A red fire truck rolled up to Camp Simmons on Friday, July 24, carrying an unexpected passenger: Santa Claus.

Fire Chief Joseph McHugh, who has led the Greenwich Fire Department since 2020, and his firefighters helped Santa hand out candy canes to campers ages 6 to 12 before turning the fire hose on the crowd, drenching kids in a cool-down spray. The visit was part of the camp's "Holidays in July" tradition during Week 5 of its 2026 season, themed "Camp Simmons Traditions."

Camp Simmons, the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich's outdoor summer camp at 744 Lake Avenue, sits on 77 acres of woods, pond, and pool. The camp runs weekly through Friday, August 14.

Once the hose was shut off, campers sang the camp song and gathered to hear from two familiar faces. Kellen Aslansan and Phil Tarantino, both rising juniors on the Greenwich High School football team and Boys & Girls Club alumni, addressed the kids. Don Palmer, the club's vice president of programs and youth development, introduced Tarantino to the group.

The two GHS players also served as "celebrity chefs" at the camp's Friday barbecue, a longstanding tradition where staff and local guests man the grills for hamburger and hot dog lunches.

Athletic Director Mike Gerald stood alongside the alumni and Santa for photos. Cristina Vittoria, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, and Palmer were also on hand.

Camp counselors helped distribute candy canes alongside the firefighters.

Coming up at Camp Simmons: The 2026 season continues through Friday, August 14, with the final week themed "Endless Summer Bash." More information is available at bgcg.org.