Camp Bournedale to commemorate 75th anniversary with weekend-long reunion celebration

Published on Friday, May 04, 2012

One of Massachusetts’ most sought-after overnight camps for boys, Camp Bournedale marks 75 years and two family generations in business with a weekend long celebration, May 5 and 6 at their lifetime location overlooking Plymouth’s Great Herring Pond. Camp alumni from around the country and members of the local community are “welcome home”, the theme of the jam-packed weekend, to join in on festivities by reservation. Activities include boat rides on the lake, tours of the campus, an alumni softball game and more.

This weekend-long event commemorates an impressive milestone and the continuation of a dream fulfilled by original owners Samuel and Anne Gerson, sustained by their son Arnie, to provide a fun, safe and rewarding overnight camp experience. A dedication ceremony of the recently renovated dining hall is also planned, which will honor the original owners with presentations by Plymouth officials and state representative Vincent DeMacedo.

Camp Bournedale, founded in 1937, for boys ages 6 to 16 is renowned for superb athletic facilities and wide variety of top-notch instruction. Bournedale provides a blend of organized activities, instruction and free time with a low ratio of instructors to campers, earning high praise with campers and their families. Activities include a variety of sports, aquatic activities, arts, crafts and rocketry along with a diverse set of day trips that are planned each session. A game room and access to all the athletic courts give the campers a wide variety of entertainment options.

A fixture in the Massachusetts community, the facility has long served the public school communities through their environmental education programs, where classes travel to visit the Bournedale campus for hands-on training in the natural sciences. Offering experiential learning since 1977, Bournedale’s natural environment and professional instructors optimize custom programs serving all types of residential and exploration-based education curriculum.

“It has been a labor of love for all these years” says Arnie Gerson, owner of Camp Bournedale. “I was a teacher and high school counselor myself for seventeen years. After that I’ve enjoyed devoting my career to Camp Bournedale and have thoroughly enjoyed the journey. It is an honor to preserve the vision that my parents have left as their legacy.” Gerson attended Tufts College he served as basketball captain and all New England in baseball. He also earned a master’s degree in guidance from Harvard University.

The camp boasts several courts and athletic fields and a pool along with clean, well-lit cabins for the campers. It includes seven tennis courts, two ball fields, and two outdoor basketball courts, all lighted for night play. Extensive training clinics are held in tennis, golf, soccer, and basketball along with scuba instruction.

Camp Bournedale is also home to the Bournedale Function Facility, the ideal Massachusetts coastal region destination for weddings, corporate outings, business and political events, holiday and private parties and retreats. A unique property, guests can enjoy overnight casual housing for more than 100 people, exclusive use of private waterfront, and the numerous amenities offered by the camp.

Alumni or local residents that are interested in making a reservation for Camp Bournedale’s reunion celebration weekend can contact Arnie Gerson at 508-888-2634. For more information, please visit www.campbournedale.com or follow us on Facebook.


About Camp Bournedale
Camp Bournedale is the premier boy’s summer camp celebrating 75 years as the ultimate camping experience with a commitment to excellence. Founded by Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Gerson, the family-owned tradition continues through their son, Director Arnie Gerson. Accommodating just 140 boys from ages 7 to 16, Camp Bournedale is located on beautiful Great Herring Pond. Summer camp incorporates structured sports, activity programs and free play in a safe, enthusiastic atmosphere. Renowned for superb athletic instruction and facilities, the property boasts seven tennis courts, two ball fields, and two outdoor basketball courts, all lighted for night play. Outstanding training clinics are held in tennis, golf, soccer, and basketball. An exciting water sports program includes swimming tubing, waterskiing, knee boarding, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, giant water trampoline and scuba diving instruction. Facilities include modern cabins staffed by trained counselors. The expansive facilities are also available for destination weddings and functions. Camp Bournedale is located at 110 Valley Road, Plymouth, 508-888-2634. For more information, follow us on Facebook or visit www.campbournedale.com.