The Park School of Buffalo Blog

Dear Park Community,

This year, I’m committed to writing a series of letters that focus on the distinctive value of a Park education. This one will focus on an experience that is absolutely unique to Park, and that is the Park Summer Camp. The Park Camp provides a rich experience that is educational, safe, and fun for children ages 3 to 14 on our beautiful 34-acre campus. With 11 buildings plus three athletic fields, an outdoor pool, marsh, waterfall, pond, and woods, campers spend the summer in distinct outdoor and indoor activities that ensure no two days are the same.

Summer Camp at Park began in 1935 during the Great Depression. Many families didn’t have extra money to vacation with their families, but there was a desire for kids to have some type of recreational experience during the summer months. Park introduced a half-day summer camp and families quickly registered their children because it gave them an opportunity to spend time in a country-like setting. Time went on and the camp grew dramatically.

In 1977, Camp’s current Executive Director, John Mirand, was hired at 16 years-old to be an assistant counselor for Grade 2. He later moved on to become a head counselor, and continued to work while attending college and studying to become a history teacher. However, in 1996, Park administration sought to end Camp, as enrollment had declined and other competitive summer camps in the area had begun. John learned of this, and after a conversation with the Head of School, he was offered the opportunity to become the camp director, and John accepted with the intention of making Park Summer Camp a place that would once again offer kids the perfect blend of fun, adventure, and learning.

Now as Park Summer Camp’s Executive Director, this year will mark John Mirand’s 40th year with Park. He leads a team of administrators and educators with experience working with children of all ages in various specialty areas. Together, they play, explore, and discover alongside their campers and help them develop into exceptional young adults. When I asked him what the driving force is behind his many years of dedication to not only Park Summer Camp, but more recently our Park Scholars Camps, he said, “I’ve always believed Park was a special place. This camp holds a special place in my life, as I’ve watched many campers grow up here, including my own kids.”

So what makes Park Summer Camp the most popular and sought after day camp in Western New York? A professional and experienced staff, made up of  certified teachers, qualified instructors and outstanding assistant counselors who guide campers throughout their daily activities. The administrative team prides itself on staffing camp with counselors who are caring, enthusiastic, and love camp themselves. The staff collaborates to determine a theme for each week, and every Friday, Park Camp celebrates those theme days to enrich the summer fun and create special fun-filled memories for campers.

Younger campers get days packed with activities that are designed for little hands and lots of curiosity, and they regularly take part in arts and crafts, music, games, nature, drama, and swimming. Older campers delve into more elaborate activities and projects in sculpture, art, computers, athletics, tennis, and nature. Activities are curated for each specific age group, and all daily programs are created to promote self-confidence, encourage teamwork, and build friendships. Of course, our staff and campers follow Park’s life rules of respect, responsibility, honesty, and kindness.

Whether it’s sports, arts and crafts, or nature activities, children at Park Summer Camp get to try new things and build skills outside of the classroom setting. Additionally, Camp provides a break from the usual routine, which is refreshing after months of schoolwork. Campers get to meet new friends, build social skills, and strengthen their teamwork abilities. It’s a safe, structured environment where kids can be active, busy, and engaged during the summer while parents can balance work or other responsibilities. If you’re interested in learning more about Park Summer Camp, please visit www.parksummercamp.org or view this summer’s brochure HERE.

Warmly,

Lisa M. Conrad

Head of School