The Cornwall-on-Hudson summer playground, which begins July 8 and ends Aug. 16, will be slightly different this year. After four years as director, Scott Valens vacated his post. Jennifer Pryne was hired as the camp’s new director and will receive assistance from Kathleen Hand.
Both the director and assistant director were at Village Hall on Saturday to register eligible children – those who will be entering grades 1 through 6 in the fall. Additional camp registration hours were due to be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 and 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, June 24. Parents are encouraged to sign their child(ren) up for camp during one of these sessions, but latecomers will not be turned away on the first day of the six-week program.
Pryne was attracted to the position because two of her three children have been participants for the past two years.
“I would like to continue with the same philosophy behind the playground camp – to provide a fun environment for the kids to build their friendships,” said Pryne.
She holds a Master’s Degree in elementary education and reading, and a certificate of advanced studies in school administration. An experienced teacher and school administrator for 15 years, Pryne has worked in the Newburgh School District and currently works in Monroe-Woodbury.
Hand just graduated from Long Island University with a Master’s in childhood education grades 1 through 6. She previously worked at Butterhill Day School and currently serves as a substitute within the Cornwall Central School District.
A past participant of the summer playground, Hand hopes to draw on that experience and pass on what she enjoyed most to the younger generation. She recalls learning how to play the UNO card game for the first time, tie-dying shirts, hanging out with her friends, and spending days at the pool. She remembers how she looked up to the counselors and thought they were cool and so much older.
“I can see it from the camper’s point of view, but I can also see it from the teacher’s point of view,” said Hand.
The camp leaders have met to discuss activities for the six weeks, but a calendar of events has not been confirmed. Pryne said two days a week will be spent at the town pool and each week will have a different theme. Activities will revolve around those themes. Some preliminary ideas tossed around include 80s week, Hawaiian week, wellness week, a science theme, a nature theme, and a sports theme.
Campers will attend the annual Storm King Fair in July, but other trips are also in the works including a visit to the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Wildlife Center and Bear Mountain. In between the kids will enjoy crafts and other indoor and outdoor activities.
The program will be held at Cornwall-on-Hudson Elementary School on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
