LYNN — Rep. Seth Moulton paid a visit to Camp Fire North Shore yesterday where he addressed the economic hardships that after-school programs like Camp Fire are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ve supported about $100 million for childcare.” Moulton, the Democratic representative for the 6th Congressional district, told Camp Fire Executive Director Laurie Hamill. “We’re never going to get all of that. But obviously the Senate isn’t moving on it at all.”
State Rep. Peter Capano (D-Lynn), State Rep. Paul Tucker (D-Salem), State Rep. Dan Cahill (D-Lynn), State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) were also in attendance.
Hamill explained that with more funding, their program could lower its costs and reach far more kids.
“Families are getting frustrated at home,” she said. “I think many more families would send their children if they could afford it.”
The Camp Fire North Shore Program offers several programs throughout the year, including an after-school program, a self-reliance program, a teen-focused program, and a nine-week summer camp. They are now also providing full-day remote learning support.
Their 2020 fall program costs $45 a day.
They typically serve more than 250 kids throughout the North Shore, but now only serve 50 due to restrictions related to COVID-19.
A group of Camp Fire kids sat at a safe social distance on a field at the 75-acre Camp Fire facility on the Lynn/Salem line, to ask questions to the assembled legislators. Moulton congratulated the kids for wearing their masks and following social distancing.
“Hopefully we’ll all get through this crazy year and look back at this crazy time when we all had to wear a mask,” he told the children.
Hamill hopes to winterize their Cain St. building so they can serve children year-round. She recently applied for a grant and was optimistic about its potential.
Moulton also expressed hope for federal after-school program funding in a potential Joe Biden presidential administration.
“If Biden wins, the long-term prospects are good,” he said.
Hamill stressed the importance of funding these after-school programs.
“Out of school time is very important for these kids, to keep them healthy and learning,” she said. “These are some very tough times for everyone, but we’re going to have to do the best we can.”
Guthrie Scrimgeour can be reached at [email protected].
