Cabin fever hit many families during the recent snow days and while parents dreamt of tropical destinations, many kids yearned for the sunshine and adventure of summer. Especially children who attended Cherokee Day Camp. Swim lessons and splash battles, art projects and nature walks, boating and fishing on the Neshaminy, games, sports and new friends are all part of this Bensalem camp that puts the emphasis on fun. The idyllic Cherokee Day Camp has been a fixture along the Neshaminy Creek for decades, creating happy memories for generations of kids; Alexandra Yiambilis had such a good time that when long-time owner Barry Rich was looking to retire, her parents Nick and Marlinda decided to buy the camp! With Barry agreeing to share his experience in a consulting role, Nick and Marlinda took ownership in 2008, embarking on their own adventure of facility improvements; building upgrades, adding a new pool, renovating the existing one, replacing fencing and even employing unique, humane tactics to ward off geese. "We also interviewed Alexandra," laughed Nick, "and asked her what she liked best and what she would change." Her suggestion of more rainy day activities resulted in two projector rooms and a seven station Wii Lab; great additions during 2009's exceptionally wet summer; a zip line, soccer field, science programs and new climbing wall are on track for the 2010 season. Open to kids from three to 12, Cherokee Day Camp is nearly 10 acres of fields, forest and facilities kept clean and secure so the children can concentrate on fun, fueled by nutritious and delicious lunches and snacks prepared by Marlinda. "We approached everything with the careful eye of parents," explained Nick. "The rubber boats have multi-chambers, everyone wears life jackets, our lifeguards are not only Red Cross trained and certified but most are also certified in Water Safety Instruction, even the location of play structures is carefully designed for safety," said Nick seriously. "Each child becomes part of our family and there are no short cuts." Once happy with the site's facilities, the Yiambilises began honing a program that would entertain, engage and excite their summer guests. "We have a great staff who have really gotten involved with the kids, everyone in the camp has fun!" explained Nick, citing art projects and science adventures, ball games and kite flying, skits and swimming, rock climbing and row boats and a mysterious game called GaGa. Campers are divided by approximate age and each section is supervised by a Senior Counselor, a Junior Counselor and at least one Counselor in Training (CIT). The CIT Program is a opportunity for 'tweens who want to enjoy the program but may feel they are too old for camp; it's a careful blend of light responsibility, extra privileges and status, with a lot of fun snuck in under the adolescent radar. Cherokee Day Camp runs four, six and eight-week sessions, from 9:00am until 4:00pm (before and after care is available), between June 28th and August 20th; transportation is provided for children on the regular schedule and tuition discounts are in place for early birds (April 15th), children under six and siblings. A new website, www.CherokeePA.com, offers a look at a typical day, lists session fees and answers many questions, but the best way to discover the beauty and special attractions of the camp is to attend an Open House (March 20th, April 11th, May 2nd and May 15th, 1:00-4:00pm); visit the facilities, talk with Nick, Marlinda and the rest of the caring crew and let your kids explore. As Nick explains, "Our Open House isn't a sales pitch, it's a party!" For more information, visit www.CherokeePA.com or call the camp office at 215-752-7613.