Staff reports 11:20 a.m.
Friday, September 13, 2019 11:21 am

CAPTION: From left, Co-Chair of Recreation & Arena Commission Sheila Colson, Commission & School Board Member Julie Brown, Assistant Recreation Director Lauren Krans, Co-Chair of Recreation & Arena Commission Dave Anctil, Recreation Director Chris Bowlen, Commission Member Tim Roberts, Rochester Social Club President Jacob Beal, Social Club Secretary Di Towle, Social Club Member Alan Dunn and Social Club Co-Vice Chairs Val Dunn and Jamie Christie (Courtesy photo/Rochester Recreation & Arena)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Recreation and Arena has received a generous donation from the Rochester Social Club, city officials announced today.

The Rochester Social Club, a community volunteer group, recently donated $2,200 to Rochester Rec to support recreation camp scholarships. The funds were raised through a kickball tournament hosted by the club.

The donation will be used by Rochester Rec to fund tuition scholarships for campers. The amount of camp scholarships offered each season varies based on community needs.

Rochester's recreation department offers an eight-week summer camp that hosts 150 campers who enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, sports, arts and crafts and field trips to local lakes and beaches. The department also hosts vacation camps during December and February school breaks. Campers range in age from first grade through 12 years old.

"Support from organizations like the Rochester Social Club will help to make our camp scholarship program sustainable so we can make sure that Rochester kids have the opportunity to experience a recreation camp," Rochester Rec and Arena Director Chris Bowlen said. "We're grateful to be part of a community that is so committed to helping one another."

Lilac City Grille, Holy Rosary Credit Union, Revolution Taproom and Grill, Northwind Electric and Seacoast Kettlebell sponsored the kickball teams, as well as all the captains and players on the tournament teams.