Berkshire Bucks Win Youth Lacrosse Title

Community submission10:02AM / Friday, June 13, 2025Print Story | Email Story

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. -- The Berkshire Bucks seventh- and eighth-grade boys lacrosse team last weekend won its bracket at the Connecticut Valley Youth Lacrosse League tournament.

The team went 12-0 in the regular season and advanced to the league semi-finals with a 12-5 win at home against South Hadley.

The Bucks then beat Wethersfield, Conn., 15-5, on Saturday before claiming the title with an 11-7 win over Meriden, Conn.

The Berkshire squad draws players from throughout the county and includes: Dayveon Kelsey, Jackson Schneider, Jackson Poudrier, Paul Tesoniero, Jackson Larabee, William Naef, Alex Harrington, Owen Brown, Isaac Gagne, Henry McCoy, Vincent Greer, Logan Lucaroni, Gavin Choquette, Jackson Choquette, Wylder Vecchia, Jackson Currier, Jayden Ruopp, Milo Davis, Donal Clary, Mason Reiners, Trey Hyde and Stanley Wojtkowski.

Bucks are coached by Russel Hyde, Ryan Jacoby and Dan Wojtkowski.

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.

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