Girls Incorporated has five summer camp experiences, at it's camp Stevenson-Witawentin site on Onota Lake in Pittsfield, MA.
Sarah Gillooly, the director, has worked with Girls Inc. for three years, this will be her second year as camp director. With one year under her belt she says: "I can't wait for this year's camp season, there have been a few additions to the program and I am sure that it will be a great time for everyone."
Girls Inc. offers various programs for girls and boys - sports, Red Cross swimming instruction, nature, arts and crafts, drama, special events, and boating at the 88 acre Onota Lake site. Transportation to the lake site is provided from the main center and many locations throughout the city. Specialty camp programs have limited space so enroll early for the best chance of full participation.
All Girls Inc's summer school age programs will be out at the lake this year. What was once Coed Canter Camp is now Boys Sports Camp, where boys completing kindergarten and up will have camp activities such as swim lessons, arts and crafts, and boating as well as the focus on different sports each day.
Camps Stevenson-Witawentin is the decades-old day camp where girls completing kindergarten and up participate in arts and crafts, boating, swim lessons and free swim as well as other activities such as drama, adventure and exploration.
Water Camp is for girls completing fifth grade who are Level 4 Red Cross swimmers. The focus is on canoeing, boating, water akiing, knee boarding, snorkeling an swimming, in addition to other camp activities. A Level 4 swim card or a Swim test is necessary for the program. Swim tests are given at the beginning of each camp session.
A Leader in Training and Counselor in Training program is offered. Girls and boys ages 12-16 are assigned to units or activities. The program builds self-esteem, develops conflict resolution skills, enhances communication skills and better progares the participants for furture work.
Girls Sports Camps are offered for girls completing grades 3 and up who have a desire to learn the soccer, volleyball, softball, and basketball. These sports programs are offered in two-week segments. "Sports for girls not only contributes to physical fitness, but can improve mental well-being, enhance self-esteem and self discipline, and teach healthy competitive and cooperative attitudes. We achieve this in a setting which has been designed exclusively for them," stated Gillooly.
Financial aid is available to income eligible families on a first come first served basis. For a small fee Before-care and After-care is also first come first serve and is mandatory for children arriving before 8:30 a.m. and departing after 5:00 p.m. Applications for all camps and financial aid are NOW available at the center's front office. There will be an Open House Camps Registration Day on Tuesday April 16th from 3-6 p.m. at our 165 East Street Center. You can come and register or ask questions. For more information on any of the summer program opportunities call Sarah Gillooly, Camps director at 413-442-5174 or you can email us at www.girlsinc@berkshire.rr.com (Look for a chance to win a free week at camp!)
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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