CAMPERS, from left, Kendall Carrera, Quinn Lackey and Ava Ashe had a blast making picture frames and wearing witch hats during Lynnfield Community Schools’ Wicked Camp on July 22. (Morgan Festa Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield Community Schools’ Summer of Fun Activities (SOFA) camps were a big hit with children once again in 2025.
Community Schools Coordinator Morgan Festa said in an interview with the Villager that over 600 children enrolled in SOFA camps this summer.
“We saw strong attendance across all seven weeks, with many families returning year-after-year and new faces joining the fun,” said Festa. “SOFA continues to be a place where everyone is having fun! Whether it’s dancing, science experiments or outdoor activities, our goal is always to give kids a summer they’ll never forget.”
Over the course of the seven-week SOFA program, Festa said children were able to enroll in a wide variety of different camps. She noted that the Beauty and Glam camp was “a favorite.”
“This camp was filled with glitter, facials, nail art and more,” said Festa.
Festa said the Hogwarts Express camp was a “magical week packed with potions and spellbinding science experiments.” She said the All-Star Sports camp was comprised of “high-energy days filled with skill-building, team games and friendly competition.”
Another popular crafts camp was Elephant and Piggie and Pigeon, which Festa said was based on author Mo Willems’ children’s books.
“Mo Willems books are so popular,” said Festa. “Kids had a great time creating crafts and doing activities based on these stories.”
Festa said the Art Adventures camp was a big hit as well.
“Campers explored a variety of art techniques,” said Festa.
Festa said the Sweet Shoppe camp taught children how to bake.
“Kids were taking home sweet treats daily,” said Festa.
Festa said the wide variety of SOFA camps offered this summer allowed children to have fun and learn.
“We hope campers left with new friendships, confidence in trying new things and happy memories of summer,” said Festa.
Festa noted a number of Lynnfield Public Schools staff members work as SOFA instructors: Ethan Blanchette, Barb Collins, Jen Doyle, Jill Juliano, Liz LaMonica, Paul LaMonica, Catherine LoPiccolo, Lisa Pasciuto, Lisa Prach, Krista Pomer, Joey Puleo, Paula Rinaldi and Flavia Torres.
“We are really lucky to have staff who return every year and make SOFA a wonderful experience,” said Festa. “Kids get to see some of their teachers that they will see at school, so they have a friendly face when they start in September. We have some kids who are new to the district and try out SOFA to get to know the community.”
Festa, who began working as Lynnfield Community Schools’ coordinator in February 2024, said creating children’s programming is very rewarding and enjoyable.
“The most enjoyable part is watching kids light up as they try something new and discover unexpected interests,” said Festa. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see them having fun while learning, exploring and growing. I also love the creative collaboration with my staff. Together, we design programs that are not only engaging, but meaningful. A great example was Wicked Camp this summer, which was a huge hit thanks to the popularity of the movie and the incredible creativity of Lisa Pasciuto and Francesca Cunningham, who brought the theme to life through imaginative and fun activities.”
Pasciuto, who also works as a Summer Street School kindergarten paraprofessional, said working as a Community Schools instructor is incredibly rewarding.
“I am the lucky one,” said Pasciuto. “I am fortunate to see children’s growth throughout the school year and I am fortunate to see it in the summer. We have kids from Summer Street and Huckleberry Hill come together at SOFA. I love seeing the kids help each other, nurture each other and support each other. That is what SOFA is all about.”
Festa noted that Lynnfield Community Schools’ SOFA camps have been a longstanding tradition in town. She previously attended SOFA camps while growing up in Lynnfield and also worked as an instructor for a number of years.
“Many campers return year-after-year, and often come back as counselors-in-training or group leaders,” said Festa. “That’s what I did. That continuity creates a really special atmosphere that families love and trust.”
With a new school year beginning this week, Festa said Lynnfield Community Schools will be offering “a bunch of after-school enrichment programs run by various staff and vendors, including The Sweet Shoppe, martial arts, Lego Brickmania Art, sports, Healthy Hands Cooking and more.”
“We’re also excited to launch LCS Theatre Academy, where we will have a few different programs this fall,” said Festa. “The LCS Kids’ Musical: Willy Wonka Kids is for grades 3–5. The LCS Music Theatre Intensive is for grades 6–8. The Beginner Dance Class is for grades 4–12.”
Festa said families can sign their children up for Lynnfield Community Schools’ fall programs by visiting https://lcs.recdesk.com/Community/Page?pageId=25785.