Happy New Year!

January's arrival means that the holidays are over, and it's back to the grind. Many people dread coming back to work after the new year, but not those of us that work in camping. This is when we really start ramping up for the great summer ahead, despite the fact that some of our own parents still think that working in camps means that we really only work three months out of the year. :) We are busy registering our long-time campers, recruiting new campers, hiring staff, organizing open house events, planning the new additions to camp and getting the facilities in order. The fun is just beginning!

The 2011 field trips are scheduled: session 1 - Brownstone Park, session 2 - Lake Compounce, and session 3- Water Country. Totally awesome trips!!! Don't forget to register by November 30th to pay last summer's rates.

2010 Camper-Staff Reunion

Make sure your calendar is marked for the upcoming reunion. It's going to be a post-Thanksgiving dance on Friday, November 26th from 7-9pm at the West Suburban YMCA in Newton. We can't wait to see you there!

Enjoy Autumn in East Brookfield

Did you realize that we rent out Camp Frank A. Day during the autumn and spring? These are the tranquil months when we share our special camp deep among the pines. We have had universities, other camps, families and drama groups rent camp this year already. They have enjoyed beautiful weather and got to participate in a sampling of the activities we offer.

Now is a great time to be thinking about a venue for your upcoming event. Sorry, our fall calendar is already full, but we are booking spring and autumn events for next summer. Contact us at 617-244-6050 ext.3008.

Early-Bird Prices Extended

We have decided to extend our early-bird rates through the end of November--an additional two months! Register before November 30th and you will pay last summer's rates for next summer's camp sessions. The savings can add up so don't delay! Visit www.campfrankaday.org to register.

2011

After taking a little time off for some R&R after a great summer, we are all back and busy planning for next summer. This week we finalized the 2011 camp brochure. A special thanks to all our highly paid models. OK, so they aren't really models and they weren't really paid, but they do look great! We are also busy working on a new promotional DVD, which will be released toward the end of next month. You will all recognize some familiar faces...maybe even yours!

Good-bye Summer 2010

With Labor Day behind us, the summer has officially come to a close. It's bitter sweet. Although we are all sad to say good-bye to our camp friends and staff, the fact that summer camp only happens in the summer makes us treasure the times that we've had knowing that we all have to wait nine more months to return to our summer home-away-from-home. Campers must return to school. American staff head back to college and our international staff enjoy travelling the US before making the trek home. Thank goodness we have Facebook to keep us connected!

We're Ready!

The last month has been a mad dash to the finish line and we're almost there--to the start of camp! Staff orientation/training week is coming to a close. We have a great group of young men and women dedicated to giving their all to Camp Frank A. Day campers this summer. Although this past week has been full of learning, we've also had some great laughs, too! We are all very anxious for the first day of session 1 tomorrow.

(During the summer, follow us via the Camp Frank A. Day page at www.bunk1.com. We'll be posting pictures and newsletters regularly. Then we'll resume blogging in the fall.)

It's more than a long weekend.

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, it's important to remember that this is more than just the unofficial start of summer and an extra day off of school or work. It's a time to reflect and be thankful for those who have served our country.

Without getting too deep or political, think about the great leaders that have led our country, platoon commanders fighting overseas or veterans that continues to volunteer in times of national disasters. Great leaders are developed and get their foundations somewhere. Many of them got their start at camps, just like Camp Day!

Tell us your story!

Are you ready to scale the Tower?

Our adventure staff and maintenance staff have been working diligently to get the tower ready for the summer. Imagine how accomplished you will feel when you make it to the top of the tower and your cabin mates cheer for you! Maybe you will be able to see Mount Tom!

It's hard to keep a secret

We are very close to finalizing the field trips and entertainers (yes, brand new for 2010) for each session. The staff are SO excited and can hardly keep them a secret. Once the agreements are final, we hope to release the schedule later this month. Stay tuned!

We opened our doors

We want to say thanks to all the families that came out to tour camp and meet Camp Director Leah Zippin and Midget Unit Director Lee Krasnoo. We had over 50 people come see a glimpse of what makes Camp Frank A. Day such a special place deep amongst the pines of Lake Quacumquasit. If you have additional questions, please let us know!

Lows Ropes - High Energy

The low ropes course is now complete. The inspector comes out next week, then it will officially be open for fun. Do you think you could successfully maneuver the Pirate Crossing?

Spring clean-up has begun!

In the last few weeks, the maintenance staff have started opening camp up and preparing for the arrival of campers in about 75 days. They have been busy trimming trees, repairing rooves, mulching trails and preparing the area of the new low ropes course.

What's a Lock-in?

"I heard Camp Frank A. Day has a lock-in planned for Thursday, April 22nd and I want to be a part of it, but I don't know what that is." is a sentence we're hearing a lot. According to Wikipedia, a "lock-in" is when a number of patrons are allowed to stay after the legal closing time. In camp terms, it means that campers and staff are able to come play at the YMCA after everyone else has gone home, eat, play games, stay up really late and spend the night at the Y. It's like a big sleepover with all your camp friends!

Who: Anyone ages 7-15 who wants to have an awesome night
When: 7pm on Thursday, April 22nd - 7am on Friday, April 23rd
Where: West Suburban YMCA in Newton, MA
How: It's only $45 (and the proceeds will be used to purchase new equipment for camp this summer). To register, please call 617-244-6050 ext.3008 or register online at www.campfrankaday.org.

Rain, Rain Go Away!

April showers bring May flowers. Oh wait, it's only March! Hopefully, this rain will bring some beautiful flowers to Camp Day this spring (and summer).

SOAR!

In recent weeks a new pair of bald eagles have settled high above the trees on the lake. They are such magnificent creatures! Hopefully, you will get an opportunity to see them when you're at camp.

I hope this melts by June!

Thanks to the Weireter family for submitting this beautiful photo. Feel free to email your great Camp Frank A. Day photos from any season to us! We will post them for everyone to enjoy.

Golf, Anyone?

This year campers can enjoy the fun of camp and the sophisticated sport of golf thanks to our expanded partnership with Blackstone National Golf Club in Sutton, MA. Campers can learn the fundamentals of golf, including driving, putting, chipping and pitching. This program is specifically designed for junior and senior campers. Space is limited so pre-registration is required. Visit our website for details!

No Horsing Around Here

Our new horseback riding program is about fun! It's perfect for campers wanting to learn or enhance their English riding skills will learn horse safety, leading, grooming, horse anatomy, tack, feeding and stable management. This offsite program will be led by the very talented staff at Fairview Farms in Brimfield, MA. The horseback riding program is two activity periods long so campers, depending on their unit, may not have the option to select other camptivities but will have the option to participate in other activities each afternoon. This program is specifically designed for juniors and seniors. Space is limited so pre-registration is required. Visit our website for more details!