Catch the Summer Buzz with FSS

  • Published
  • By 66th Force Support Squadron
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  A new program called Summer Buzz will kick-off with an Expo June 19.

Summer Buzz is an interactive program designed to encourage Hanscom team members to get out, have fun and explore the local area and New England this summer. FSS has developed a "bucket-list" of more than 90 activities that engage all ages and rewards those who participate with a chance to win prizes valued at up to $700.

Everyone gets out, explores and has fun with friends and family during the summer. Summer Buzz makes deciding what to do that much easier and even more rewarding.

The Summer Buzz Expo will feature vendors from the base and community, kids' activities and a chance to get Summer Buzz gear. Sport your Summer Buzz water bottle, shirt, tote bag or button at any Summer Buzz event to win gift certificates and prizes.

"We pulled together a multi-disciplinary team from FSS and the Air Base Group that brainstormed and researched activities and then created the 'bucket-lists' of things to do. Folks can check out Summer Buzz activity ideas on our new webpage instead of trying to shift through all the information provided in a Google search that doesn't really tell you what real people know and think about the activity." said Russell Jackson, 66th Force Support Squadron community program coordinator. "For example, the families' 'bucket list' category includes destinations such as Storyland and Canobie Lake Park. Get-aways range from the Cape and Islands to Burlington, Vt. and the 21-plus activities contains pub crawls and activities geared toward young folks."

Each category will include nine specific suggestions.

In conjunction with the Expo June 19, FSS will launch the Summer Buzz website as the focal point of information and participation for the program. The program allows participants to create an account, or a virtual passport, where they will upload and display pictures from activities they have done.

"Because passports will be shared on a public website, users can choose to use a nickname to be anonymous" said Carolyn McCafferty, 66th Force Support Squadron operations officer. "The passport and brief description allows Summer Buzz participants to share their experiences with our community. We will also provide a 'blog-like' update to keep experiences relevant and provide additional insight and excitement throughout the summer."

To win prizes, participants need to create their accounts and post to their Passports.

"Folks who sign-up for a passport will be provided with Summer Buzz Gear," says McCafferty. "Then they go out, have fun and upload photos. After as few as three activities are posted to their Passport, they will be entered into a drawing for prizes to stay free at Fourth Cliff. More pictures can lead to a night at a luxury hotel in Boston or a resort in New Hampshire."

Rules and details include:

1. Participants must get their gear when signing up for the Summer Buzz Passport at the Expo or online.
2. Take a picture that includes Summer Buzz Gear to ensure adventures are authentic. For example, a photo of the beach sandcastle with a Summer Buzz water bottle or share a photo of friends wearing Summer Buzz apparel at the entrance to a museum.
3. Participants then submit their picture to passport via mobile device or website by certain dates to win prizes ranging in value from $200 to $700.

Summer Buzz continues after the kick-off Expo with "Whip it up, Wednesday" starting July 10 where participants can check out the special deals, grab a bite for lunch and win prizes.

"We're taking this program out to the base and community," said Jackson. "The FSS Summer Buzz vehicle will be at a different location every Wednesday during lunch to give away more freebies and prizes and provide attendees with FSS program options, such as learning to ride a Segway and getting a free putting lesson from our PGA golf pro."

Jackson explained the bus or truck may be sighted at Lincoln Labs, the clinic or near the 1600 series buildings. More information will be available when the webpage is launched.

In addition to the activities in the bucket-list categories, there will be four "Hayes Dayz" that folks can take advantage of.

"Summer Buzz is more than just a resource of fun activities," said Vic Hayes, 66th Force Support Squadron director. "FSS will host four events this summer to physically bring our community together to complement the Summer Buzz virtual network."

The four activities include a 21-plus tailgate party at a Patriots pre-season game at Gillette Stadium and a local Walden Pond Family day where families picnic and learn to Kayak from outdoor recreation.

FSS wants everyone to catch the Summer Buzz. Look for more information over the next few weeks at www.HanscomServices.com.