RUMFORD – The state Bureau of Health is investigating conditions at the Greater Rumford Community Center’s unlicensed day camp at Black Mountain.
Rebecca Vigue, program director for eating and lodging under the Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Health, confirmed Tuesday that the camp does not have a license.
In addition to the allegation that the facility did not have a license, Vigue said the complaint specified that there was no running water, that the swimming pool level is low, that children cannot wash their hands or take a shower before and after swimming, and that the toilets don’t work.
She said a district sanitarian was dispatched Tuesday to investigate the allegations.
The day camp is in its third two-week session, said Gary Dolloff, chairman of the GRCC board.
The season’s program is scheduled to end on Aug. 12. An unidentified camp counselor said more than 50 children are participating in the program.
Vigue said that the state would not shut down the camp and that a camp field trip scheduled for today would continue as planned.
She added that the GRCC board believed that no license was required and that a license application was submitted Tuesday.
While Dolloff said he was unaware of the visit by the Bureau of Health, he added that no free swims had been allowed on Monday and Tuesday mornings because of water problems, although he said swim lessons have continued in the afternoons.
GRCC board member Dave Dearborn said the GRCC has a contract with Black Mountain to use part of the resort during the summer months. He said that the lack of water pressure is a long-standing issue at the mountain.
Bob Anderson, the GRCC’s program director, said he expects to have the water problems addressed today.
Vigue described the situation as “workable and stable” and added that the camp would continue to operate pending another inspection today.
She said it’s not unusual for her department to field a high number of seasonal complaints on such things as camps, campgrounds and food establishments.
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