Seaford Recreation celebrates 19 years of summer fun

For nearly two decades, the Seaford Recreation summer program has provided a fun space for children from kindergarten through sixth grade to engage in diverse activities.

Founded by Seaford teachers Ralph Pascarella and William Dietz, the program is now in its 19th year and continues to be a staple of the community. While not officially part of the Seaford School District, the district plays a supportive role, with many current and former students among the staff.

Pascarella, a physical education teacher at Seaford High School, and Dietz, a sixth-grade teacher at the middle school, have both been integral parts of the Seaford community for over 20 years. They launched the summer program to give back, offering an affordable camp experience for local families, according to Pascarella.

“It’s a way for the community to have an inexpensive four to five weeks of camp,” Pascarella said.

Held at Seaford Middle School, children gather for three hours each day to participate in a variety of activities. This year's lineup includes sessions with the Seaford Fire Department to learn about fire safety, a sign language class, and a range of sports like kickball and basketball. Other activities include bingo, bowling, wiffle ball and soccer. The program has evolved significantly over the years, becoming a much-anticipated event each summer.

“We have the luxury of changing it up,” Pascarella said of the program.

One of the highlights of the program is the final week, which features a "Color War" themed around the Olympics, coinciding with the games in Paris. Kids enjoy cold treats, cotton candy, and music as part of the festive finale, and participate in competitive games such as cornhole, soccer and water relay.

Looking ahead, Pascarella expressed excitement for the program's 20th anniversary next year. He is particularly thrilled to see former participants return as staff members.

“We’re not really worried about what we’re doing,” Pascarella said about next year. “We’re just excited to be here 20 years. We’re going to do some silly stuff, some cool stuff, we haven’t really decided.”