Long-Running Talbot County Camp Closes

A long-running kid’s camp has fallen victim to the economy. Talbot County cannot afford its parks and recreation summer camp this year. The camp started in the 1970s as a Talbot County Parks and Recreation Summer Camp Program for 35 kids at the Oxford Community Center. Attendance at the camp, which ran from the second week of June through the second week of August, peaked at 180 kids a few years ago. At that time, a week of camp cost $25. Not long ago, the price rose to $40 per week, which did not affect attendance, said Talbot County Director of Parks and Recreation Rick Towle. Last year, the price rose to $90, reflecting the actual cost, and attendance dropped to 50 kids. This year budget cuts have eliminated the program, which costs about $50,000 each year.