Rick Lopes

New Britain Delegation Welcomes $2.5 Million in State Bonding for the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain

The Approved Funds Will Support Renovations to a Youth Camp Owned by the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain that has Historically Served Children from the New Britain Area

Today, the New Britain legislative delegation – state Senator Rick Lopes, state Representatives Robert Sanchez, Manny Sanchez, and Peter Tercyak – applauded the State Bond Commission’s approval of $2.5 million to make needed renovations and improvements to Camp Schade, located in Burlington, which is owned by the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain. For years, the camp afforded young people who came from lower-income backgrounds and marginalized urban communities the opportunity to come together for camp activities and explore the natural green spaces.

However, the camp’s deteriorating conditions have caused it to stop serving as a space for New Britain’s youth to enjoy fun summer activities. Presently, water and plumbing at the camp needs to be brought up to health code. Also, numerous amenities at the camp, such as the pool, require significant repairs.

The legislators view the mission of Camp Schade as having even greater importance due to the social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The community environment would offer campers a chance to interact with other youth in a safe, supervised setting and participate in outdoor activities that they may have been unable to enjoy the past couple summers due to COVID-19.

“This funding is a big step toward fixing up Camp Schade and supporting the outstanding programs that the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain has provided generations of young people. It is important that children have spaces where they can have fun and do activities, they might not always have the opportunity to enjoy. Making repairs to Camp Schade would help to re-open a space for New Britain’s youth to explore the outdoors and make lasting memories with their friends,” said Sen. Lopes. “I want to thank my fellow delegation members for their work to achieve this needed funding for New Britain’s young people. Thank you also to the governor for his support. Also, I want to recognize Executive Director James Jones for his partnership in advocating for this project.”

“I thank Governor Ned Lamont and all my colleagues for their support and congratulate the Boys and Girls Club that has been enriching young and adult lives for many years,” Rep. Robert Sanchez said. “These funds send a clear message that we are in full support of their indispensable work in New Britain and look forward to the same dedicated commitment well into the future.”

“Upgrading the facilities at Camp Schade allows the Boys and Girls Club to provide another great option for recreational activities for the youth of New Britain and surrounding communities. This is a long time coming,” said Rep. Manny Sanchez. “I thank Governor Ned Lamont, House Leaders Matt Ritter and Jason Rojas, and the New Britain delegation for their hard work to get this project done. Most importantly, I also want to thank the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club, James Jones, for his vision and advocacy for this well-deserved project.”

“My brother and I went to day camp when we were kids and it’s one of our fondest memories from childhood. Thank you to the Boys & Girls Club for working and organizing so long for this. A special thanks to Governor Lamont for choosing to help New Britain. This is a Christmas present we should all be happy about” said Rep. Tercyak.

“For many decades, the Boys and Girls Club of New Britain has provided so many opportunities to children in the city and I am glad that we are able to partner with them on this project. This state funding will go a long way to support the revitalization of Camp Schade, bring it back into operation, and ensure that kids who live in New Britain have the opportunity to enjoy nature and the outdoors,” said Governor Lamont.

The Boys & Girls Club of New Britain, founded in 1891, provides a nurturing environment for young people ranging in ages from 6 to 18. Among the many services provided, the Club offers an open-door/drop-in environment for youth, educational enrichment programs, and helps youth receive peer-mentoring. More information on this year-round safe and uplifting space can be found at