MSPR gets grant for new summer camp

Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation recently received a $3,800 grant from State Representative of District 3 Kerry “Bubba” Underwood.

The funds are through the Colbert County Community Development Commission and will cover the cost of two tablets, smart TVs, two television carts and five Chromebooks.

“This funding will play a vital role in the launch of our new MSPR Summer Camp Program,” MSPR said on social media. “These tools will enhance the educational and recreational experience for our campers.”

In addition to the new tech items, the grant will fund two water bottle filling stations to be placed in Gym 1 and Gym 3.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this support and excited about the positive impact it will have on our community. Thank you again, Representative Underwood, for investing in the future of Muscle Shoals,” MSPR said.

Brooks Canup, the newly appointed Community Programs and Special Events Director at MSPR, said the new summer camp program is a “need” in Muscle Shoals the organization is looking to fill.

“Muscle Shoals City Schools offer summer camp, but their locations are maxed out,” he said. “They have a limited capacity, and there’s always a waitlist. We have been in contact with the system, and (Dr.) Chad Holden agreed we needed this. We are trying to help fill that void.”

MSPR’s summer camp currently has 62 children signed up, who will attend events with MSPR in groups of about 20-30 a week.

Canup said MSPR hopes to eventually offer something similar as an after-school program. He said as of May 13 there are a few summer camp spots available, so anyone interested should contact him at 256-386-9270.