Camp set to re-open after vandalism

Hebron (WTNH) - After a couple of months and thousands of dollars later, a camp in Hebron will be reopening after damage done by vandals.

Just two months ago, Lynn Ford was shocked by what she saw at the camp for inner-city kids. Every window, every sink, every door was smashed and destroyed.

"I was angry, of course, but sad that people wouldn't think about the fact that we're destroying something where kids go," said Ford of the Hartford Neighborhood Centers.

With just a few weeks to go, before opening day, crews are replacing windows and fixing whatever else was smashed by baseball bats.

"We were able to get some good discounts on the windows," said Rob Burnham of Burnham Builders. There were "a lot of people that wanted to help out on this project."

Burnham does a lot of work with Hartford Neighborhood Centers which runs camp Hi-ho-ti. He pulled some of his guys off other jobs to make sure they meet the July 6th deadline.

"She's always there for us, so we're always there for her too," said Burnham.

One more thing which needs to be replaced is the security system. The vandals actually smashed an electrical box outside to disarm the system. The new one will have a battery back up.

But they hope they won't need it. It's taken $63,000 in repairs to restore the outdoor safe haven for dozens of kids.

"They come out and they get hiking, the arts and crafts, the swimming," said Ford.

There well back on track thanks to insurance and those in the community who care.

"A lot of people just willing to help and just kind of opened up their hearts and their arms," said Ford. "They came through for us."

The camp is scheduled to reopen July 6th, right on time. State police are still seeking information which will lead them to the vandals.