Trust. That word defined the summer of 2025 for camp events and for Degy’s work in this market. Sure, there are always the staple events we know will deliver the ‘perfect’ night for campers, and entertainers who can reliably wow a crowd. But this year was different.
The best events didn’t just entertain for a night. We saw experiences that left campers buzzing for days, sharing stories in letters and emails to family, on visiting days, and all the way back from camp. This didn’t happen by accident. It happened because camps trusted that a calculated risk would be worth the reward. And this summer they were. But don’t just take my word for it; it’s the directors, assistant directors, camp owners, and programmers who shared it themselves.
Some camps have a history of jaw-dropping surprises, and Timber Lake Camp is one of them. Years ago, Degy helped pull off one of the most memorable camp moments in history by arranging surprise visits from Alex Rodriguez during his remarkable comeback season with the Yankees. In a single day, A-Rod touched down by helicopter at both Timber Lake and Tyler Hill Camp, leaving campers in awe as they met one of baseball’s biggest superstars.
Fast forward to this summer, and Timber Lake once again set the standard for surprises. With Degy’s help, campers were treated to an unannounced appearance by viral sensation The Rizzler alongside A.J & Big Justice, together known across TikTok and Instagram as The Boom Guys or The Costco Guys. Together they had the crowd singing along to “We Bring the Boom” before A.J revealed that Marathon 2025 had officially begun at TLC, launching the camp into full celebration mode.
These appearances aren’t easy to negotiate and are often even more difficult to execute. But Degy and the team at TLC have formed a foundational relationship around that word, Trust which has elevated the experience to leave their campers with lifetime memories.
Another act that truly defined the summer was Free Daps. Their mix of freestyle comedy, improv, and interactive performance make them more than just entertainers.
Free Daps has built their reputation performing for Disney Springs in Orlando, on cruise ships, and at sports, military bases, and family festival events around the world. They had already appeared at many summer camps in previous years, but 2025 was their true breakout.
Camps had the Trust in me to use them in new and creative ways that elevated the camp experience. Whether they were breaking color war in unforgettable fashion or turning camper ideas into jaw-dropping rhymes in an evening performance, Free Daps left campers and staff amazed, laughing, and talking about the show long after it ended.
Camp leaders and programmers could not stop raving about Free Daps this summer in their post-event emails…
● “They were great! LOVE LOVED LOVED them… Kept the audience so engaged and on their toes.” – Melissa Katz, Frogbridge Day Camp
● “Free Daps were awesome! This is the second time we used them and this time it was for our four teams LindenCup (Olympics). Each rapper represented a team and used the campers’ ideas to battle against each other. The kids and counselors LOVED it.” – Lewis Gardner, Camp Lindenmere
● “Free Daps was a big hit. We have had lots of entertainment for our director's birthday over the years and the general consensus is that this was the best! Eight-year-old campers, teens, boys, girls, staff… really, everyone enjoyed the show. To top it off, Isaac, Jordan, and Heath were so lovely and kind. Thanks for setting us up with a great event.”– Kate Monge, Camp Micah
● “Free Daps was an absolute hit at our camp! Their improv rap show had campers ages 7 to 15, and the staff, laughing, cheering, and totally amazed by their talent. It was one of those performances everyone is still talking about. Clever, hilarious, and so much fun.”– Nikki Islander Webber, Camp Mataponi
● “They were terrific! We were all so impressed by their skill. They brought great energy and helped create a very special start to color war. We look forward to having them back next summer.” – Ashley Baker Reckess, Camps Equinunk & Blue Ridge
Free Daps proved that trust in new talent pays off, becoming one of the most talked-about camp acts of 2025.
Headphone Disco, the original creators of the silent disco concept in Scotland, have become a staple in camp programming across the United States. They continued their dominance with campers this summer, expanding ways that programmers could use the technology.
What started as a revolutionary headphone-driven event now goes beyond the dance floor. Today, camps use our rented headsets all summer long for silent movie nights, silent fitness events, campfire singalongs, and more.
But the real magic comes with Degy’s turnkey Headphone Disco parties, led by trained DJs who spin multiple live channels at once so campers can choose their own soundtrack. From “Hot To Go” to “Party in the U.S.A.,” the gym floors shook all summer as campers belted out different anthems in perfect chaos.
At Camp Mataponi, Director Nikki Islander Webber summed it up best, “Our campers, ages 7 to 15, absolutely loved the silent headphone event! It was such a fun and unique experience. Everyone was dancing, singing, and having the best time together. It quickly became one of the highlights of the summer.”
The magic of Headphone Disco lies in its versatility—and the way it makes campers feel connected, no matter the soundtrack.
Live, in person entertainers are more in demand than ever for creating standout camp experiences. As we look toward summer 2026 and beyond, the opportunity for camps to work together on programming is only growing. Block booking remains the best way for camps, big and small, to bring in top acts while staying on budget.
You may have already seen Degy’s block booking alerts, which highlight when an act will be nearby. And “nearby” does not always mean next door. That’s in the eyes of the agent, and you get a Sophie that wants to make dates work for your camp in the best situation possible. If a performer is within 200 miles, the cost savings on travel can make all the difference, avoiding early morning flights or expensive cross-country travel. Collaboration between camps is proving to be one of the most powerful ways I can help our partners stretch programming dollars further.
Degy’s special projects team is also rolling out brand-new event concepts each month. Summer 2026 will feature experiences such as:
● Ms. Savannah Bell's Southern Stomp is a country line dancing activity designed to bring campers together on the dance floor.
● The Ultimate Toss Tour is a national cornhole tournament and fan experience created in partnership with the American Cornhole League.
● Our interactive paint and sip event Mission: Masterpiece is already hitting canvases nationwide and proving to be a huge success.
● Drone shows, food activations, and more are on the horizon.
Summer of 2025 was one to remember. From stories around the bonfire to talent shows, paint and foam parties, disco nights, improv rappers, color wars, and friendships that will last a lifetime, camps across the country created memories that will live on for years.
THANK YOU to all the camps who continue to Trust in Degy Entertainment for your programming needs. Trust us, there are even bigger memories to make for next year’s campers.
To bring Degy’s artist, interactive experiences, high-profile celebrities, and more to your camp and start planning for summer 2026, reach out to me directly:
Sophie Low
Booking Agent, Degy Entertainment
Email: sophie@degy.com
Phone: 732-818-9600
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