2003 - I recommend we re-hire the Hudson Valley Council Band and the RCK Chamber Choir again. Halloween Partv Location - Schlathaus Park Date - Sunday, October 27,2002 Description - 15th Annual Halloween party was held under partly cloudy skies, breezy and in the low 50's. We had a total of 50 children attend the party. Prizes were awarded in various categories and judged by Melanie Rottkamp, Elaine Snowdon and Sylvia Holt. Refreshments included: Cider, Donuts and the Town of Wappinger Little League provided bags of chips and pretzels. Prizes were donated by: Wendy's, Video Update, McDona1ds, Fun Central, Party City, Subway, Dunkin' Donuts, Pizza Hut, Stop & Shop, KFC, Domino's, Hoe Bowl, Shorty's Pizza, Boston Market, Rite Aid and Hannaford's. Entertainment was supplied by Kevin Gough, Magician. Ellen Korz and Joanne Vasquez did a wonderful job in coordinating the event. Recommendations for 2003 - We should consider the use of Myers Comers Road School as an indoor facility because its usually cold for this event. Easter E22 Hunt Location - Schlathaus Park Date - Saturday, March 23, 2002 Description - This was the Recreation Departments 4th Easter Egg Hunt. We learned from our previous years mistakes by limiting the number of eggs and having an area for late-comers. Recommendations for 2003 - We should keep the program as is. We have successfully dropped the age group and have worked out the problems with late-comers. Consider using Town Hall for future hunts. The Recreation Department should be commended for another successful year. Our programs have expanded and have reached a variety of residents. We should continue another successful year in 2003. Respectfully submitted, Steve Lowery/Skip Rottkamp Town of Wappinger Recreation Director Recreation Guide Director - Skip Rottkamp Description - This was the development of the Town of Wappinger Recreation's 3rd recreation guide. The guide contained information on all of our programs throughout 2002. The guide cut down the number of phone calls the department received about various events. Recommendations for 2003 (? Or 2004) - Continue to inform the Wappinger residents about the outstanding program. Too many residents are not familiar with all that is offered. We must get these out to more people in Wappingers. Five elementary schools help in the distribution: Evans, Sheafe Road, Oak Grove, Myers Comers and Vassar Road. Baton Twirlinl!: Director - Skip Rottkamp Instructor - Melanie Rottkamp Location - James Evans Elementary School Dates - October 2 - November 20 Description - Have fun learning basic twirls, combinations, partner & team exchanges. Students will also learn to coordinate body work with baton and use performance techniques. Batons were provided for the students. Recommendations for 2003 - Continue this new program with Session II and III into the Winter/Spring. The numbers were good and Ms. Rottkamp did an excellent job. Adult Aerobics for Woman - Fall. Winter. Sprine:: Instructor- Rosemary DiGennaro Location: Wappinger Junior High School Tuesdays and Thursdays- three sessions Oct. 1 - May 8 7:00pm - 8:00pm in the cafeteria Cost- $15.00 Description - to improve cardiovascular health and well being through low impact aerobics/strength/stretching exercise. Class size- 10 to 25 per-session. Ages- 18 years old to whatever. Recommendations: The cafeteria at the Junior is getting smaller as this classes popularity is growing. I have requested the use of the gymnasium when it is available. Some of the women are requesting a summer session. The success of this activity is the instructor Rosemary DiGennoro! Ballroom Dance - Winter. Sprine:: Instructor.;. Steve Mintz Location: Roy C. Ketcham High School Fridays - three sessions January 10 - June 6 7:30pm - 8:30pm in the cafeteria Cost- $15.00 for an individual/$25.00 for a couple Description- This is recreational Ballroom Dancing Lessons. You learn the basics and fundamental footsteps. Build confidence on the dance floor. Steps taught: Lindy, Cha-Cha, Meregue, Fox Trot, Waltz, Polka, Electric Slide, and 4 Step Hustle. Recommendation: I am pleased that we added this activity to the recreation activities. We are going through some growing pains. We need the communication to the residents who once they know about Ballroom Dancing and the fun that Steve Mintz brings to the program, I am sure this activity will grow. Town ofWappinf!er Summer Dav Camp Prof!ram The 2002 Summer Day Camp Program ran for seven weeks, beginning on Monday, June 27th and ending on Friday, August 9th. The four camps, Castle Point, Martz Field, Quiet Acres and Spook Hill, were open daily from 9:00AM to 3:00 PM. The total number of children registered was 472. Participants were charged for the camp program only. The charge was $30.00 for the first child, and $25.00 for each additional child in the same family. Each child also received a free tee shirt. There was more structure this year with hourly activities posted. The end of the summer picnic was a big success. Recommendations - Make 2 Playgrounds an 8 hour camp for working parents. Planned events/Trips Each camp attended the following trips for the summer of 2002. . Reese Park . Movies . Bowling trips . Trips to Fun Central . Roller Magic (Hyde Park) Activities that were held at the individual camps are discussed in more detail in each camps summery. TOWN OF WAPPINGER SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM 2002 REPORT Kimberly Allen Summer Program Director Clare Rottkamp Assistant Director Town of Wappinger Summer Day Camp Program The 2002 summer day camp program ran for seven weeks beginning Thursday, June 27 and ending Friday, August 9. The four camps, Martz Field, Quiet Acres, Spook Hill, and Castle Point were open daily from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The total number of children registered was 472. The average daily attendance was 189. Participants were charged for the camp program only. The charge was $30 for the first child and $20 for each additional child in the family. Each child also received a free t-shirt. Planned Events and Trips Each camp attended the following field trips: · Splashdown - 1 · Movies - 2 · Fun Central - 2 · Roller Skating - 2 · Bowling - 4 The following performances visited each camp: · Marco the Magnificent Magic Show · Melaine Rottkamp Baton Twirling · Marshall Arts · Bicycle Safety Program The campers had the opportunity to visit Reese Park this year. Chris Iverson also made appearances at each camp. Town of Wappinger 2002 Recreation Staff Summer Program Director: Kimberly Allen Assistant Director: Clare Rottkamp Castle Point: Directors: Lisa Ciesluk Chad Waxman Counselors: Nicole Dohrenwend, Del Fernandez Martz Field: Directors: Jason Jutt David Kedzielawa Counselors: Heather Crawford, Carli DeNardi, Erika Ditton, Darrell Flynn, Stephanie Holley, Jillise Ketcham, Andrew Nikola, Andrew Rose Quiet Acres: Directors: Mike Jutt Eric Kedzielawa Counselors: Inara Coleman, Chrissy Emanuel, Mike Glienke, Stephanie Habich, Kelly Jutt, Nicole Kokiasmenos Spook Hill: Directors: David Felipe Diana Rosetti JacJyn Smith (first week) Counselors: Corey Harris, Justin Harris, Craig Lombardi, Jillian Marro, Laura Pilon, Kristen Slocum, Jill Smith, Kelly Sprague Planned Events / Trips The directors and counselors ,as well as the parents and children, were very pleased with the trips this year. Roller skating was seen as a great addition and was enjoyed by all. During the last week of camp, campers we able to visit Reese Park. Although we liked the idea of sending children there, it was not well planned. Next year we would like to contact Chris Iverson earlier and have this as a planned trip. Suggestions for future field trips include another Splashdown trip and less visits to the bowling alley. Next year we would like to add trips to StonykiJI, Dutchess Stadium, and Catskill Game Farm. We would also like to organize a Summer Olympics between camps which would include camps visiting different playgrounds. This year designated counselors from each camp collected field trip money. Money was due the day before the trip by 10 a.m. Although this was not the first year this policy was in effect, there seemed to be some confusion. Parents were unprepared to pay by the given time. Next year we would like money due by 2 p.m. in hope to alleviate this problem. However, since we must purchase bracelets, Splashdown money must be in by 10 a.m. the day before. Many new performances came to the camps this year. Marco the Magnificent performed a magic show last was well liked by all camps and all ages. Although we would like to continue having a Marshall Arts demonstrator visit the camps, we would not suggest using the same agency next year. The man was inexperienced in working with children and some things done were inappropriate. For the first time this year we had a baton twirler come give lessons to interested campers. Many children took advantage of the opportunity and signed up for additional, free lessons. We would like to see Melaine return again next year. In response to an accident which occurred to a camper on his way to camp, Skip Rottkamp put together a flyer and asked Town of Wappinger Bicycle Patrol Officers to come speak to the children at each camp about bicycle safety. They were very informative and gave free helmets to campers in need. Next year we would I ike to have more shows/visitors at each camp. Games/Supplies/Equipment At the beginning of the summer, each camp received numerous arts and craft kits as well as board games. Throughout the summer, they were given playground balls as needed. Directors made many requests and we tried to accommodate to their needs. At the end of the year, a new inventory sheet was created and distributed to the camps. This allowed us to see what is left at each camp and what is needed for next year. There was a place for suggestions on what material they wanted to the summer of 2003. Playground balls and arts and crafts have been ordered for next year. Safety/Cleanliness The opportunity was provided for several staff members to become certified in CPR and first aid, free of charge to them, in order to enable us to meet the requirements set by the board of health and to ensure proper safety for coverage at each location. Minimal accidents occurred this year and were handled in a professional manner. The responsibility of cleaning the camp grounds as well as the bathrooms and sheds falls on the camp staff. Overall, we were disappointed in the cleanliness of all camps this year. Many times we saw broken glass that was not picked up as well as papers and lunch garbage. We encouraged directors to have many clean ups throughout the day for the safety of the campers. We were impressed by how well this worked. We recommend that directors keep a chart assigning the staff to different jobs such as making sure bathrooms are clean and lunch clean up. Next year we would like to order bathroom supplies in advance and keep each camp well stocked. This year we found that most camps did not have the proper cleaning supplies the first week of camp. This year we implemented the Steve Tompkins clean camp award as an incentive for directors and counselors to keep their camp clean. Although this was a great idea, we would like to have maintenance workers look at the cleanliness of the bathrooms and shed as well as the camp ground. End of the Year Picnic The end of the year picnic requires a certain amount of time and preparation for the four camps to come together and enjoy the day. Stop and Shop was a huge help, as well as maintenance. The recreational staff and counsel members were terrific with the food preparation. This year we decided to have a patriotic carnival theme. Decorations were bought as well as patriotic hats and leis. Each camp was required to create two games incorporating red, white, and blue. The camps were very creative and there were many games for the campers to enjoy. In addition, each camp was designated a color of the American flag to wear. Rather than hiring entertainment for this years' picnic, we rented equipment from Rent All including a bouncy house, cotton candy machine, and sno-cone machine. Unfortunately, we had some problems with the bouncy house due to the windy day. We also used the town's popcorn machine. Counselors were put in charge of these machines and handled it very well. We suggest renting this equipment again next year. Our annual lip-sync was a success. We had three acts. The judges placed each group into a different category so that everyone won. Next year we would like encourage more campers to participate in the contest. We would also like to change it from a lip-sync contest to a talent show. Requests have been made for counselors to do skits for their camps. Andrew Nikola from K-I04 returned this year to provide entertainment. He did a wonderful job as a DJ. He provided fun music for the children to enjoy. Counselors led to children in many dances such as the YMCA, electric slide, and conga line. We would like to re-hire Andrew for the picnic next year. General Recommendations General staff attendance this year was poor. Many people went on vacation for a week without giving us appropriate notice. As a result, we were frequently forced to move counselors to ensure the camper-counselor ratio. We recommend that we do not hire or re-hire employees who need vacation time. Exceptions can be made for emergencies and college orientations. Next year, we suggest counselors request any time off in writing in advance. The request may then be permitted or denied. Although more in-depth training sessions were held for all staff members this year, a problem arises when many counselors are not available to attend. Separate training sessions were help for all directors the day before camp opened. The directors were then sent to their camps to discuss procedures with their staff. We observed that not all information was being conveyed properly from directors to counselors. Therefore, we suggest that all training take place at Schlathaus by the recreation and summer directors. This will ensure that everyone knows the proper procedures. Every morning and afternoon, children, along with adults, are expected to sign in and out with designated counselors. We observed many holes in the system. Children left without signing out, counselors did not record proper times on sheets, and children went home with adults without having written consent. Next year, we would like to have the designated sign in and sign out table to be at the entrance of each facility. Unless otherwise instructed, parents/guardians must sign their children out. Organization seemed to be a problem at each camp this summer. When given letters to send home, they were often only given out on that particular day. Therefore, if a child was not in attendance that day, they did not receive the notice. At times, letters were found on the ground due to windy conditions. To resolve this problem, we would like to purchase stacking shelves for each camp to place all notices in. This will allow parents to pick up any information that they may need. Labels will be given out along with the notices so it will be easy to see what is on each shelf. Although it is against the law to ride your bike without a helmet, many campers arrived and left camp not wearing one. We would like to implement a rule stating that children may not leave camp on a bicycle without a helmet on. If a child does not have a helmet, a parent must then be called to pick the child up from camp. Parents need to be made aware of this rule during registration. Two times a year, we ask the directors to evaluate the counselors and in turn the summer directors evaluate the directors. For many years, we have used the same evaluation format. We have found that it is not very specific and leaves a lot unsaid. Next year, we would like to rewrite the director and counselor evaluations. Castle Point Staff: Lisa Ciesluk (director) Chad Waxman (director) Nicole Dohrenwend Del Fernandez 2002 2001 2000 1999 Total Registration: Average Dai Iy Attendance: 49 25 88 50 57 23 84 34 Special Events included: Camper of the Day, Water Wars, Tie Dye, Fiesta Day with a pinata, Welcome Banner, and various arts and crafts. Recommendations: Even though the daily attendance at Castle Point was low this year, we would like to'hire another counselor for this playground. On field trip days, we needed three counselors to go leaving a director by themselves. To compensate, we took a counselor from another playground and placed them at Castle Point for the day. However, having a third counselor would have alleviated this problem. We were very impressed with the Castle Point staff this year. The directors as well as the counselors were very responsible and provided a safe environment. We received many complements from parents. Martz Field Staff: Jason Jutt (director) David Kedzielawa (director) Heather Crawford Carli DeNardi Erika Ditton Darrell Flynn Stephanie Holley Jillise Ketcham Andrew Nikola Andrew Rose 2002 2001 2000 1999 Total Registration: Average Dai Iy Attendance: 151 65 183 81 204 94 235 107 Special Events: Watermelon Day, Monster Ball, Trench, Connect 4 Tournaments, Pizza Day, Halloween in July, Crazy Hat Day. Recommendations: Martz Field needs to continue to be patrolled after hours. Although there were no incidents this year, in the past years campers have found drug paraphernalia, which were left behind after camp hours. I would also recommend that staff walk around before campers get there and check the camp grounds. This year we decreased the staff by six counselors. Ten counselors was more than adequate. A smaller staff eliminated the past problems of counselor grouping. The directors at Martz had a difficult time dealing with both camper and parent problems this year. They had a hard time handling parent criticism and taking control of situations. We recommend that Jason Jutt be moved to a smaller camp. The director at Martz Field needs to have a positive personality to help make improvements upon the camp. Quiet Acres Staff: Michael Jutt (director) Eric Kedzielawa (director) Inara Coleman Chrissy Emanuel Mike Glienke Stephanie Habich Kelly J utt Nicole Kokiasmenos 2002 2001 2000 1999 Total Registration: 117 158 137 141 Average Dai Iy Attendance: 48 66 72 57 Special Events: Candy Hunt, Boat Making, Trench, Olympics, Pajama Day, Tie Dye Day, Fiesta Day Recommendations: The staff of 8 was more than adequate for covering the number of campers who were in dai Iy attendance. Due to a problem that arose dealing with a camper leaving with an adult with no permission, we would like to add to the sign out sheet a place to put names of adults the camper has permission to leave with. Spook Hill Staff: David Felipe (director - week 2-7) Diana Rossetti (director) Jaclyn Smith (director - week 1) Corey Harris Justin Harris Craig Lombardi Jillian Marro Laura Pi Ion Kristen Slocum Jill Smith Kelly Sprague 2002 2001 2000 1999 Total Registration: 155 130 118 176 Average Dai Iy Attendance: 50 51 47 54 Special Events: Talent Show, Basketball Tournament, Face Painting, Field Day, Knock Hocky Tournament, Pajama Day Recommendations: There were some vandalism problems this year. The location still needs to be patrolled after hours. A new playground was built which improved the site and enjoyed by all. The staff of 10 was quite adequate for covering the number of campers who were in daily attendance. We recommend that we maintain this number of employees at this location for 2003. This year, many situations arouse concerning Diana Rossetti. Numerous , parents called to complain about lack of friendliness. They did not like the way Diana spoke to and dealt with their children. There were also complaints from parents and counselors saying that Diana did not move from her seat. Many counselors felt that they were doing Diana's job. She was spoken to by the recreation and summer directors. After she was spoken to, her behavior did not change. We recommend not re-hiring her for a directors position next year. , . L New Recreation Director This year Skip Rottkamp replaced Steve Lowery as the Recreation Director. As a result, many changes occurred. Skip quickly formed positive relationships with the 2002 staff and implemented many new ideas. The counselor/director training that took place this year was quite more extensive than the training that took place in previous years. Skip clearly defined the expectations of each position. Manuals and supplies were organized and labeled for easy access. Skip took the time this year to create a weekly bulletin informing parents of what was going on at each camp. As a result, parents were impressed with the communication that was taking place. In addition, daily activities were listed on a white board at the entrance of each camp. This eliminated the problem of parents complaining that their child had nothing to do throughout the day. Cameras were given to each camp this summer. They were asked to take pictures of what was going on at their camps. Once developed, the pictures were mounted on poster board for everyone to enjoy. At the end of the summer, Skip created a parent evaluation of each camp. Parents were delighted and took the time to give us honest feedback. We plan to use this feedback next year during our training sessions so we can continue doing what we did right, and improve in areas which were weak. For the first time Town of Wappingers showed their appreciation for the hard work of counselors and directors. On the last day of camp, we provided lunch for the staff. During the luncheon, various awards were given out. Some awards were Best Director, Mr. and Mrs. Enthusiastic, Best Rookie, Overall Best Counselor, along with many gag awards. The counselors really seemed to appreciate this gesture and we hope that it inspires them in 2003. We hope to see all of these ideas at the camps again and look forward making more improvements to the summer program next year.