ERfC to sponsor Summer Escape

Date: 4/10/2013

ENFIELD, Conn. – ERfC is now accepting registrations for Summer Escape, a six-week day camp that runs from July 1 to Aug. 9.

The day camp, licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, is located at JFK Middle School, and is open to all children entering first to eighth grades in September. Summer Escape will operate from 8:15 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday with extended day hours available from 3 to 5 p.m.

Larry Dube, ERfC manager of Center Operations, said the weekly fee of $155 includes busing to and from Summer Escape, breakfast, lunch, snacks and weekly beach trips to the Southwick Town Beach on Lake Congamond in Massachusetts. Dube said busing, however, is not available for extended day.

Dube urged families to sign up early for Summer Escape.

"Each year we have a waiting list. We fill up quickly, especially the buses," he said.

Financial assistance is also available to families who qualify, "but funding is limited," he added. ERfC also accepts Care4Kids and works with families to determine qualification and enrollment.

Families can register for one week or multiple weeks. Summer Escape also offers "afternoon only" opportunities for children who may be involved in other morning activities. Dube said there are discounts for attending multiple weeks and for families with more than one child.

Summer Escape features a variety of hands-on activities at age appropriate levels. "Summer Escape is a camp for everyone and includes sports, art, theatre, music, science – we provide it all," Dube said.

In addition, every Thursday campers and staff spend a day at the beach.

ERfC Curriculum Coordinator Cara Webb, said this year at Summer Escape kids will create new and challenging projects, as well as some traditional camp arts and crafts and games.

"Campers will mix up batches of their own washable sidewalk paint; and a new weekly activity called 'Wild Card,' will be introduced. Each week will feature a different theme, starting with 'No Bake' week. Campers will learn how to measure and combine ingredients all while mixing up some delicious treats and having fun," Webb added.

On Friday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m., families are invited to join their children for special presentations, group performances, and awards.

Dube said, "On the final day of Summer Escape (Aug. 9), campers, families, and staff gather for a BBQ prepared by the Phoenix Avenue Fire Department."

For more information about Summer Escape, costs, enrollment and registration deadlines, visit www.erfc.us, call 860-253-9935 or email info@erfc.us.

ERfC, a community-based nonprofit organization, has been providing innovative out-of-school time activities since 1994.

In addition to Summer Escape, ERfC operates KidZ Sports, Vacation Destination, Summer Lunch Bunch, and School-age Care Centers at Henry Barnard, Enfield Street, Eli Whitney and Hazardville and the JFK After School Center at JFK Middle School.