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Community Corner

Dormont Day Camp Gets Makeover

Borough's Recreation Director promises program is no longer "bored babysitting."

School is almost over. Those long summer days are approaching. So what are you going to do with the kids?

’s recreation director, Gregor Saulsbery, suggests signing them up for the borough’s “very, very competitively priced” Summer Day Camp.

Available to all kids ages 5 through 11, this year’s camp will be a departure from the program’s formerly unstructured environment.

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“It used to be known as ‘bored babysitting by bored teenagers’,” Saulsbery said. 

He ensures parents that things have changed. Most notably, Saulsbery decided to hire only counselors who have or are earning college degrees in education or child development.

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“They’ve designed a lot of new activities that are semi-educational, but fun,” he said.

This year’s day camp will feature activities like theme weeks, art demonstrations, sports clinics, educational presentations and reading programs.

But having fun is still a top priority, Saulsbery said.

“We’ll have crafts in the recreation center, and outside we have the tennis courts and playground,” he said. “And of course, we go to the pool almost every day.”

Saulsbery said he hopes to include “walking field trips” to the borough’s police and fire stations as well.

Another benefit of the is its flexibility.

While official camp hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saulsbery emphasized the program’s many options for busy parents. Children can be enrolled for half-days or partial week attendance and early drop-off/late pick-up is offered for a fee.

Allegheny County free lunch program will provide lunch daily, or kids can opt to bring packed lunches from home. The program also qualifies as a childcare provider for the child care tax credit on federal tax returns.

Because of its flexible attendance policies, Saulsbery encourages parents to register their kids early. Spaces fill quickly, he said.

“We offer the camp so kids aren’t just sitting around (during the summer),” Saulsbery said. “It’s a great program where they can be active and learn.”

He also hopes the fun their kids are having will spur parents to use the borough’s recreational facilities year-round.

“We hope to get them to go to the parks, use the pool. We want to show families all the great things Dormont has to offer.”

Enrollment in the Dormont Summer Camp Program is ongoing. Registration forms can be downloaded at the but must be submitted by mail or in person at the borough offices.

Dormont Summer Day Camp runs from June 20 to July 29 at the . Regular camp hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early drop-off begins at 8 a.m. and late pick-up runs until 5 p.m. There will be no camp held on July 4.

The cost is $125 per week for one child. Additional children from the same family receive a $25 per week discount. There is a one-time registration fee of $10. Early drop-off and late pick-up cost an extra $15 per week.

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