In 1953, 71 years ago, Chuck West began Bristow Day Camp, and it has been held every year since its inception with the exception of 4 years, from 2020 through 2023, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pool’s closing in need of repair. Thankful to be back after the 4-year-long day camp drought, current camp organizers Vicki Groom and Lindsey Mayberry chose a befitting slogan: “Better than ever, now that we’re back together!”
If camp organizers’ excited smiles are a welcome sight to behold, the broad smiles, twinkling eyes, and delightful squeals of local children outdo them. All involved look forward to fishing, horseback riding, archery, arts and crafts, cooking, needlecraft, recreational sports, swimming, and the specially planned activities and events that await the campers’ arrival.
As for those campers, Groom notes they have signed up in record numbers, and they expect record attendance this year. Children aged 5 to 12 may attend Bristow Day Camp, and they will be supervised and mentored by camp helpers and counselors. Groom notes that 45 camp counselors and helpers will attend the camp this year.
As for enrollment particulars, there is no deadline to sign up campers as they may sign up at any time throughout the camp. Camp pricing runs $70 in total for all 3 weeks of camp or $30 per week for those opting to pay by the week, which includes the price of accident insurance for all children during their daily camp attendance. Camp runs Mondays through Fridays, June 10 through June 28. Each day of camp begins with 2 hours of activities followed by an hour of swimming instruction—instruction that many have noted has undoubtedly saved countless lives.
Campers are required to wear swimwear and sandals or shoes and may wear shorts and t-shirts over swimwear; however, campers are requested not to bring additional clothing or accessories as they may be lost or damaged.
Camp begins each morning at 9 a.m., and campers may be dropped off at that time at the Bristow Public Works building, which is the old National Guard Armory. Campers may be picked up each day at noon at the swimming pool; although some might remember the campers meeting at the VFW in the last decade. Groom noted the location proved to be a logistical hardship for young campers and expressed her utmost appreciation for Mayor Kris Wyatt and Public Works Director Troy Davidson for ensuring the camp could once again utilize the old armory.
Indeed, the old armory… parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents often fondly recall their own days at Bristow Day Camp in decades past, when campers met at the Quonset huts before later moving to the armory. Many can even recall riding horses at the rodeo grounds. Of course, back then, the rodeo grounds stood where the tennis courts stand now, and who could forget the bamboo fishing rods? Oh, the joyous memories of Bristow Day Camp.
In fact, those very memories and tradition drove Groom and Mayberry in their endeavors to bring back the camp this year and drive them to keep it going every summer for the foreseeable future. Of her hopes for the camp, Groom said “I want a really fun, safe time for the kids, where they can make lifelong memories, learning to swim and enjoying outdoor activities.”
Finally, Bristow Public Schools’ Nutrition Program will serve free breakfast and lunches to children aged 1 to 18 each day at several locations around the community. Campers may receive breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. each day at the park adjacent to the public works building on its west side and lunch at noon in the parking lot area to the west of the swimming pool. Parents and caregivers must transport their children for breakfast and lunch.