Over the last four decades, Summer Trails in Somers has evolved to add new programming, maintain the facility and stay on top of the changing needs. The camp was established in June, 1974 and although it turns 40 years next year, camp directors are celebrating all summer long.
The week of July 22 is the full week of 40th anniversary celebrations. Each day will be something unique and special – from a combination of old fashioned camp fun, such as Wacky Watermelon Day complete with a seed spitting contest, as well as a new color dance party. The color dance party is similar to a Color Run when participants will get tie dyed with paint while they dance.
Additionally, there will be special 40th anniversary t-shirts for all campers and staff so that everyone can participate regardless of which weeks they are enrolled at camp this season.
The celebration week will culminate on July 26 with a "super long and delicious ice cream sundae," according to Camp Director Jamie Sirkin.
"We are anticipating that it will be longer than 80 feet," she said. "We have invited alumni to help us create the sundae and to stay to play that afternoon."
The camp was originally established by three couples who looked to continue to impact lives of children during their summer vacations from school. Decades later Summer Trials has grown to accommodate campers age 3 through 14. In 2006, Sirkin and her husband Dave, along with Andrea and Scott Ralls, took over as directors and owners of Summer Trails.
"I consider myself a camp lifer," said Sirkin, who is living her dream after deciding at age 10 that she wanted to one day become a camp director. "I have been to camp almost every summer of my life since I was three years old. I truly believe in the physical, social and emotional benefits of going to camp."
Patch caught up with Sirkin to learn more about the camp.
Patch: What is the most rewarding part/most challenging?
Sirkin: Similar to parenting, the most challenging part is that campers and parents continue to change. It’s our job to evolve to meet new needs, stay current on new trends all while also holding true to the values of our camp program.
The most rewarding part is having the opportunity to watch children grow up and mature into adults many of whom decide to return to camp as staff members. We are proud to partner with parents to develop this generation of youth and find it extremely rewarding to hear them reflect on their positive camp experiences and memories.
Patch: What makes it different from other camps in the area?
Sirkin: First, our enrollment flexibility. Campers can attend 3, 4 or 5 days a week from 4-8 weeks in length. We also have a 2-week program and half day program for pre-school and entering Kindergarten aged campers. This allows campers to chose different program lengths each summer as their family schedules change while always participating in Summer Trails as their summer home.
Second, our amazing staff – 50 percent are over the age of 21, 85 percent return from one year to the next and 1/3 are one time Summer Trails Campers. Our staff’s interest and dedication in children, ability to create fun, develop friendships, design opportunities for ongoing learning, and facilitate a nurturing environment is unparalleled.
Third, we have developed a variety of specialized programming to continue to engage campers. For example, our EDGE program is an after camp tutorial program. Additionally, three years ago we developed The Clinics at Summer Trails which is several one week after camp specialty programs including basketball, baseball, lacrosse, cheerleading, and hip hop. This program is available for a small fee to non-Summer Trails campers and is a free option for enrolled families.
Additionally, we offer a one week sleep away opportunity at Southwoods.
Patch: What is new this year?
Sirkin: We have added USTA Quick Start Tennis to the program. New Special Events include Newspaper Fashion Show, Foam Pit Day and the Color Dance. We also have a bunch of traditional favorites like Carnival Day, Banner Day and an annual performance by Beth & Scott and Friends among many other activities to look forward to.
Patch: What does the camp feature?
Sirkin: Summer Trails is 20 private acres including two heated swimming pools, athletic courts/fields, archery range, miniature golf course, climbing wall, creative arts programs and wildlife filled lake.
Our daily program is 10 thirty minute activities made up of an Red Cross Instructional Swim and free swim daily as well as exposure to some sports, some crafts and some good old fashioned fun each day. In addition to our Traditional Camp program we also have a specialized Baseball Program which is headed up by Texas Ranger Drafted, Joe Grillo (he was the Byram Hills Varsity Baseball Coach for over a decade).
The Summer Trails Baseball Camp Program is for children ages 8-13 and for the true Baseball enthusiast! Our program is designed to meet the needs of each child at their skill level and to foster their passion to become a better athlete. We continue to create new opportunities for our campers to engage in sport, have fun with friends, expand their limits, learn about sportsmanship, and experience camp to its fullest.
Our primary goal is to help each camper achieve their fullest potential by learning correct techniques from experienced coaches who know how to make the game fun. Highlights include world series tournaments, a trip to the Renegades and visits from professional players. Yankee Catcher Chris Stewart is scheduled to appear this summer.
For more information, email info@summertrailsdaycamp.com, visit www.summertrailsdaycamp.com or call 914 245 1776.
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