Published in the August 5, 2015 edition
CAN WE TALK? Enjoying snack time while lounging on the play structure at Summer Street School are Recreation Station campers, from left, Lucia Dias, 8 1/2, Gianna Micieli, 7 1/2, and Maddie McCarthy, 8. (Maureen Doherty Photo)
By MICHAEL WEIN
LYNNFIELD — This week at Recreation Station, campers were excited to take part in all of the classic camp games and crafts they know and love, as well as a few new additions. As always, the four square grids were jam packed with players of all ages and abilities. As the camp grows larger and larger, more grids have been added throughout the park to ensure there is a game for everyone from beginner to expert.
When asked about his love for the game, Liam Farrell was emphatic. “I suppose you could say four square is my life. I wear plaid shirts, I dine at Italian restaurants that use classic red and white checked table cloths, and the flags of Iceland, Finland, and Denmark are my favorites, all because they remind me of the grid.”
As much as four square is a tried and true tradition, this year’s “it” game is ultimate Frisbee. Councilor Phil “Stretch” King has been showing campers the ropes and the game has garnered a cult following. With 11 players on a team, the goal is to advance the Frisbee to the end zone without the opposition intercepting. Once you catch the Frisbee you must stop moving and pass to a teammate downfield. Games are first to 11, best of 17.
FOUR SQUARE remains one of the most popular of the classic playground games at Recreation Station where the grids are always full. Engaged in a game are (clockwise from lower right): Sean Drzewiczewski, Ronald Fuccillo, Nick Marino and Matt Stephens. (Maureen Doherty Photo)
Camper Luke Moschella has been quite taken by the sport. “I absolutely love it. It brings together my passions of running, jumping, sweating, and of course, looking good on a field. To improve my skills I try to focus on discs to become one with the shape. CDs, Pringles, sliced lemons; I always have something nearby that reminds me of a Frisbee.”
Of course there is more to Recreation Station than sports. Campers enjoy trading Pokemon cards under the play structure, creating breathtaking gimp bracelets, key chains, cell phone cases, and potholders, as well as sitting at the picnic table working on the daily craft with all star staff member Alex “Now Back to the News” Ross and Francesca “The Psychologist” Pasciuto.
Some of the favorites this year have been stuffed teddy bears, autograph pigs, mesmerizing pinwheels, and felt coloring scenes.
Ultimate crafter Chloe McEwen has been a camper for years and prides herself on the fact that she has never missed a craft.
“The daily craft is essential to my well-being. Although I’ve never had coffee, I imagine all the adults who say they’re not themselves without their morning cup of Joe are feeling the same way I do about the craft. I’m just not centered until I’ve made my craft. Every year there’s one or two I don’t love but I do them anyway. I guess it’s like instant coffee; it might not taste as good, but it does the job.”
Recreation Station wraps up this week and campers are looking forward to one final Fun Friday and trying to guess if there will be a water slide, slip and slide, obstacle course, or perhaps, a live performance from Taylor Swift to wrap up another successful season!
