The highlight of the summer recreation program is Camp Poppasquaw, a seven week day camp at Bristol’s Town Beach and Sports Complex. The camp offers a variety of activities including swimming, tennis, arts and crafts, soccer, kick-ball and more!
Camp Eligibility
A child will be dismissed from camp if it is determined that information provided in the application is false or misleading. Under this circumstance, no refunds will be granted.
Camp Rules
Please review the Camp Poppasquaw rules prior to submitting a camper’s application. It is recommended that parents/guardians go over these rules with their camper(s) prior to the start of camp.
Camp Registration
Registrations for Camp Poppasquaw typically opens in the early Spring. Registrations are on a first-come first-serve basis, and done via an online application form.
The registration period will close upon reaching 500 approved applications OR the designated enrollment deadline.
The registration fee is $230 per child. Payments can be made electronically, or in-person by cash or check.
Frequently Asked Camp Questions
Why is it named ‘Camp Poppasquaw’?
This name reflects the history of the beautiful area where our camp is held.
Is there camp on the 4th of July?
There is no programs scheduled on the 4th of July. For more information on the camp schedule, please download the camp calendar.
What should campers bring with them to camp?
We highly recommend that you to pack your camper a swim suit, towel, sunscreen, sun hat, swimming shoes, a water bottle, snack, or money to buy a snack, and lunch, or money to buy lunch if they choose not to participate in the free lunch program.
What happens in the case of inclement weather?
Our indoor facility is the Quinta-Gamelin Community Center, just a short walk from our summer camp location. In the event of inclement weather, we will either begin camp indoors at that facility or move our camp to that facility if needed. Please consider that the size of our community center will limit the amount of children that we can accommodate safely on rainy days. In the event of extreme weather conditions we may have to cancel camp. Please refer to the homepage of the Bristol town website or call the office at (401)-253-1611.
What is the camp schedule?
The camp day begins promptly at 9AM and ends promptly at 3PM. Please pick up your child no later than 3:00. You MUST be on time.
Does the Department of Parks and Recreation have a Lost and Found?
We have a lost and found, but please remind your child to be responsible for his or her own property (we recommend labeling your child’s clothing and belongings if possible). As you are aware, cell phones, iPods, handheld gaming devices, etc., are expensive and/or delicate and one should consider the risk of the device being lost, damaged, or stolen when allowing your child to bring such devices to camp. The Department of Parks and Recreation is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen property.
Contact Us
Quinta-Gamelin Community Center Address: 101 Asylum Road, Bristol, RI 02809
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday | 8:30AM – 4:00PM
Town Beach & Sports Complex Address: 50 Asylum Road, Bristol, RI 02809
Hours of Operation: Memorial Day through Labor Day | Sunrise – Sunset
Sarah Klein
Director, Parks and Recreation
Phone: 401-253-1611
Fax: 401-410-0019
Tim Shaw
Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation
Phone: 401-253-1611
Michele Martins
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 401-253-1611