Ancram pool and summer camp seek community donations for renovations

ANCRAM — Community donations often help fund for and/or off set costs for certain projects and services.

This year, Ancram town officials have been encouraging community members to donate toward the town’s pool and camp fund.

Every year, the pool requires maintenance.

Donations to the pool and camp fund help reduce the cost of ongoing pool improvements, thereby minimizing the tax burden on residents.

“The pool started operating in 1961,” said Councilman David Boice. “It is an older pool — we want to keep it in good shape because it’s a big part of the community.

“We probably invest somewhere around $150,000 on pool renovations over a multi-year span,” he continued. 

According to a press release, this year an estimated $25,000 will be invested in renovating the changing rooms and bathrooms on site, which according to the councilman have been completed already. In addition,  the deck area around the pool will be resurfaced and the fence around it will be replaced.

“But renovations won’t be completed until after the pool season,” Boice added.

Additionally, donations will help fund the summer camp program, making it free for Ancram children.

Camp Director Samantha Mason explained in past years summer camp had a $55 fee for Ancram residents.

In order to assist parents  cover costs for the full season, scholarships were available on a need basis.

But now the director wants to expand the program and “allow more children to join,” so scholarships will also be granted to non-residents.

“This program brings the community together,” Mason said. “Ancram [and other nearby towns] are small towns — there is not much going on. This gives the kids something to do over the summer, and it has an educational component, which is a plus.”

Non-residents pay a $75 fee per week to send their children to the program.

Every year, the program has different themes, exposing children to new learning experiences. This year’s theme is “Artist in Ancram.”

Local artists will come and teach children about art. The program also exposes them to educational and fun field trips.

Major financial sponsors for the camp currently include A Neighbor’s Network group headed by Annie Walwyn-Jones and Ancramdale’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors group. But officials want to continue to encourage community members to support the program and the pool.

About 70 children, excluding those who participate in the camp program, typically make use of the pool — a town amenity for the community. The town offers swimming lessons, including special “mommy or daddy and me” swim programs.

This summer the pool is scheduled to open on Thursday, June 30.

A $150 donation will support a week of camp for a child and a $900 donation will pay for the entire camp season — six weeks. Donations of any amount, though, will be appreciated.

Donations should be made out to the Ancram Camp and Pool Fund and mailed to the Ancram Town Hall at 1416 County Route 7, Ancram, NY 12502.