DUBLIN, Va. – Summer camp continues for Pulaski County Parks and Recreation, despite a fire that destroyed a pool that’s usually a big part of summer activities.
For some, summer camp is a chance to meet new faces and make new friends.
“We sit down and play games sometimes,” Camper Hayden Parker said.
Parker is one of 200 campers enjoying time out of the classroom and in the park.
She was devastated to learn a fire destroyed the pool, just days before camp started.
“I was really sad,” Parker said.
Parker, among others, was sad because she wouldn’t have been able to interact with camp counselors who also rely on the pool for income.
“First, I questioned if I was going to have a job this summer, just hearing the pool burned down and knowing the kids aren’t able to swim every day,” Blaine Reedy, a camp counselor said. “It’s hard for them I know.”
Camp staffers say they had to get a little creative to make sure kids can still enjoy water recreation activities like creating sponge balls, which are similar to water balloons.
Staffers say they also use water slides, and sprinklers, to make sure kids can enjoy some water activities and two days out the week, the kids are bussed to Lake Ridge Pool in Carroll County.
Leaders said the camp is critical because they know there is a lack of childcare services in the New River Valley.
“I myself am a single mom, a teacher, and finding something for my daughter is difficult,” Camp Director Rachel Parker said. “Unfortunately, there aren’t enough childcare places for these kids to go, so I just wanted to have a safe space for them.”