Reps. Foncello, Chaleski Visit YMCA Camp Greenknoll in Brookfield

Brookfield—It’s summertime and for many children that means attending YMCA Camp Greenknoll in Brookfield.  State Representatives Rachel Chaleski (R-138) and Martin Foncello (R-107) were invited to take a tour of the camp facility and learn more about the program. On average, 425 children ages 4-to-14 years old take part in summer programming at the YMCA on Huckleberry Hill Road.  About 100 counselors and 50 to 60 lifeguards staff the 13-acre camp.

“The YMCA is a wonderful resource for Greater Danbury area families. My own children took swim lessons at that Greenknoll branch and were enrolled in activities there when they were younger,” said Chaleski.

A new law passed unanimously in the House during the 2023 General Assembly session allowing 15-year-olds to work as youth camp staff members or lifeguards, under supervision.

“I read through testimony submitted by representatives of YMCA locations across the state about how this policy change would help them during summers. I think if there’s a trusted member of the swim team, known to YMCA staff, this could add another level of safety to camps and give younger teens real world work experience,” said Foncello.

Sports offerings at Camp Greenknoll include pickleball, basketball, swimming, volleyball, and archery. There’s also a ropes course in the woods, a woodworking shop, STEAM, and arts stations, among other activities. Chaleski and Foncello each met recently with Regional YMCA of Western CT President & CEO Marie Miszewski during the day camp programming to discuss the five-year Camp Enhancement Plan.

“I was glad to learn that bond money from the state came at a pivotal time—to replace roofs, doors, windows, and gutters. Given the amount of rainfall we’ve experienced in the past month these structures could have been damaged,” said Chaleski.

Improvements also included a shade structure and amphitheater, and a new fence. The YMCA cleared some trees in danger of falling from the property as well.

“It was interesting to see the work the YMCA has done in recent years. The bond money has been put to good use clearing an area for the Race 4 Chase program. That allowed a Summer Enrichment Grant from the State to go toward scholarships for children to attend summer camp,” said Foncello.

The only item left on the YMCA improvement list is to build a spray park.

“There’s so much to offer close to home for Greater Danbury area children at Camp Greenknoll. They can make memories and be in the outdoors, in a safe place where they can build confidence and self-esteem,” said Miszewski.

As part of the YMCA’s afterschool programming, students tend to raised garden beds where they learn science and math skills to grow vegetables and plants.  The YMCA also offers a Youth And Government Program for high school and middle school students. They research and prepare their own bills and compete each year in mock legislative sessions with other YMCA Youth and Government programs across the state of Connecticut.

“This is a program that could satisfy that civics credit required for high schoolers. Not all kids learn in the same way and a mock legislative session could be the alternate way of teaching to reach more students,” said Chaleski.

The Brookfield facility includes a therapy pool, cardio workout rooms, equipment rooms, a gym, and track, along with a childcare room.