Day Jams Camp in Newton Closes its Doors, Files for Bankruptcy

Updated 7/11, 10:45 a.m.

A "rock music day camp" with a location in Newton abruptly closed its doors this week and has plans to file for bankruptcy. 

Day Jams, which was open to musicians ages 8-15, was scheduled to start its Newton camp this week at the  (Upper School), according to its website.

However, when navigating to the Day Jams homepage, the page redirects to a message from the camp that says the program is "ceasing its business operations" and all sessions are canceled. 

The message reads as follows:

It is with deep regret that the management of National Music Workshop, LLC d/b/a “DayJams” (the “Company” or “DayJams”) announces that the Company is ceasing its business operations effective as of today, and that all camp sessions are cancelled. DayJams will soon file for relief under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in order to carry out an orderly winding-down and liquidation of its business.

Recent economic conditions have made it impossible for DayJams to remain in business. During the past several years, the Company has seen a dramatic decrease in student enrollment, and increased costs of operation. Faced with growing operating losses, DayJams management has diligently attempted to save the Company through a merger or other business combination, as well as by securing additional operating capital through borrowing and third party investment. Unfortunately, however, none of these efforts has been successful, and management is left with no alternative but to immediately and permanently discontinue operations.

Upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition, you will receive an official notice from the Bankruptcy Court, which will include the contact information for a U.S. Trustee who will assume responsibility for liquidating the Company’s assets. DayJams management asks that you direct any inquiries to the designated U.S. Trustee.

A similar message is left on the answering machine of the Day Jams main phone line. 

Information on refunds for those who signed up for the camp was not made clear on the website or in the phone message. 

West Newton resident Sherri Sonia told Newton Patch this week that her and her family were "very disappointed" there was no early warning that the camp was going to close. Her 13-year-old son, who attended last year, was excited to head back to to the camp and signed up during early registration.

Sonia said she is not sure if the camp will refund the tuition payment, which was more than $500 for one week. 

Day Jams had 15 locations nationwide, including camps in Manhattan, Baltimore, San Diego and Los Angeles. The camp featured programs where students joined rock bands, wrote songs and performed live in front of their peers. 

An email from Day Jams San Diego, which was forwarded to Newton Patch from reader Joe Toz, camp officials clarify that the Southern California Day Jams camps have different owners, and the bankruptcy does not affect those campuses. 

Newton Patch left a phone message for the camp on Monday, July 9, and has not yet heard back. As of Tuesday, the camp's voicemail box was full. 

Did you have plans to attend this camp? Were you surprised to find it closed its doors this week? Email Melanie.Graham@patch.com.