Bringing a sense of community, and fun, to Baldwin

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In the heart of downtown Baldwin, the voices of children shrieking in excitement are heard as they run jump, and skip throughout a colorful playground. When a whistle blows, the kids stop what they are doing and line up. In their lines, they bounce with excitement for the start of their next activity.

As the kids move toward the field, their voices get louder with excitement. When they reach the field, they wait until the whistle is blown and sport balls are thrown into the center of the field before they charge at the balls, running in full speed, and the games begin.

These supervised games in Baldwin Park are just part of what can be seen during the Baldwin Summer Program, which takes place every weekday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m through Aug. 18 — it started July 9.

“The purpose of our camp is to provide an affordable option for parents to entertain their kids,” said Rob Oliveri, director of the Baldwin Summer Program. “We also hope to employ as many Baldwin kids as possible.”

Baldwin Summer Program serves the children of Baldwin, Oceanside, Freeport and Rockville Centre. Children can be dropped off as early as 8 a.m. and aftercare runs to 3 p.m. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2NZ66yP.

The Baldwin Summer Program started in 1984 to create entertainment and build a sense of community among young Baldwinites and children from neighboring communities. In addition to sports, games, water slides, bouncy houses and arts and crafts, second- and third-graders go on field trips every Thursday. The fourth- to eighth-graders go on 13 trips throughout the six-week camp to places such as Dave and Busters, Skyzone, Adventure Land and Baldwin Bowling.

There are 80 people on staff for the camp. Many of the supervisors attended Baldwin Summer Program when they were children. The camp held special meaning to them that still affects them today.

“My favorite part about attending Baldwin Summer Program as a kid was playing a lot of sports,” said supervisor Brian Darcy. “Baldwin Summer Program was like a never ending recess that allowed me to build teamwork and community with other kids.”

“I think the most important part about Baldwin Summer Program is that anyone is welcome to join and there’s something for everyone to do,” said Nicole Iacono, a supervisor. “It’s not just about playing sports because there are so many activities for every interest.”

Even the supervisors who didn’t attend camp as children say the program benefits not only the campers, but also themselves.

Jennie Moore, the arts and crafts supervisor at camp, she got to see her own children develop more skills during camp.

“All my kids went here and I love how they got to start off as campers and then they were able to become counselors,” said Moore. “Being a camper really helps the kids to come out of their shells and then being a counselor really teaches the kids about responsibility.”