Dear Friend:

This year, Bayview Glen Day Camp will be celebrating its 50th year in day camping. I am so proud to be part of such an important milestone. Bayview Glen Day Camp has been a leader in children's camping since we began 50 years ago and our goal today is the same as it was then - creating special memories that last a lifetime.

On a recent quest to find pictures and items from the original days, I stumbled across a plaque that was made in the first year of camp. It reads like this:

"Parents are urged to contact us on any matter of special concern and to approach our camp as we do ourselves, in a spirit of healthy inquiry and criticism, but with the complete faith that Bayview Glen is operated with the best interest of every camper in mind and is a truly educational venture. We look forward to an exciting, creative, happy summer."

With this in mind, I would like to welcome our many returning families back to what I know is to be our best summer yet. I also extend a warm welcome to those of you thinking of joining our Bayview Glen Family for the first time.

Each season, we host over 1,000 families from the Greater Toronto Area. While programs have changed over the past 50 years, every child is still assured the same balanced, inclusive, creative and energetic Bayview Glen Day Camp experience.

The 'Whole Child' philosophy at Bayview Glen provides well-rounded, age-appropriate programming for 12-month-olds through our teen staff-in-training. Our counsellors are highly screened, trained professionals who take their jobs as role models, mentors, guardians and friends very seriously.

As for me, I have spent my whole life in camping. I am also a Special Education teacher with the Toronto District School Board and have been so for the past 18 years. In addition, my three children have all been Bayview Glen campers and more recently, my eldest son has joined our staff team. This gives me the unique ability to manage - and keep my finger on the pulse of - our camp.

Please call me personally to learn more about Bayview Glen Day Camp or to arrange a visit to our wonderful campsite in the heart of the city. You'll find a best-in-class facility where your family will develop friendships, make connections and create cherished memories.

I look forward to sharing our 50th camp season in 2012 with your family.

Dara Kahane, Camp Director