Business & Tech

Back Story: Camp Playland & Playland Nursery School

This "interview" about Camp Playland and Playland Nursery School at 802 Ponus Ridge Rd. in New Canaan, was conducted by one of the owners, Steve Bloom, filling out this form for Patch and submitting it. It's part of New Canaan Patch's series of business profiles, "The Back Story."

(We invite more businesses in Patch towns to fill out the forms and send us a picture for a feature article.)

"We are a family business currently in our third generation of owner/directors," writes Steve Bloom, one of the owners. "We are proud of the strong relationships we form with our camp and school families, our professional staff who come back year after year, and our unique facility."

He continues:

"We are busy year round. People often assume we have quiet winters at Playland. Along with directing the Preschool we are busy marketing, interviewing, giving tours and maintaining the grounds."

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
The original 10-acre lot for Camp Playland was purchased in 1954. Founders Walter and Pearl Bloom were Stamford residents. Neighbors on Ponus Ridge protested construction but a group of backers, including architect Phillip Johnson, helped permits pass.

What do you do?
We offer a traditional summer day camp experience for boys and girls ages 3 to 14. We bus campers from all over Fairfield and Westchester Counties. In the winter, Playland Preschoolers offers programs for two, three, four and five year olds.

What are you most proud of about your business?

We work hard to ensure every campers' success at Playland.  We are proud to be a part of campers (and their families) safe, fun and meaningful summers!

What's something people would find surprising about your business?

That a traditional summer camp is more than just fun.  Camp is an important ingredient in the complete education of a child.  Leading educators and employers are all focusing on “non-cognitive skills,” like communication, collaboration, creativity, grit and empathy. These are 21st century skills that camps help foster.

How are you involved in the community?
We are happy to be able to work with many local organizations including the Young Women's Club, the Newcomer's Club, the East School and West School PTAs and the Blossom Hill Foundation. Additionally we are active members of the American Camp Association.



Camp Playland and Playland Nursery School

802 Ponus Ridge New Canaan, CT 06840
203-966-2937
info@campplayland.com
http://www.campplaylandofnewcanaan.com/
Owners: Gary, Barbara and Steve Bloom


This article is part of Patch's series highlighting local businesses in our community. Learn more about the series, and if you're a small business, fill out the form to be included, by checking out this link.










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