From the Director’s Desk: Summer 2010 Update

View from the tower in Town Square.

It’s hard for me to believe that we are through five weeks of our summer program…where has the time gone!? It seems like yesterday I was standing in front of our 30 staff members talking, preparing and training for summer. With a blink of eye summer was upon us as we kicked things off with a beautiful weekend celebrating the 4th of July. 

Our Independence Day Family Festival was held in Town Square for the second year in a row. With the sun shining, Town Square was packed with people, games and activities, BBQ, live music, boat rentals and more. Highlights of the day include a hot dog eating contest that caught the interest of many brave participants along with many spectators. In fact, Rec. Depts’. very own Gillen Schofield took first place in his age group consuming over 11 hot dogs in twelve minutes!! Town Manager, Mark Decoteau rallied quite a crowd as he stepped up as the first to take some pies in the face for our pie throwing contest. Shakespeare in the Valley concluded the event with a live performance and when it was all said and done, a great day was had by the 900 + people who came out to celebrate with us.

4th of July was another beautiful day and many came out to be a part of this year’s Hometown Parade. Upping the anti this year, we had a “Spirit Cup” made for parade participants. As the floats passed through Town Square we polled the crowd. The Sununu family, an eight year participant of our parade, won over both the crowd and Rec. Dept. Staff with their decorations and enthusiasm! They claimed the first spot on the “Spirit Cup”- great job!!

Following 4th of July weekend, Rec. Dept. Staff assisted Endorfun with the Black Fly Tri weekend long event. Waterfront Staff guarded the swim portion of the race both days, while our Recreators in Training (RIT) Staff ran the Kids Zone both Saturday and Sunday with fun activities such as sand art, fusion beads, face panting, coloring, balloons, and a pie eating contest to wrap up the weekend. Our Movie in the Park, scheduled for Saturday night of the Black Fly Tri Weekend was unfortunately cancelled due to inclement weather. We are hopeful that we will able to reschedule that event for the end of August, so keep your eye out for that update. 

Paws on Packard’s Field brought together a crowd of dogs and their owners. The humid night kept the dogs more at bay this year, making the doggie pool a popular place for them to dunk throughout the night. Although the night was a little low key, plenty of fetching, running and playing took place. Dogs and their owners enjoyed the show ring, trick contest, agility set- up, silent auction baskets and fetch contest. Tucker and Kobe had a fun night and thank all of their friends who came to play!! 

Many came out to battle for 1st place in the Ugotta Regatta boat races this year. Town Square was packed with spectators cheering participants on and seeing the creative works of art of those who constructed a masterpiece for the “Boat Oughtta Float” portion of the day. Canoe, kayak and paddle boat races made trips around the pond ending through the water finish line of the ladder truck. Five groups put together homemade boats for the “Boat Oughtta Float” race. It was a close race, but in the end it was Team Kiwi that took home the victory! Great job to all who participated!! 

Campers and counselors have adjusted well to the new location. Thankfully, so far this summer rainy days have been few and far in-between, so the gymnasium and other indoor amenities that we are used to having in the past haven’t been missed too much. Counselors have done a great job getting the kids out and about exploring Waterville Valley and all of these beautiful hot sunny days have allowed the kids many opportunities to seek out every swimming hole in the area! 

General Program Staff has also adjusted well to the new location. They have been creative in their approach to running our ever popular Ice Cream Social and BINGO nights. Kids Night Out and our Friday Night Camp Fire have been off to a great start with strong participation. 

The waterfront has been a popular place to visit this summer with all of the sunny days we have seen. The beach, boats and staff have been busy day and night with Valley guests trying to stay cool at the pond. Be sure to pay them a visit this summer if you haven’t already!!

Looking ahead, guest and residents of Waterville Valley can look forward to: Five more weeks of day camp; our “Under the Sea” Penny Carnival in Town Square; fishing and hiking experiences; teen trips and outings (including a 3 day get-a-way white water rafting in Maine); adult fitness classes; Ice Cream Socials; BINGO nights; boat rentals and more. A Community Luau will conclude our summer events as we say farewell to summer 2010.

Thank you to all who have supported us so far this summer. We appreciate all that you take part in with us, making what we do successful and FUN!

Yours for Recreation,

Rachel