Loving Summer in Norfolk

By Virginia Coleman-Prisco

Although Norfolk is known as the Ice Box of Connecticut, there are plenty of events and activities for families during the summer months. There is a wide array of physical, artistic and educational opportunities available, depending on your child’s interests. 

As always, the Norfolk Library has a jam-packed summer schedule. This summer they are offering Summer Reading Program 2019: A Universe of Stories. In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the historic landing on the moon on July 20, 1969, this year’s summer reading program is about exploring our world and beyond. Studies have shown that children who participate in summer reading programs at libraries develop better literacy skills. The Norfolk Library wants to help your children retain all the success they have achieved during the year and have fun in the summer—all while being able to win prizes! This science- and art-based summer reading program is geared toward children ages five to 13 years old. 

The Norfolk Library will also offer a science-based series for families to enjoy. These programs,  which are from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday evenings throughout July, are presented by museum and science centers, and space is limited, so registration is important. Topics include a rocket-building workshop and a juggling and magic show. For more information, visit the Norfolk Library at 9 Greenwoods Road East or go to norfolklibrary.org. 

 Weekend in Norfolk (WIN, Aug. 2-4) has added more events this year that are fun for everyone in the family. There will be a hiking challenge, a puppet show at the library, chicken stampin’, the farmers market, goat petting, water soccer with fire hoses, a family fun movie night and more. See the day-by-day listings, and also the special Kids page, on the WIN website (weekendinnorfolk.org) for details.

The Norfolk Early Learning Center’s Norfolk Navigators Camp provides a change of pace for school-age students by offering summer camp. The Norfolk Navigators have an array of daily activities in store each day based on weekly themes, such as Sensational Science, Chopped (yes, like the TV show), and Mystery of History. Throughout the summer, the children explore our wonderful town, swim in Tobey Pond twice a week, and take weekly field trips that coordinate with what they are learning. To find out about availability, contact Kailyn or Paige at 860-542-6016 or visit the Forms page at norfolkearlylearningcenter.com. 

If your child is interested in year-round fun, the Cub Scouts is the perfect option. Cub Scout Pack 1027 is based in Winsted, but the pack has scouts from eight schools in five different towns, including Norfolk. Rising kindergarteners are eligible to register now. For many years Pack 1027 has strongly believed that the unit should welcome all people, and the pack is proud that the national organization, Boy Scouts of America, has decided to open its doors to those who are gay and to female scouts. The local pack currently has three female Cub Scouts in the unit, with more joining in the very near future. 

Cub Scout events this summer include:

June 28, 6-7 p.m., pack gathering, Batcheller School, Winsted
July 10, 6-7 p.m., STEM night pack gathering, Batcheller School, Winsted
July 19-21, family campout, Lone Oaks, Canaan

Aug. 10, 9 a.m. hike at Burr Pond, Torrington

Aug. 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 75th Colebrook Fair, Colebrook

For more information, you can contact Pack 1027 on Facebook at @CubScoutsPack1027WinstedCt or by email at gsartirana@yahoo.com.

The annual Colebrook Fairis not just for scouts. All kids (and their parents) are invited to enjoy food, vendors, children’s games and activities, a pet show, music, a car show, a cardboard boat regatta and more. This a rain-or-shine event is on Aug. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 All of these local activities are sure to engage your family all summer long!