Summer camps sell out quickly as Stratford recreation ramps up staff hiring

At the April 4 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, Recreation staff summarized program demand and staffing prospects heading into summer.

Amy reported that when summer camp registration opened Monday, "we sold out 4 of our 6 playground camps," and Longbrook camp sold out in six minutes. She said Longbrook alone currently has 56 children on its waitlist and about 40 additional children are on waitlists across other camps; overall registrations across town exceeded 1,000 for the opening period. Amy said the department expects to recruit roughly 220–230 seasonal workers (lifeguards, playground camp staff, beach sticker attendants and program staff) after conducting two recent job fairs at Bunnell and Stratford High.

Amy noted swim lessons (including private lessons) are sold out and that the department may expand lessons if staff availability allows; she also described ongoing adult programs such as men's volleyball, men's softball and new aquatic programming for arthritis. Pavilion rentals and one‑off event bookings are increasing as the summer season approaches.

Amy asked committee members for any immediate questions and left to join another engagement. The committee thanked her for the update and acknowledged the strong early demand for recreation programming.

The committee will receive further updates on staffing and program capacity as the summer season approaches.