Times Chronicle & Public Spirit
Carnival fundraiser a real crowd pleaser
Families throughout Cheltenham Township gathered at Wall Park July 24 for the annual Playground Carnival hosted by the township’s Summer Playground program.
This year’s theme was “pirates” and counselors from all four playground camps – La Mott, Griffin, Renninger and Wall Park – as well as township staff, discovered their inner pirate by dressing in fun costumes.
“I love dressing up as a pirate,” said 21-year-old Lauren Duffy. “This is my sixth year as a camp counselor. I keep coming back because of the kids. Some of my former campers are seniors in high school. It was cool watching some of them grow up.”
The pirate theme could also be heard in the music. The “Pirates of the Caribbean” soundtrack played in the back- ground as families enjoyed carnival games such as water pong, the baseball throw, krazy cans and frog launder. The music also added excitement for kids as they played around on the moon bounces and showed off their best pirate moves.
“It’s really fun,” said 7-year-old Elad Shoham, who ran over to say a quick hello to his mom before running back to the moon bounce.
“We saw the advertisement for the event and decided to stop by,” said Elad mom’s, Lisa Ney. “He’s really having a great time.”
In addition to fun games, kids enjoyed face painting by Fabulous Faces and the dunk tank, where the campers in attendance got the long awaited opportunity to dunk their counselors.
“I love playing with the kids and having fun,” said 18-year-old counselor Lindsey Carr.
“This event is something that brings the whole community together,” added fellow counselor Emily Roussel.
Families also enjoyed a cook-out dinner with hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas and other treats.
“It’s fun being out here and being able to team up with parks and recreation,” said Commissioner Andrew Sharkey as he handed a camper a hamburger. “I love being outdoors and being able to be with community members.”
Although the carnival was all fun and games, the purpose of the event was to raise funds for the Cheltenham Township Summer Playground Program that many kids in the township participate in each year.
“It’s fun serving the people in the community,” said John Hoover, the director of parks and recreation. “It’s what we do. We love hanging out with the people.”
To learn about the Summer Playground Program visit www.cheltenhamtownship. org.