CARIBOU, Maine — Though programming is still limited due to COVID-19 prevention guidelines, the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department has seen a successful season of fall activities so far.
While soccer and cross-country running will end in early October, folks still have a chance to register their children for a trip to Tigerland Paintball in Cross Lake Township, golf at the Caribou Country Club, horse-riding lessons and a slate of November activities that include First Responder Cadet Camp, bowling, a trip to the Goughan’s Farm corn maze, among others.
Recreation programs director Matt Bouchard noted that, for the most part, people have been supportive of the program’s social distancing guidelines, as mandated by the Maine CDC. During soccer, for instance, the coaches focus on drills and skills lessons and only have teams play games against each other on Caribou’s field.
“People have been pretty supportive. There have only been a few times when we’ve had to give someone a disposable mask or ask them to move farther apart,” Bouchard said.
All activities split up participants by grade and are limited to around eight to 12 people, depending on the nature of the activity. Despite the limitations, soccer and cross-country have remained popular fall programs, with the coaches often adding new twists to keep kids engaged.
“We’ve done scavenger hunts and adventure races during cross country and World Cup for soccer,” Bouchard said. “I think everyone is happy to be back outside.”
Bouchard noted that the recreation department’s summer reopening allowed everyone to become better acquainted with social distancing and prevention guidelines. During soccer, for example, everyone must apply hand sanitizer before and after leaving the field and also sanitize equipment.
Thus far the recreation department has managed to still hold activities due to Aroostook County’s low count of active COVID-19 cases. In the event that six to 19 active cases are confirmed, sports will be limited to drills and skills and no games will be held. If 20 or more cases are confirmed, all programs will temporarily shut down.
People can register for upcoming recreation activities by going to http://www.caribourec.org/ and clicking on “Youth Program and Schedules” or by calling 207-493-4224.
Georgianna Anderson takes part in the Caribou Recreation Department’s cross-country program. (Courtesy of Matt Bouchard)
Georgianna Anderson (left) and Peyton Gorneault take part in a cross-country race, as part of the Caribou Recreation Department’s fall programming. (Courtesy of Matt Bouchard)
