On July 21, the Cranston YMCA continued its summer tradition of hosting the annual Andrew Reed Camp Carnival. The event is a small fundraiser the Y uses to help offer scholarships for camp.

The carnival is named after the first executive director at the Cranston YMCA. Cory Guglietti, the current executive director, said in addition to serving as a fundraiser, the event is about giving families the opportunity to spend time out at Camp Massasoit together.

“Most children are bused out to camp, so no one at home gets to see where the kids spend their day. Carnival gives kids the chance to show off the property and all the fun things they get to do every day,” Guglietti said.

He added: “This year’s event has a different twist. Last year we had some old pictures out, and so many people gathered around them. I spoke with a few people and they suggested doing a reunion-type event. This year we invited anyone that has ever been to camp before to return and revisit the place of their youth during the summer. We hope to make every year a reunion opportunity so each year the number of returning campers grows. As is, we have so many parents that sign up their children and tell us they too went to camp at Massasoit.”

Middle school campers assisted camp counselors with all events as well as setting up tables with photos of campers through the decades.

“My favorite part of camp is the swimming, and I got into a canoe for the first time this year,” said seven-year-old Maddison Boswell of Cranston. “ She also liked Archery.

Six-year-old Brighton Champagne, who will be spending five weeks in camp, said: “My favorite is swimming, and I passed the white test this year and saw a fish today there!” His friend, seven-year-old Isaac DeLand, said archery was his favorite.

“Last night was a great success,” Guglietti said. “We had about 60 families with a total of about 150 people come out to the carnival. And when I say families I mean it ran the range from babies in strollers to grandparents coming out to see where their grandchildren go to camp each day. One of the highlights for me was boating. I was on the beach when I overheard a camper telling his parents how he takes the kayak out all by himself and then got to show his parent.

“I was very proud of all of the hard work our counselors and staff had put in for the event,” he continued. “It was a 12- to 14-hour day for many of the staff, but you would never know that by the way engaged with everyone that came out.”

At the end of the night, the event had raised just over $500 in donations.

“It’s so nice to see the staff campers and their families all come together and enjoy time together,” Guglietti said.

Next year the Y hopes to grow the event, and would like to secure a sponsor.

For more information on Camp Massasoit, contact Guglietti at 401-943-0444.

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WELCOMING ALUMNI:

Welcoming campers and alumni from Camp Massasoit were, from left, Cindy Fogarty chairwoman of the board for the Cranston YMCA; Cory Guglietti, executive Ddirector of the Cranston YMCA; and Maryann and Rep. Robert Lancia. (Herald photos by Steve Popiel)

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S’MORES PIT:

Enjoying a s’more that she just made is seven-year-old camper Madison Boswell.

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GOING DOWN:

Pictured is Camp Massasoit lifeguard Allie Vitullo as she is going down into the water of the dunk tank.

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FUTURE CAMPER:

Pictured is two-year-old Josie Champagne showing off her best pizza smile with her mom Andrea, who is a senior Massasoit Camp director.

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WAITING TO BOARD:

Among the most popular activities for Camp Massasoit campers and families were canoeing and kayaking.