Dads' Weekend

Dads' Weekend is one tradition at Becket that sets it apart. Although many camps invite parents to spend a day visiting, few invite dads to completely join the program for a full weekend. Becket dads have been coming to camp with their sons since 1922.

Campers without a dad may have an adult male mentor or family member join them for the weekend. Dads enter their son's world, fully participating in the Becket program, singing camp songs, joining activities and sleeping out in a tent. Dads get to feel like campers and their boys get a chance to share their camp experience.

Most dads note this weekend as the highlight of our program, a shared experience between father and son that is cherished for years to come.

Sunday of Dads' Weekend is Family Day at camp; each camper can show their entire family all that Becket has to offer.

Dads' Association

The Dads' Association, which includes all dads of current Becket campers, helps the camp make improvements in programs and facilities, raises funds for camperships, and sponsors Dads' Weekend. Membership in the Dads' Association is automatic for dads of all current Becket campers, Aides, staff and the Travel and Service Programs. There is no fee for membership and everyone is encouraged to participate.

We encourage dads to become active in the Dads' Association in any way they can. Here are a few examples of how a dad can help camp:

Volunteer Your Time: Many dads volunteer their time over Dads' Weekend and at other times. Becket can always use a few extra hands! Come visit during the summer and share your talents with the community. You can come to our volunteer Work Weekends in the spring and fall, too.

Program Development: An important part of program development is receiving feedback at all times during the year and especially during Dads' Weekend. We strive to achieve a balance between instruction and recreation as well as group development and individual accomplishments. Parents with expertise in education, coaching, the Arts, leadership development, and parenting can volunteer their time and experience assisting in the development of curriculum, serving on guest panels during staff training, or serving as a resource for staff.

Marketing & Promotion: There is an ongoing need to help share the Camp Becket story with new families. Hosting a home visit during the fall for prospective campers and their families, or sharing camp information with friends, is another popular way dads may get involved in the work of the Dads' Association.

Financial Development: The Dads' Association holds pledge drives during Dads' Weekends to support camperships, as well as programming and other needs over and above camp operations. In recent years, the Dads' Association has provided support for a wide range of program activities, including lacrosse, archery, and the sailing program.

Other Ideas: You may have other skills, talents and ideas beyond those noted here. Please share them with the Camp Director and other members of the Dad's Association Executive Committee.