Polar Bear Paddy Plunge
New Date March 29, 2025
12:00PM - 3:00PM
at Staffordville Lake Beach
to benefit the Stafford Summer Rec Camp Program
ABOUT THE PADDY PLUNGE
Mark your calendars for March 29, 2025, (NEW DATE), and get ready to take the plunge into the icy waters of Staffordville Lake—all for a heartwarming cause! Join us as we brave the cold to support the Stafford Summer Recreation Camp, a fun, safe, and affordable summer program for elementary-aged children in our community. The camp provides activities that promote creativity, cooperation, physical fitness, leadership, water safety, and, of course, plenty of summer fun.
This daring event promises to be a memorable experience, and the funds raised will directly benefit this vital program, ensuring it continues to thrive for years to come.
The inaugural 2024 plunge raised over $12,000 for the Stafford Recreation Camp. The Stafford Events & Celebrations Committee, organizers of the event, are aiming to surpass that amount in 2025 with a new fundraising goal of $15,000! The Stafford Summer Rec Camp offers a fun and enriching environment for local kids, providing a variety of recreational activities, outdoor fun, and creative programs. Focused on accessibility, the camp ensures families have free transportation, meals, and affordable program costs, while prioritizing positive experiences and quality staffing. Learn more about the Summer Rec Camp program.
Whether you're flying solo or diving in with a team, the Stafford Polar Plunge is open to all! Gather your friends, family, or colleagues, and dive in together for a day filled with fun, laughter, and philanthropy.
Get ready to make a splash, create lasting memories, and support the Stafford Recreation community. The Stafford Polar Plunge is where bravery meets benevolence—we can't wait to see you there!
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Paddy Plunge helps raise money for local programming while bringing community members
together for a fun winter event!
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Beach bonfire and warming stations
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Fun music, silly costumes and cheering crowds!
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Yummy treats and warm beverages
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Fun activities both in & out of the water
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A little competition and A LOT of Camaraderie
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To ensure safety, onsite presence from the Stafford Fire Department and Stafford Ambulance
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All Plunge participants will be required to sign a waiver of liability onsite at the event, if under 18 years old, Parent/Guardian must also sign.
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Staffordville Community Building will be open for changing, warming, and kids' activities.
If severe weather forces a postponement, the Paddy Plunge will be held Sunday, March 2. See the event schedule at the bottom of this page!
How to Participate:
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Polar Bear Plunger ($25): Register for the event and make a $25 donation through your registration. Join the fun and take the plunge for a great cause!
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Penguin Pledger: In addition to the initial registration donation, Penguin Pledgers collect community pledges on behalf of the Summer Rec Camp! By committing to this frosty fundraising effort, you set a fundraising goal that reflects your generosity and enthusiasm, making your pledge both customizable and achievable.
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Frostbite Financier ($100): Your business or organization can make a significant impact on the Stafford Polar Plunge with a generous $100 donation. As a Frostbite Financier, your company will receive prominent recognition while supporting the Stafford Recreation community.
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Too Chicken to Plunge: Want to help make a difference, but prefer to stay dry and warm? No problem! Register as "Too Chicken to Plunge" and be part of the experience from the comfort of dry land with the best view of the action. Cheer on your friends and enjoy the lively atmosphere!
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Donor: Support an individual or team directly, or make a general donation to the cause. Every contribution helps!
SPONSOR
Become a crucial part of the chilling excitement as a Frostbite Financier! Your business can make a lasting impact on the Stafford Polar Plunge by contributing through a generous monetary donation. Your sponsorship will not only directly contributes to the Stafford Summer Recreation Camp program, but will also garner event recognition, through:
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Customized event signage on the beach featuring your logo and/or name.
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Public announcement of your company’s contribution at the event.
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Company logo and/or name display on the Paddy Plunge event website.
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Recognition on @ExploreStaffordCT social media platforms.
DONATE
You're so COOL! Make a general event donation or give your support to the fundraising efforts of a specific individual participant or team! Either way, all contributions directly benefit the Stafford Summer Recreation Camp program.
Be a Paddy Plunge Pledger - making a donation is just a few clicks away!
Pre-Registration
Opens February 1, 2025
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Please register in advance! First, complete the registration form here. Upon submission, a thank you window will pop-up with a Square link for payment. Follow the Square link to process your $25 participation donation.
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Pre-registration closes at 11:45pm on March 28, 2025.
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Day-of signups are accepted, but please consider advance registration to assist with planning.
Event Day Format
To make sure everyone has a smooth and fun experience, participants will take the plunge in heats throughout the afternoon, starting at 1:00pm. Teams will be assigned to each heat based on when they are ready to take the plunge.
12:00pm - 1:00pm - Check-in & Registration
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Check-in/Registration: all participants must check-in on event day. There will be a fast track check-in for pre-registered participants and another for day-of registrations. When you and your team register, you’ll be given an approximate order/time window for your heat. If you have a specific time preference, let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
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All participants must complete their own registration form.
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Participants under 18 years of age MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
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All participants will be required to sign a waiver of liability onsite at the event, if under 18 years old, Parent/Guardian must also sign.
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Individual registrations will be grouped together into one plunge team—unless, of course, you’d prefer the spotlight for a solo plunge!
1:00pm - Plunge Heats Begin
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Opening Ceremony: We’ll kick things off with a warm welcome and a quick review of safety precautions to ensure everyone’s ready for the cold adventure ahead.
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Let the plunges begin! Heats Based on Readiness: Plungers will be called in groups to take the exhilarating plunge into Staffordville Lake. Each group will have their moment in the spotlight to brave the icy waters and make a splash for a great cause.
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Heats Based on Readiness: Teams will be sent out in waves (heats) based on when all team members have arrived and ready. This ensures a steady flow of participants and helps reduce wait times. You’ll be able to enjoy the event and stay cozy until it’s your turn.
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Plungers on Deck: We’ll have a staging area where teams can gather just before their heat. You’ll be called up when it’s time for your team to take the plunge.
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The Plunge: Once your heat is called, gather your courage and dive into the chilly waters of Staffordville Lake for a thrilling experience that supports the youngest members of our community.
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After the Plunge: Once you’ve braved the cold, we’ll have designated areas for you to warm up and celebrate your icy victory. Grab a towel, change into some cozy clothes, and enjoy the festivities.
Throughout the afternoon, we’ll be making special announcements to recognize the “Too Chick to Plunge” participants, our generous sponsors, and the top pledge collectors. We’ll also wrap up with a final count of the total amount raised to benefit the Summer Recreation Camp program.
We can’t wait to see everyone take the plunge—whether you’re going solo or jumping in as a team! If you have any questions about the schedule, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Other areas of note & recommendations:
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Refreshments: Enjoy baked goods prepared by the Stafford Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, available for purchase to support the department. Boy Scouts will also be selling candy bars to raise funds for their Pack. Please have cash on hand to contribute to these worthy causes! Complimentary coffee and hot chocolate will be generously provided by the Events & Celebrations Committee.
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Pledge Forms: If you've gathered pledges, kindly bring your completed forms and collected contributions. The grand totals will be calculated and announced on the beach!
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Attire: Opt for loose clothing that can be easily taken off after your plunge. Remember to bring a warm change of clothes that are quick and easy to put on.
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Footwear: Wear a pair of old shoes, aquatic shoes, etc. You’ll have to walk outside and sometimes wait a moment for others to jump, so please wear a pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Don’t forget to bring a pair of dry shoes to wear afterwards!
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A beach bonfire will provide both ambiance and warmth, along with several patio heaters.
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The Coop: For those registered as "Too Chicken to Plunge," we have a specially designated area that also functions as a front-row cheering section.
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Stay safe and have fun!
While rain is forecasted for later in the afternoon, we do not expect this weather to dampen the event. The schedule remains unchanged!
Thank you for your involvement in the Polar Bear Paddy Plunge, which directly contributes to the Summer Recreation Camp Program. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Our heartfelt appreciation to our event sponsors and partners for their
incredible support of the 2024 Polar Bear Paddy Plunge!
TOOL KITDownloadable Forms
<< Paddy Plunge Pledge Form
Be a "Penguin Pledger" and collect donations to support your commitment to the Summer Rec Camp Program! As you reach and surpass your fundraising goal, you become a true hero of the icy waters, demonstrating the power of collective giving. Your donors can give directly to you online, by check or cash. Use the Paddy Plunge Pledge Sheet to track your progress and donors.
<< Sponsor Information Flyer
Learn more about becoming an event sponsor. Your donation not only directly benefits teh Summer Recreation Camp Program, but will also earn you some pretty COOL event recognition!
<< Release of Liability Waiver
All Plunge participants will be required to sign a waiver of liability onsite at the event, if under 18 years old, Parent/Guardian must also sign. Forms will be provided for you, but here's the draft included with your registration.
THE CAUSE
For over 65 years Stafford’s Summer Recreational Camp has provided safe, high-quality, and engaging programming opportunities for children in our community. The camp is dedicated to fostering creativity, teamwork, nature appreciation, leadership, and, above all, fun. Campers choose from a variety of programming options, generally rooted in timeless camp-themed activities. Athletics, fun and games, swimming, arts & crafts, theme days, and humanities-centered activities are a mainstay. Most recently, the program inspires self-empowerment and the idea that anyone can contribute positively to the world around them – we all are all responsible stewards of camp, school, and town. To ensure all families have access to this community cornerstone, the program operates on a reduced rate system, eliminating barriers typical of a day camp experience. Families pay minimal fees, ranging from $100 to $400 for the entire 6-week session, a fraction of the actual cost per camper, which is approximately $900.
The camp's financial structure involves support from various sources, including an American Rescue Plan Act allocation, local tax dollars, private contributions, and registration fees. This funding covers essential aspects such as the Program Coordinator, Aquatics Director, Assistance Coordinators, Counselors, Lifeguards, Water Safety Instructors, uniforms, activity supplies, transportation, training, cleaning supplies, First Aid materials, water safety equipment, and insurance. Additionally, children benefit from free meals and snacks through the Summer Food Service Program.
The reduced cost system makes summer enrichment accessible to all families and is made possible through ongoing fundraising efforts to sustain the program. In addition to this support, volunteerism has always been an integral piece of the program. Last year, local businesses, emergency services personnel, civic organizations, local farms, students, parents, and caring citizens all joined the effort in supporting this program through donation or volunteerism. You can make a difference too! Your support, such as participating in the Polar Bear Paddy Plunge, directly contributes to the camp's mission, ensuring that Stafford children have access to meaningful summer programming.