Archive: Around Town

Fox has American Idol.  Relay For Life has Ithaca Idol.  And not to be outdone, the Lansing Recreation Department has Day Camp Idol.  But Day Camp Idol had its own twist: Simon was... could it be??!!... nice!  "The three judges will say only positive things about the singers, even Simon," said camp director Sue Frahm.  "The campers and the counselors are going to vote.  Trophies will be awarded to the winners and runners-up, and everyone who competes will get a certificate."

Day Camp Idol was the culminating activity, but only one of many in a fun filled two week camp session.  When the word got out that Frahm was returning to run the camp, all three sessions sold out quickly.  "We actually took several phone calls asking if that was a misprint," says Lansing Recreation Director Steve Colt.  "When people heard that it wasn't and that she was returning, it sold out within a couple of weeks.  The staff is extremely strong, and anyone who is lucky enough to get into the day camp this year is going to have a great time."


Frahm is assisted this summer by six counselors including assistant director Ryan Seavey, Brian Hotchkiss, Chris Mallinson, Cat Stickle, Dannielle Frahm, and Lizzie Lindberg.  "They're all 20 and older," she says.  "They all have camp experience, and I can't say enough about them.  They know what to do and they are high energy."

High energy is a requirement, because with about 47 kids in each session, the schedule is packed.  Last week started with an art activity on Monday.  Tuesday was a fossil dig at Portland Point.  Wednesday was 'Wheels Day,' when kids brought bikes, scooters, and roller blades, and learned about bike safety from an Ithaca College officer.  Library stalwart Susan Rosenkoetter comes every Wednesday to read stories, and Thursday the whole group was off to Yaman Beach.  Friday was typically packed with tennis at Lansing High School, a game of Wolf on the nature trails, and a swim at the High School pool before Day Camp Idol began at 1pm.


Before Wednesday's Idol practice session Frahm wasn't sure what to expect, and she was impressed at how many campers were brave enough to perform.  But she was adamant that it would be a gentler Idol than the Fox version, encouraging and nurturing.  "I told them this morning, you have to be prepared -- not everyone can win," she said.  "It's for fun.  I've asked the parents to not come, because that just takes things to a whole 'nother level.  It makes kids nervous.  I just want this to be us.  We've been a family for two weeks.  Now I just want this to be a nice activity."


When the big day came on Friday she got her wish.  Campers were supportive, clapping hands along with songs, and cheering contestants as they performed on a picnic table stage.  Judges Randy (Andy Frahm), Paula (Marilyn Farmer), and Simon (Josh Disbro) each had a good word to say about every performance, be it an a cappella solo, or a fully orchestrated performance (singing along with a CD).  Some performers dressed up, including one in a striking pink wig.  And a good time was had by all.


Frahm directed the day camp for five years until 2003.  A retired Lansing second grade teacher, she moved near Buffalo where her husband is a school superintendent.  But the couple's roots are in Lansing, and Colt was pleased to tell the Town Board Wednesday that she and much of her staff will return next year.  "Here I am, and I'm delighted to be back," she says.  "It feels like coming home."

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