New Britain state legislators, Sen. Rick Lopes (D-6), Rep. Robert Sanchez (D-25), Rep. Manny Sanchez (D-24) and Rep. Peter Tercyak (D-26) applauded state funding allocated for the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain‘s Camp Schade.
The $2,500,000 in funding was allocated December 21, 2021 by the State Bond Commission, “to the New Britain Boys and Girls Club for renovations and improvements to Camp Schade in Burlington.”
“This funding is a big step toward fixing up Camp Schade,” Sen. Lopes said, “and supporting the outstanding programs that the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain has provided generations of young people.”
Rep. Robert Sanchez said that, “These funds send a clear message that we are in full support of their indispensable work in New Britain and look forward to the same dedicated commitment well into the future.”
“My brother and I went to day camp when we were kids and it’s one of our fondest memories from childhood,” said Rep. Tercyak. “Thank you to the Boys & Girls Club for working and organizing so long for this.”
“Upgrading the facilities at Camp Schade allows the Boys and Girls Club to provide another great option for recreational activities for the youth of New Britain and surrounding communities,” said Rep. Manny Sanchez. “This is a long time coming.”
Governor Ned Lamont said that, “For many decades, the Boys and Girls Club of New Britain has provided so many opportunities to children in the city and I am glad that we are able to partner with them on this project.”
The New Britain legislative delegation said that, “For years, the camp afforded young people who came from lower-income backgrounds and marginalized urban communities the opportunity to come together for camp activities and explore the natural green spaces.”
“However,” the legislative delegation added, “the camp’s deteriorating conditions have caused it to stop serving as a space for New Britain’s youth to enjoy fun summer activities. Presently, water and plumbing at the camp needs to be brought up to health code. Also, numerous amenities at the camp, such as the pool, require significant repairs.”
“This state funding will go a long way to support the revitalization of Camp Schade, bring it back into operation,” Gov. Lamont added, “and ensure that kids who live in New Britain have the opportunity to enjoy nature and the outdoors.”
“It is important that children have spaces where they can have fun and do activities, they might not always have the opportunity to enjoy,” said Sen. Lopes. “Making repairs to Camp Schade would help to re-open a space for New Britain’s youth to explore the outdoors and make lasting memories with their friends.”
“I want to thank my fellow delegation members for their work to achieve this needed funding for New Britain’s young people,” said Sen. Lopes. “Thank you also to the governor for his support. Also, I want to recognize Executive Director James Jones for his partnership in advocating for this project.”
“I thank Governor Ned Lamont and all my colleagues for their support and congratulate the Boys and Girls Club that has been enriching young and adult lives for many years,” Rep. Robert Sanchez said.
Rep. Manny Sanchez added, “I thank Governor Ned Lamont, House Leaders Matt Ritter and Jason Rojas, and the New Britain delegation for their hard work to get this project done. Most importantly, I also want to thank the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club, James Jones, for his vision and advocacy for this well-deserved project.”
The Boys & Girls Club of New Britain, lead by its Executive Director, James Jones, says that it,
has played a leadership role in our community since 1891–strengthening our families, our neighborhoods, and our city, in good times and bad, by changing lives and caring for young people, one child at a time.
“Every aspect of the organization,” the Boys & Girls Club says, “strives to uphold its mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
“A special thanks to Governor Lamont for choosing to help New Britain,” Rep. Tercyak said. “This is a Christmas present we should all be happy about.”
