Camp Schade served kids from New Britain for decades as a safe summertime escape, but the camp met financial obstacles and closed for eight years before reopening.
BURLINGTON, Connecticut — A kids camp that served New Britain youth for decades as a safe summertime escape saw a rebirth Monday after it closed eight years ago.
Camp Schade, pronounced “Shady," in Burlington, met financial obstacles and fell into disrepair leading to its closure.
James Jones, the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain and a former camper at Schade, spent the better part of the last three years raising funds and renovating the camp.
On Monday, the day arrived with 264 kids from New Britain who showed up in buses to the Burlington camp.
“It took a lot of phone calls and a lot of alumni and that was kind of the motivation, like yeah we need to make this happen,” Jones said.
Features such as redone cabins, a resurfaced basketball court and a splash pad highlight the new look of Camp Schade. The camp boasts across eight acres for kids to escape to.
“Our camp is $250 for the summer, so that averages about to about $25 a week,” Jones added. “We don’t want them in dark places playing video games, they get out here and our goal is to make them tired and then they’re taking a nap on the ride home.”
Ash Vasquez, a 13-year-old camper who is part of the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain program, said he is excited about the eight-week program ahead.
“Summer is giving me a break from having to go to school and also this is going to be fun compared to sitting at home,” Vasquez said.
Jones called the revival of the camp a "game changer" and a "no-brainer for us."
"The kids deserve it, the kids deserve to have a place like this," Jones said.
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him onFacebook, X andInstagram.
MORE NEWS:
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Stream Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.