Yo!  The calendar may say it’s almost winter, but don’t tell that to the 2012 Jersey Surf.
  Unseasonably warm November temperatures in New Jersey, coupled with a culminating performance of the start of the show’s opening number, made the first camp of the year feel as though we’d been transported to spring! Veteran members enthusiastically welcomed and mentored new students who were getting their first taste of the Jersey Surf experience. A sea of bright yellow soon engulfed the “Vokie” (Camden County Technical School) as Bridgemania gripped attendees, instructors, administrators and parents alike. 
   Five year veteran, Jon Lacy, will be front and center as drum major on the podium this year after having been a baritone soloist and on-field drum major in the past. Jon, a student at University of the Arts, was thrilled by the turnout and commented, “This is the most focused and enthusiastic first camp I've attended. If we keep this momentum going, it's sure to be an incomparable season."
   Rich Caschera, a seven year veteran of the front ensemble, and student at Penn State University, was quoted on the DCI website. Caschera stated, “Build connections and get to know people. As you spend more time with a corps, it becomes a family.”  The family vibe was evident with 5 sets of siblings auditioning, a group of 3 siblings volunteering and our first second-generation member seeking a spot in the color guard!
   During the camp, the percussionists were treated to a very special session with Pat Petrillo who has a long history of drum corps involvement, including a number of years with the Bridgemen. In addition to his drum corps experience, gigs on Broadway and tours with Gloria Gaynor and Patti LaBelle round out Petrillo's resume'. In an often emotional presentation, Mr. Petrillo explained the Bridgemen's  philosophy and how gratifying it is to see those traditions and ideals being carried forward by the Jersey Surf.
   If you haven’t made your mind up about joining Surf, here’s what third year color guard member Allison Richard has to say, “If you're thinking, 'I don't know if I'll be good enough', JUST TRY IT! You will never, ever know what could have been if you don't go for it. What do you have to lose? Nothing. What do you have to gain? The best summer of your life. This activity is all about pushing yourself past the limits you think you have and realizing the amazing things your mind and body can accomplish.”
   And to capture the sentiment of a first timer at Surf, Bryan Wysocki from Chesapeake Beach, MD proclaimed, "The best experience of my life.  But being born was pretty cool too."
   Bridgemania reconvenes at the Camden County Technical School December 16 to 18. Registration starts at 6:30 Friday evening.  If you missed the November camp, you need to be here in December to see what all the HYPE is about. If you were here in November, you know and won't want to miss this!