The John J. Nerden Regional Training Center Camp in Middlefield.
(Article appeared in theRecord Journal - Used with permission of Author, Frank Lo Giudice. All photos appear courtesy of Frank LoGiudice )
What do area residents do for summer fun? For a dedicated group of people in Middlefield their idea of fun is to bring joy and laughter to the campers of the John J. Nerden Regional Training Center Camp. The camp serves people with developmental disabilities both young and the not so young in activities ranging from Arts & Crafts, Music, Swimming and Outdoor Recreational activities. 75 individuals are registered at the RTC Camp since the summer camp began in late June and it runs through Aug. 11.
Heather Ross of Southington is a group leader for the “F Group” of boys & girls ages 11-16. Ross has been associated with the camp for 16 years-the first 3 years as a volunteer and the remainder as a staff person.
She heard about the camp from an announcement when she was in middle school. Ross inquired about it and she kept returning every year. “I enjoy it. It’s a great place to
work. I enjoy the campers & staff!”, stated Ross. This job at the RTC Camp helped her choose her career as a special education teacher. She thought it would be a great career. Ross is a Special Education teacher for the Catholic schools in Meriden.
First year volunteer Olivia Raucci of Cheshire is involved because her brother, Michael is a camper and he has been attending for a long time. But, this is not the only reason she’s involved. Raucci wanted something to preoccupy her time during the summer. Plus, she wanted to be a camp counselor. “I thought it would be fun”, commented Raucci.
How do the campers enjoy the RTC Camp and the people who run it? Camper Silas Jungles of Durham likes it very much.
His favorite camp activity is Outdoor Recreation because of Activity Leader Mike Stewart of Meriden. Erik Perruccio of Middlefield favorite activity is Indoor Recreation because of Activity Leader Nick Dominello of Meriden. Dominello is a sophomore at Boston College. Camper Patrick Woodcock of Middletown enjoys outdoor recreational activities too where he and other campers often play basketball & baseball games with each other, staff and volunteers.
The RTC Camp offers many activities during the camp season such as Carnival Day, Parents Day, International Day and every Wednesday is Cookout Day where the campers are treated to hamburgers & hot dogs.
The camp serves people within the Central Connecticut area but would not turn away potential campers who reside outside the area. The RTC Camp does not charge its campers and their families for attending.
The camp is supported by local civic groups and area towns
When the camp season ends on Aug. 11, this does not mean the end of summer fun for the campers at the John J. Nerden RTC Camp. During the offseason the camp offers activities like bowling, going to the movies and dances in the greater Meriden area.
For more information about this outstanding facility, please call 860-349 - 9826.
