Interview by Kelly Postiglione. Photos provided by Shana Koransky.
On Friday, June 6, 2025, BAKyard Jams will bring families together at Crawford Park in Rye Brook, NY for a night of live music, food, and community—all to benefit SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education). Founded by local mom Shana Koransky in honor of her late parents, Bob and Karen Frankel, the event is more than just a summer kickoff—it’s a celebration of joy, purpose, and giving back. Read our interview with Shana below to learn what inspired her to create BAKyard Jams, how it honors her family’s legacy, and why supporting access to camp is a cause close to her heart.
What is BAKyard Jams, and what can people expect at this year’s event?
BAKyard Jams is a concert for a cause! It’s an evening of live music, having fun, and enjoying good food and drinks while giving back. All proceeds benefit SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education), a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit funder of overnight summer camp and college scholarships, creating pathways to potential through Camp, Classroom, College, and Career for children and teens from under-resourced communities who commit to staying in school.
You can expect an incredible lineup of local talent, a laid-back but high-energy vibe, dancing, lawn games, and an all-around good time!
Can you describe the vibe of the event? Can kids come?
The vibe is like your favorite backyard party but elevated. It’s relaxed, inclusive, and feels like the unofficial kickoff to summer. Think live music, dancing, positive community energy, and a whole lot of joy while also giving back. It’s the kind of party where you leave feeling better than when you arrived. And kids are absolutely welcome!
What inspired you to create BAKyard Jams, and how does it honor your parents, Bob and Karen Frankel?
BAKyard Jams was born out of love and loss. After losing both of my parents, I realized I had two choices: sit in the pain or turn it into purpose. I pulled together my first fundraiser in just six weeks, and the response was incredible. That experience inspired me to keep going and grow it even bigger. This is year three and the first time we are doing it as a music festival.
My parents were kind, generous, full of life; they loved entertaining and bringing people together, which is exactly what these events are about. The name “BAKyard” comes from their initials (Bob And Karen), and the whole event is a tribute to the joy and connection they brought to the world. Music was always a part of our lives, and it’s something that helps me feel connected to them even now.
Why did you choose to support SCOPE through BAKyard Jams? Can you briefly share the mission and why camp access is such a meaningful cause?
I went to sleepaway camp for 11 summers and it changed my life. Camp gave me confidence, lifelong friendships, independence, and a place where I could just be me. SCOPE’s mission is to give that same opportunity to all children, without the financial cost being on their family.
Camp is about more than just fun—it’s about growth, support, and building future leaders. Every child deserves to feel that sense of belonging and magic that camp brings. Through BAKyard Jams, it’s amazing to know we’re helping make that happen for children who wouldn’t otherwise have these opportunities, THIS SUMMER.
How can people buy tickets, and what’s the best way to support if they can’t attend in person?
Tickets are available at BAKyardJams.com. If you can’t attend, you can still support by donating through this same website link, donating items to the raffle, or becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities end on Monday, June 2nd. Every dollar goes toward sending kids to camp!
What’s your personal goal for this year’s event—what would make it a success in your eyes?
My goals keep evolving, which is the best kind of challenge to have! On the night of, if I can look out at the crowd and see people dancing, laughing, connecting, and learning about SCOPE, I’ll walk away knowing BAKyard Jams was a huge success!
Originally, I wanted to create a night that brought people together while giving back. My goal was to cover all event costs through sponsorships so that every dollar from ticket sales and raffles could go directly to SCOPE. Once we hit that, the next goal was to raise $10,000, and I’m truly blown away because we have now quadrupled that! I am so grateful and excited to see what more we can achieve.
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