Boston Parent 2022 Summer Camp Guide

2022 EDITION

Day Camps • Sports Camps • Enrichment Programs • Camps for Special Needs

CounselorIn-Training Programs

75+ Camp Listings

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Northeast Camp Guide 2022

Contents 6

13 Questions to Ask

When Starting Your Camp Search

10 Types of Camps to Choose From 12 Summer Campers

Environmentalists of Tomorrow

14 5 Life Lessons Learned at Camp

16 Decisions. Decisions. Decisions The Worst Decision is No Decision

18 Should They Stay Or Should They Go? Day Camp or Overnight Camp

30 Camping Unplugged

Escaping from the Techno-centric World of Today

31 Lean On Me

A Summer Camp that Helps with Grief

34 15 Steps to Day Camp Success 37 Benefits of Special Needs Summer Camps 40 CIT Programs to the Rescue

A great way for teens to continue their summer camp experience.

42 Summer Camp Listings

20 Secrets from a Camp Pro Why building positive relationships with camp leaders is a great idea!

26 Medications at Camp What Parents Should Know

28 New to Overnight?

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6 Tips to Prepare First Time Overnight Campers

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13 Questions to Ask

When Starting Your Camp Search

S

ELECTION A CAMP FOR YOUR CHILD CAN BE EXCITING. You know that camp is the right choice. But now you need to figure out which camp is the right choice. The following is a list of questions designed to help you steer your search:

1

Is the camp Accredited by the American Camp Association? What other regulations or licenses does the camp follow?

2

What kind of training does the staff receive on safety, supervision, mental health awareness, problem solving, and other areas pertinent to working with children?

3

What is the most important thing for families to know about your program?

4

Is the price all-inclusive, or are there extra charges for uniforms, specialty programs, transportation, tee shirts, trips, etc.? continued >>>

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13 Questions continued

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Is transportation available and what are the specifics?

How does your camp handle special diet or physical needs?

In what way may I communicate with my child while they are at camp? With the staff?

Are there family visiting days?

Can you provide references that I may contact?

What is unique about your

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If looking at a day camp: Is before/after camp care available? If so, who cares for the children, and what activities are offered? Is there an additional cost?

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Are meals provided? At what cost?

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How and where to I drop off or pick up my camper?

camp?

For more information about camp including helpful tips on finding the right camp, contact the American Camp Association New England or visit www.acanewengland.org.

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Which Type of Camp

Would Best Suit the Needs and Interests of Your Child?

T

he opportunities that summer camp provides are endless: the ability to try new things, the chance to make new friends, and the prospect of gaining independence are just a few.

Consider the possibilities:

DAY CAMPS typically serve children ages 3-15. Session lengths typically vary from one to eight weeks. Some camps offer up to ten weeks of programming. Before camp and after camp programs are offered for an additional fee at some day camps.

OVERNIGHT (also referred to as Resident or Sleepaway) Camps usually serve children ages 6-18. Campers stay at camp for one to eight weeks, depending on the camp’s session length.

GENERAL CAMPS offer a broad range of activities. Many provide campers with the opportunity to focus on one or a few areas while encouraging them to try a variety of others. It is sometimes possible to explore an activity or interest in depth within the context of the whole program.

TRIP & TRAVEL CAMPS involve outdoor exploration through active sports like biking, hiking, climbing and canoeing. Campers spend most of their time traveling and preparing to travel.

SPECIALTY CAMPS are based in day or resident settings. Popular options for specialization may include horseback riding, the arts, sports, computers, or travel. Programming revolves around intensive exposure to the specialty area.

CAMPS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS serve specific clientele like children or adults with particular medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs. Some camps focus on campers who share very specific diagnoses, while others are geared to meet a broader array of needs at any one time.

RELIGIOUSLY-AFFILIATED CAMPS offer religious education formally and informally.

Review materials carefully for explanations of how religion influences a camp’s culture to find one with the balance that best matches your family’s own values and beliefs.

FAMILY CAMP SESSIONS include family members of all ages from grandparents to infants.

Accommodations vary, as do program options and session length. The focus is on being together as a family—to learn, to relax, and to enjoy new experiences and adventures. 

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Summer at Tobin: Natick

LEADERS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Our summer programs are designed for families looking for a fun, safe, reliable, nurturing place for their children to spend the summer. Choose Session 1 (July), Session 2 (August), or both sessions for full summer coverage. Rest assured that your child is enrolled in a program that offers engaging activities and has been designed to meet the needs of busy working families. Summer at Tobin offers peace of mind and consistency. Children will enjoy fun and engaging activities both inside our air conditioned building and outside on our large playspaces, as well as special visitors and field trips for our older group.

Choose the program that fits your needs: • Summer at Tobin: for children entering 1st through 5th grade • Summer at Tobin Jr.: for childrenentering Junior Kindergarten or Kindergarten Find out more at www.tobinafterschool.org/learning/summer-at-tobin/ Joe Dumas, Program Director • 508-650-1561 • JDumas@thetobinschool.org

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Summer Campers

Environmentalists of Tomorrow

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ampers are the future stewards of the environment, and the grass is looking greener. According to a study conducted in 2015 by the national organization of the American Camp Association, Nature/ Environmental Education programs as well as Gardening programs make up 31% of new programs being added to camps based on interests of campers.

Camps in New England have been providing an ideal setting for creating environmental awareness in children for over 150 years! Living closely with the Earth while at camp, campers 12

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learn to appreciate and care for the world around them. They experience it as members of an ecosystem, which allows them to understand and appreciate biodiversity on a personal level. Camp gives children the opportunity to explore how their choices have an impact on other animals and on the Earth. It often sparks interests that can become lifelong hobbies, lifestyles, and careers – environmental and earth sciences, gardening, farming, oceanography, geology, and so much more.

Whether located in a field or forest, on an island or a school campus, a park or a dedicated

woodland reserve, camp program offerings maximize the use of the site where the camp is located. Experiential learning at camp happens naturally when camp leadership implement common-sense and sound practices in their programs. Training counselors to instruct kayakers not to pick the water lilies as they paddle around the pond or lake; hikers on an overnight trek return with more trash than they took with then; organic gardens planted for educational purposes are done so in locations where they can be left for the rest of the year.

These experiences in the natural world are transformational – so much so that campers return home with real world knowledge of environmental awareness and a focus on reducing their negative impact on the environment. They return home with an enhanced appreciation of the outdoors and their role in the ecosystem. Children who attend summer camp go on to have a greater appreciation for natural parks and wildlife preserves for the rest of their lives – many will even go on to pursue interests in the environment or the sciences in college, the workplace, the community, and their families.

While you’ll find varying degrees of environmental expertise and focus from camp to camp, summer camps today are building on the proud tradition of providing children with opportunities to experience and enjoy nature and the environment in ways that will sustain our collective future. Though one can’t know if the namesake of the next national park will credit their experience to summer camping, we are positive they won’t mention NOT interacting with nature and the environment.

Provided by the American Camp Association, New England

2022 Session Dates:

2020 Session Dates:

2 Week Sessions June28 26 – July July 9, 2022 June 11, 2020 July 12 10 – July – July July23, 25,2022 2020 July 26 24 –– August July August6,8,2022 2020 4 Week Sessions June 26 – July 23, 2022 July 10 – August 6, 2022 6 Week Sessions June 26 – August 6, 2022

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5 Life Lessons L

Learned at Camp

ife lessons. These are moments where the lightbulb goes off over child’s head. They understand the concept of two plus two.

They see something they can’t un-see or learn something they’ll never forget. Over the last 150plus years, camp has provided opportunities for children and adults to discover or further develop many life lessons. Here are just a few.

I can do that!

Confidence! Camp thrives on self-efficacy in young people. Enjoying success in a healthy manner and learning to overcome obstacles or even failure are hallmarks of a camp experience. For both campers and staff, camp allows young people to feel proud when things go well and encourages resilience when they don’t.

It’s all about relationships.

Take a risk

Life doesn’t exist in a vacuum and no one can do this alone.

Just like a classroom, children have opportunities at camp to share experiences with peers, develop friendships, and learn the ups and downs of getting along with others. By the nature of co-existing in the same space and enjoying similar experiences, camp encourages children to develop and maintain skills necessary to relationship building.

One way to build confidence is to try something new. Camp is rife with safe, healthy opportunities for children to take a chance. This could mean climbing a 30-foot wall, trying out for the camp production of Peter Pan, riding a horse, or trying broccoli for the first time.

At camp, young people learn how to take risks and learn from their outcomes.

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It’s a great big world out there.

When a child goes to camp, they interact with peers and adults from places they might have never seen or even heard of. Campers might hear a new song or accent. They may meet someone from another state or country, and sometimes they run into people from home who become lifelong friends at camp.

Camp is an opportunity to both try new things and meet new people.

Not all learning happens in a classroom.

Last but certainly not least, campers discover that school does not have a monopoly on learning. Campers develop new skills, learn about their own passions and interests, and are exposed to ideas and experiences that don’t normally sneak into a formal classroom. Without knowing it, campers are learning every day by simply getting out and going to camp.

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Decisions. Decisions Decisions.

The Worst Decision is No Decision

D

ecisions can be scary.

Without certainly knowing an outcome, people make choices every day. Some work out, and others provide unforeseen results. Both contribute to developing a healthy process for making decisions. By doing, people learn how it feels to make decisions and how they overcome internal and external factors that impede or help the process.

However, decision-making is not a naturally easy process for many. And for children, decisions can be even scarier. After years of making decisions, most adults naturally find their process.

However, where can children find more opportunities to independently and collaboratively make decisions safely? Camp.

Do I Stay or Do I Go? It starts with the decision about camp. By including them in the process, campers feel empowered and learn how to consider multiple factors in coming to a decision. A camper

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may have a friend at camp and want to go or a parent might want their child to have a similar experience they did as a kid. Both are valid reasons to go to camp, but there are other factors to consider before giving the green light. When the process is done together, parents and children are both honing their decisionmaking tools.

What do I wear? What do I eat? What do I do?

Every summer, campers throughout New England will address these questions independent of their parents for the first time. A camper may be used to school only. Parents might decide an outfit, the cafeteria decides what’s on the menu and, and teachers generally decide the daily lessons. Camp can offer choices for children that they’re not used normally facing.

At sleepaway camp, campers might have more leeway in what they wear. Day camps might allow campers to select their

own activities each day, and for some campers, simply deciding between two food choices can be a first. Campers won’t make these decisions in a vacuum.

However, by allowing campers to make even the smallest decision on their own, camp builds confidence in the camper’s decisionmaking abilities and provides learning opportunities for those choices that don’t pan out. All this is done in the safe, friendly confines of camp.

From the decision to go to camp, to trying new activities, and all the other choices involved, camp is a natural environment that fosters decision-making capabilities. Even for many adults, decisions can be hard. Anxiety is real and fear of making the wrong decision can paralyze. But camps can help this. Camps provide children an opportunity to make decisions in a safe, healthy environment daily.

Just like getting to Carnegie Hall, better decision-making takes time and practice. Both found in abundance at camp.

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Should They Stay

or Should They Go? Day Camp or Overnight Camp.

D

eciding between day camp or residential there is no clear, linear checklist to determine (overnight) camp is one piece of the decision whether day or overnight camp is right for your for families. Camp is an experience and not child, the questions listed here can help guide limited to a singular location. that conversation: Campers can develop the • What is the primary reason for These questions can help same skills, both hard and begin a dialogue with your wanting to go to camp? soft, whether they’re sleeping family about which camp away from home or returning • Has your child ever spent experience is the best fit to their own beds each night. for you. The choice of day multiple nights sleeping away While there are differences versus residential camp is from home? between day and residential one important aspect of the camps, above all else, the most • What’s your budget for camp? overall decision. But even important outcome of this then, make sure you follow decision is finding the right fit • Can your child bath and dress up with those potential for your camper and family. camps. Talk to directors. Ask themselves independently?

This begins with knowing for tours. Ask for references. your camper. Many overnight • How far away from home do Do your due diligence. In camps begin taking campers the end both you and the you want your child’s camp between ages 7-9 years old. camp want this summer experience to be?

However, some children may to be the first of many and be ready at 6 and some others • What activities are important to the beginning of a great may not be ready at 10. While relationship. your camper’s experience?

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Secrets From a Camp Pro

Why building positive relationships with camp leaders is a great idea!

I

’M GOING TO LET YOU IN ON A LITTLE SECRET: Camp directors and staff just may be the biggest allies that parents and guardians will ever meet! There’s so much about educating and caring for children of all ages in the unique setting of a summer camp that naturally fosters a special partnership between families and the camps they choose for their children.

The Basics This close bond is readily apparent when parents visit camp, especially parents of established campers who have several summers under their belts. What you see is a lot of hugging, thanking and celebrating: • hugging because adults grow close after years of working together to help raise a child; • thanking because camp people are truly grateful to have the trust of families and because families are equally grateful for what camps provide; and • celebrating because camp is finally happening –and camp is a special, unique and fun part of each child’s life.

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Camps frequently succeed in inspiring campers to accomplish what families and schools can’t or don’t. It happens because camps offer problem-solving, collaboration and support through campers’ growing pains that are inevitable in the journey through childhood and adolescence. For families, having this kind of an ally is invaluable, especially in today’s world where it sometimes seems like there’s more judgment and criticism of parents than ever before.

It’s well worth it to establish and cultivate relationships with your child’s camp. But, what’s the best way to go about that – with a day or overnight camp – when the entire point is for a child to be independent at camp for a certain period of time? What’s the appropriate role for families to play?

The whole point of camp is to provide children with a safe and fun learning opportunity that they can navigate by themselves and with the guidance of camp personnel. However, this cannot happen without mutual trust and respect or a fundamental understanding between the adults at home and the adults at camp. Campers often

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don’t realize that parents and guardians have an enormous responsibility in setting children up for success before they go to camp, while they’re there and after they return home. Trust me, camp professionals realize this!

Camps have an equally vast responsibility to communicate clearly with families as they function in loco parentis, which is Latin for “in the place of a parent.” The reality is that while camps are functioning in the place of parents, they are reinforcing many family values and lessons while also mentoring, teaching and helping children grow in amazing new ways that

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complement what home and school environments provide.

Parents and guardians definitely need to forge their own separate relationship with the camp while they let the child’s experience unfold independently. This can get a little tricky; and it’s not uncommon for well-meaning moms and dads to interfere. By “interfere,” I mean by stepping on the toes of either the child or the camp people – or worse, both!

Forging a successful adult relationship with a camp is not unlike initiating and nurturing other important, healthy relationships in your personal and professional life. It involves: • communicating clearly and honestly; • listening carefully, striving to understand and accept; • spending time together when needed; • taking appropriate risks; and appreciating what’s possible with collaboration and mutual trust and respect.

Don’t worry! It’s easier than it may seem. My point is that it’s worth it to coordinate efforts on the team of adults helping your child to grow up. How much time and energy you invest will vary depending on how much time your child will attend camp this summer and in future summers.

If you are choosing a one-time, one-week gig,

you may not invest the same kind of time in the relationship as the parent of an 8-year-old who is likely to attend overnight camp all summer long for the next eight summers or the preschool-aged day camper who will return summer after summer for a decade or so.

Pointers for Partnering with a New Camp You know quite a bit about this camp – enough to entrust the care and education of your child for a certain number of weeks. Focus on why you chose it. Think about the things you really like.

As an insider now and a member of the camp community, expect to take an active role in the day camp drop-off, pay attention to their suggespartnership. tions. Camps are great at breaking down large projects to a manageable size for their campers, The camp will likely send you many mesand they do it well for camp families, too. Camps sages about what’s next. They are probably excel at being prepared and ready for what’s next. ramping up for camp in some fun ways, and Don’t wait until the last minute to get ready for they’ll invite you to join the excitement via social camp. Follow the camp’s lead. media, their website or an open house. Read and respond to what they send! This will help you The camp will request a lot of information better understand the camp and their way of from you. They are not trying to torture doing things. Whether they are counting down you! In fact, they spend tremendous time the number of days until camp or explaining the and energy in the off -season culling through nuances of traffic patterns or bus logistics for survey results and streamlining their systems to

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minimize what they have to request from families.

Two pieces of paperwork to return promptly are health forms and camper questionnaires, which you should complete thoroughly and honestly.

If you don’t share important details about your child, the camp cannot serve their new camper properly.

3

Remember that camps have their own ways of doing things. Sometimes parents try to treat a camp like a sitter and dictate schedules and procedures. Camps are in the position to meet children’s needs – but they often cannot do things exactly as families do at home. This, by the way, can be an excellent learning opportunity for children to realize that other adults can respond to their needs but may do so differently from their parents and teachers.

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You may be invited to attend an event for parents/guardians of first-time campers. If so, participate! Or you may receive a welcoming phone call. You’ll likely receive a parent handbook of some sort (or a link to it). Read and refer to it; learn everything you can ahead of time.

5

Learn what systems are set up for communicating with the camp. Every camp has preferences for the critical communicating that needs to happen before, during and after camp. There’s a lot of parent communication – incoming and outgoing. Familiarize yourself with the camp’s practices and procedures so none come as a surprise during the course of solving a problem. For instance, it’s not good to hear for the first time that the camp discourages or doesn’t allow camper phone calls at the very moment you try to call your camper! Due to schedules and staff availability, some camps might request that parents phone camp administrators or staff at certain times of the day. Following their requests saves everyone a lot of time.

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Communication is the cornerstone of a successful relationship with your child’s camp.

Camps have to be extremely intentional about communication with families and strive to streamline and simplify what they request and what they share. Keeping an honest and open exchange of communication is key for developing a relationship that works for you, your child and the camp. Camp staff appreciate it when parents share strategies that work for the child at school and at home, and camp professionals, in turn, may provide insights and suggestions that can revolutionize a child’s school year. ■ Provided by the American Camp Association, New England.

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Medications at Camp What Parents Should Know

By Jim Castrataro

M

ANY PARENTS STRUGGLE WITH THE QUESTION OF WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN’S MEDICATIONS, specifically ADD and ADHD medications, during the summer months. Although I am not a doctor or medical expert, I can give you my perspective as a camp director and some simple steps to take to ensure your child has a fun-filled camp experience.

First, speak with the camp director to clarify the daily schedule and possibly identify the counselor who will be in direct contact with your child.

Although many full-time camp directors have plenty of experience with children with ADD and ADHD, the camp counselor may only be 18 or 19 years old and sometimes even struggling with the same issues your 8- to 10-year-old may be having.

This is not to say your child is not safe, but the level of experience can vary greatly from counselor to counselor.

Next, take into account the duration of the camp. Is it just a three- or four-day camp or a multi-week overnight camp? To put this in perspective, think about how long you worked with teachers, doctors and consultants to properly diagnose, work through issues and begin to process and create a workable solution for your child.

The relatively short amount of time a counselor is in contact with campers makes it not only difficult for the counselors to learn the group’s dynamics, but individual issues, as well.

After speaking with the camp director there is still yet another level of expertise you can go to. By law, each camp in the state of Massachusetts must have a health care consultant on staff to help the camp directors manage the many physical forms and immunization documents. Although the health care consultant may not have immediate knowledge of your particular situation during your first call, he or she is there to help manage the medications and implement protocols. Furthermore, by HIPAA Privacy Act guidelines, the camp counselor will most likely not be aware of any of the medical 26

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issues of your child unless authorized by you, the parent or guardian. This granting of permission can be achieved through the health care consultant, and it is important that you are comfortable and in full knowledge of the camp’s written plan for your child.

From my perspective, parents of children with ADD and ADHD sometimes feel the physical activity offered in a summer camp setting may allow them to be a little more lenient with medications that reduce hyperactivity. I urge all parents to also understand the timespan and experience of those in direct contact is significantly reduced and it is important to look at both sides of the equation while implementing the appropriate plan of action.

Jim Castrataro is the director of summer programs at Babson College.

His experience spans 20 years directing and consulting a variety of camp programs for thousands of children and young adults ranging from 5 to 18 years of age.

Important organizational chart for camps in Massachusetts that parents should be aware of:

1. Camp director/owner 2. Health care consultant 3. On-sight medical personnel 4. Camp counselor in direct contact with your child

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By Bud Copeland Director of Membership & Engagement, American Camp Association, New England

W

hether your family has a long tradition of summer camp or this is the first camper from your clan, once you’ve made the decision to send your child to camp, the real work begins. Directors in our membership have shared thoughts on first-time, overnight campers, and below are 6 tips for preparing those campers.

TRY SLEEPOVERS. Some first-time campers

have never slept away from home before.

While camp is a great place for young people to adjust to being away from home and family, it’s not the best place to begin the experiment. Slumber parties, going to a relative’s house for the weekend, or spending the night at a friend’s house, are all good practice for dealing with that unfamiliar feeling prior to night one at camp.

INVOLVE THE CAMPER IN THE PROCESS.

From the first conversation about camp, it is a family affair. Including the camper in these preparations and decisions lays the foundation for a positive camp experience. Finding camps, taking tours,

talking to directors, planning communication, packing, etc. and anything the family can involve the camper with, they should. The more a camper feels ownership over this experience, the better. “Buying in” isn’t always the easiest for first-timers, so start early, keep them involved and informed, and empower them throughout the process.

SET AND MANAGE EXPECTATIONS. It’s easy to tell campers everything is going to be fine, and they are going to love camp. Odds are, you’re telling the truth. However, experience teaches us that love for camp often comes over time. Campers may experience homesickness, anxiety, or other unfamiliar feelings for the first time at camp. It’s important to talk about these feelings, communicate how normal they are, and brainstorm strategies to cope and continue having fun.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY. Camps have policies

and procedures for communication during the summer. Some camps allow phone calls, some print e-mails for the campers, and almost all still encourage snail mail. Learn camp’s policies regarding

camper communication and review them with your camper. Set realistic expectations for if, when, and how they can share the fun their having at camp. Also, prewrite a few letters and send them ahead of time for your camper. Hearing their name at mail call is one of camp’s thrills!

BE HONEST WITH CAMP. Prior to camp, parents

should communicate any and all pertinent information that could influence their child’s summer. Whether it’s family dynamics at home, new developments at school, or recent health changes, sharing this information openly and honestly with your camp sets up all parties for success. Things such as bedwetting, new medications, or having a camper whose sister who’s going away to college after the summer, can all be useful in helping camps prepare for your child.

GO DO SOMETHING (THE PARENTS).You’ve done

EDGE SCIENCE

™

on

due diligence finding a camp. You’ve packed, practiced and rehearsed arrival day, and the time has come to drop off your camper. Once at camp, don’t stick around too long. When you depart, the magic of camp truly begins. Take this time and enjoy it. That could mean reading a book you’ve been putting off, getting together with other parents who are summer empty-nesters, or doing any number of things that the joy of parenting forces you to delay. Remember that your child is off making new friends and facing new challenges in a safe environment. It’s time to step back and both have some fun.

• summer STEM programs •

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Provided by the American Camp Association, New England, a 501 (c) 3 organization that serves families and camps as the hub for “all things summer camp” in New England. For help finding a camp or for additional camp information and resources in CT, MA, ME, NH, RI & VT, visit www.acanewengland.org or call (781) 541-6080.

Summer fun for campers 3 to 15 years old

• Traditional Day Camp • Leader in Training (LIT) • Counselor in Training (CIT)

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(Long Before MTV)

E

By Bud Copeland Director of Membership & Engagement, American Camp Association, New England

scaping from the techno-centric world of today is difficult.

We wake up and log on the same way previous generations grabbed the paper from the driveway. The internet and mobile devices ensure we stay updated on the latest trends, news, and which friend just had a baby. In this time of likes, shares, downloads and clicks, camp endures as an opportunity to make genuine, human connections. At camp, one rediscovers the fun in playing outdoors, learns more about personal strengths, and over time, finds their own voice.

However, this doesn’t just apply to campers. Staff too find camp a pleasant escape from their ever-buzzing world. Many will post farewell messages on their walls, “Heading off to camp. See you in August. Send cards and cookies to…”.

That cellphone goes into a locker and comes out once in a while at night or on a day off to let mom and dad know you’re okay.

Being unplugged allows today’s young adults, both campers and staff, to focus on developing 21st Century Skills that aren’t always the focus in school. The sheer nature of taking away the technology safety net of Google or Siri, forces campers and staff

to get back to basics. Camp generously provides opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It emphasizes face-to-face communication and helps foster creativity and innovation in both structured and unstructured environments such as the challenge/ropes course or socializing in the bunk.

If you scroll through the newsfeed on Google or the Associated Press, it won’t be long before you see an article referencing how artificial intelligence will change the future. This is nothing new. But while technology updates, the core of innovation remains the same; creativity, problem-solving, communication and teamwork. And since Frederick Gunn’s first 10-day trek from Washington, CT to Welch Point in Milford, camping has remained one constant we can rely upon to foster these skills.

STAFF TOO FIND CAMP A PLEASANT ESCAPE FROM THEIR EVER-BUZZING WORLD.

Provided by the American Camp Association, New England, a 501 (c) 3 organization that serves families and camps as the hub for “all things summer camp” in New England. For help finding a camp or for additional camp information and resources in CT, MA, ME, NH, RI & VT, visit www.acanewengland.org or call (781) 541-6080.

SUMMER AT CMCB FIVE WEEKS OF MUSIC MAKING OFFERED IN-PERSON OR ONLINE!

JUNE 27 AUGUST 19

D A Y S

half &

full

A G E S

6+

Registration opens late April Visit cmcb.org for more info! lessons and classes for all ages in... piano, ukulele, guitar, & strings musical theatre, visual art, drama, & dance orchestra, chamber groups ...and more!

June 28-July 28: 28 5-week private lesson and group class sessions for ages 4-adult

FA SUMMER 2022

Falmouth Academy | falmouthacademy.org/summer 508-457-9696 | 7 Highfield Dr. Falmouth, MA 02540

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July 5-July 29: *BRAND NEW!* 4-week day program Full and Half-Day Options Available

Lean On Me A Summer Camp that Helps with Grief

By Cathy Spear

W

HEN A YOUNG GIRL’S PARENT DIES, HER CHILDHOOD IS FOREVER ALTERED. Huge challenges lie ahead of her as she confronts a life that is suddenly very different from what it used to be Circle Camps for Grieving Children opened its first program, Circle of Tapawingo, in southwestern Maine in 2002 to help young girls feel less alone in their grief. This summer, the organization is planning to serve almost 300 girls at its camps in Maine, New Hampshire, West Virginia and California.

Each camp offers six days of traditional overnight camp activities, including swimming, canoeing, ropes courses, basketball, arts and crafts, archery, dance and talent shows. Campers live together in cabins and share in all of the summertime fun that make overnight camp experiences meaningful. Campers return year after year, so they can experience Circle as an ongoing piece of their childhood.

Throughout the week, grief activities are woven into the schedule. On the second day, under the guidance of a licensed professional, each bunk comes together for “Circle Time.” This time offers the girls a chance to share memories of their deceased parents with their cabin-mates.

Craft projects allow girls to memorialize their parents. Other grief activities encourage girls to think about the changes that have occurred in their lives and to address the many feelings that arise; and coping strategies are offered.

Late in the week, there is an evening campfire that focuses gently on the theme of endings.

A service held on the final morning of camp is especially meaningful as all campers and counselors place a personally inscribed rock in a memory garden. And throughout the week, there are spontaneous conversations – in the cabins, on walks down to the lake, during rest hour – that help campers feel supported and connected to each other.

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When older campers look back on their time at Circle, they talk about “making friendships that will last a lifetime” and “finally being with other girls who get it.”

Despite the challenges that may confront campers in their lives, the days at Circle Camps are typically filled with smiles and laughter. Circle offers its campers a time to really play – and to play hard! The dining room is filled with sounds of songs and cheers that lift spirits and remind us all of the potential for fun in childhood summers.

When older campers look back on their time at Circle, they talk about “making friendships that will last a lifetime” and “finally being with other girls who get it.”

Circle of Tapawingo not only offers a Camper Program for girls ages 9 to12 and a Teen Program for girls ages 13 to 14, but graduates may apply to a Counselor-In- Training program that provides them with the opportunity to work with younger campers, as well as to participate in their own

Camp programs for children with type 1 diabetes. Programs offer fun, recreation, diabetes education, and support.

• Clara Barton Camp for girls • Adventure Programs • Family Programs • Camp Joslin for boys • Year-round Programs • Day Camps The Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc. 30 Ennis Road, P.O. Box 356, North Oxford, MA 01537 508-987-2056 | www.bartoncenter.org

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activities that encourage more sharing and exploration of their grief.

And last year’s newest program for alumnae, CircleSummit, was a five-day, outdoor leadership experience that included hiking in the White Mountains. The participants glowed with pride when they talked about stretching their limits and summiting Mt. Washington.

Circle Camps aim to reach out to more girls for whom life has not always been easy. All the programs are entirely free to campers, and transportation is provided from central points. To inquire about the camp or to register a prospective camper, please contact Cathy Spear at cathyspear@ circlecamps.org.

Cathy Spear, LICSW, is director of camper services

EXPLORING NEW WORLDS Come & Explore with us this summer

maplewoodyearround.com 508-238-2387 or 508-238-6758

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15 STEPS

to Day Camp Success

By Denise Morrison Yearian

SUMMER DAY CAMP IS A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN CAN STRETCH THEIR MINDS, exercise their bodies and develop new friendships and interests. So how do you help your child make the most of this day camp experience? Follow these 15 steps to success.

1

Find the right program.

“Day camps offer a variety of options that include everything from concentration in one activity to a variety of traditional camp experiences,” says Jacki Walsh, a camp director.

“Talk with your child and consider what he wants.

Would he enjoy an assortment of activities or does he want to focus on just one skill, such as science, theater or art?”

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2

Consider program length.

“How long and often your child should participate will depend largely upon your schedule and his developmental level,” says Cheryl Spath, director of youth services at an athletic club. “Day camps range from several hours to a full day and can run from one week to an entire summer. A lot of programs, however, are offered on a one-week basis so parents can choose the weeks they want their child to attend.”

3

Consider camp location.

“If you need a camp because both parents work, it would be convenient to find one in the path to your job,” says Judy Connelly, a private school day camp director. “But if your child has a specific interest and there isn’t a program along the way, it may be worth driving a few extra miles to get what you’re looking for.”

4

Request information.

Once you have found a potential camp, request more information. Ask about the counselors’ training, experience, how they are selected and if background checks are performed. What is the camp-to-counselor ratio? If your child has health concerns, can they accommodate conditions such as asthma or allergies? Are they willing to dispense medicine?

5

Find out about the facility.

Is there enough space indoors for the children to play during inclement weather? Are outdoor equipment and grounds wellmaintained? Are the children’s swimming skills tested before they enter the water? Is the staff trained in lifesaving and present during all water activities?

6

Ask how the program is structured.

Find out how the children are divided up—same age or similar grades? What activities will they be doing? How long will each activity run?

7

8

Fill out forms.

Sometime during pre-registration, you will be asked to fill out medical and emergency contact forms. “Parents often fill out medical forms but omit important information, such as tetanus dates,” Walsh says. “Another area of concern is in listing those who may pick up their child. It’s not unusual for parents to write down names but forget to include themselves, and that can present a problem. Take your time when filling out these forms so we can do our part to keep your child safe.” Equally important is to share other concerns, such as if your family is going through a divorce or has experienced a recent death, as this may affect your child’s personality or temperament.

9

Read camp policies.

Before camp begins, read over the policies and procedures with your child so you both know what to expect. In recent years, many organizations have developed strict policies regarding technology and other valuable items. “This is to protect the children and their property; we can’t be responsible for things that are lost or stolen,” says Walsh. “If restricted items are brought in, we ask kids to put them away and send a note home reminding parents they are not allowed.”

10

Label all items with your child’s name.

Use a permanent marker or a name stamp specifically for fabric.

Consider cost.

“Find out exactly what’s included,” says Connelly. “Camps often have a base price but charge extra for special activities, food and before- and after-care. Materials may be additional, too. Also check on the refund policy. If there is an illness or family emergency, can you transfer weeks?”

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11

Supervise appropriate attire.

Remind your child to dress for comfort, safety and appropriate temperatures.

“Avoid dark-colored jeans and t-shirts on a hot, sunny day, as well as clothing with strings attached as it may get caught on play equipment,” says Spath. “Shoes can be a challenge too. Most camps have at least one physical activity, so leave the crocks, sandals and flip flops at home and send your child in tennis shoes.”

12

Pack water.

Each night before your child goes to camp, place one plastic water bottle in the freezer and one in the refrigerator. The next day send both bottles to camp. The refrigerated one can be used in the morning and the frozen one will melt and provide cool refreshment in the afternoon heat. “Spray bottles are a great idea, too, as are frozen washcloths and sponges; they keep the face, neck and body cool in the hot sun,” says Connelly.

13

Apply sunscreen.

Before leaving for camp, apply sunscreen to your child’s skin and send along the tube for later reapplication. Avoid

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tanning lotions with little or no SPF, or sunscreens that contain glitter as it can reflect light and cause sunburn. If your child will be outside most of the day, send along a hat or visor for extra protection.

14

Apply bug spray as needed.

If your child is venturing into the natural environment, protect against mosquitos and ticks and follow up with a tick check when he comes home.

15

Keep lines of communication open.

Talk with your child about camp before it even starts. Reassure her of the positive experience she will have. At the end of each camp day, find a block of time to listen as your child shares her adventures.

“It’s really important to validate what your kids do,” says Walsh. “Ask what his favorite part of the day was and share in his excitement. Remind him to be safe, follow the rules, be friendly and have fun. If he does all this, he will have a great time.”

Denise Morrison Yearian is a former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

By Denise Morrison Yearian

A

T AGE 6, KIM KELLY PAID HER FIRST VISIT TO A SPECIAL NEEDS RESIDENTIAL CAMP. It was an experience she and her family will never forget.

Up to this point, Kim had lived a pretty sheltered life, her mother Ruth Kelly explains.

“Because she has a hearing loss and an orthopedic problem, it was natural for me to want to hold her close.” By bringing Kim to camp, her mother realized two things: “My daughter needed to learn to do things on

her own, and I needed to let go a little.” For the Kellys, it was a positive experience.

There’s a host of benefits children derive from attending camp, but for kids with special needs, those benefits are amplified, says Amy Van Huss, administrator and director of Club Kodiak (a program for young adults) at Camp Kodiak in Ontario, Canada, a therapeutic, residential summer camp for children and teens with and without diagnoses like Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder and Asperger Syndrome. “ Our goal is to provide all the fun of a traditional camp, but in a safe, supported setting,” Van Huss says.

“Campers with special needs typically thrive in a structured, predictable environment with as few changes in schedule as possible.”

Heidi Haldeen, summer program specialist for an Easter Seals Camp, agrees. “At a special needs camp, kids have the same opportunities they have at traditional camps. The only difference is the activities are modified

according to the campers’ needs. This gives them a chance to shine.”

That’s what 9-yearold Tiffany Wells found as a camper. During the school year, Tiffany, who has cerebral palsy and asthma, played on a softball team and in a community bowling league; but because none of the children she played with were disabled, the competition wasn’t always equal.

“Attending a special needs camp allowed Tiffany to compete on more even ground because all the other kids were playing with some kind of disabil-

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ity,” reports her mother Linda Wells. The result?

“Tiffany saw that she could actually win and come out on top.”

According to Van Huss, “Camp Kodiak is a place where you are accepted and supported, and where you have the chance to grow. We offer as many different activities as we possibly can, everything from sailing to high ropes to waterskiing to the theater arts, with the hopes that they will find an activity they can continue at home.

Seeing the growth in a camper socially, academically and functionally, as well as the growth in confidence – from the time they arrive at camp to the time they board the bus or climb into their parent’s car to go home – is truly amazing.”

Such was the case with Kim. When she first attended camp, she was afraid of the water.

“She cried just getting her face wet,” her mother says, but “by summer’s end, she was jumping in the deep end and had received her first American Red Cross swimming certificate.”

While some parents and caregivers choose a summer camp for their children’s fun and recreation, others use it to continue education and therapy goals, and teach life skills. This is accomplished one step at a time. “It may mean being 10 minutes late for breakfast so Timmy can learn to tie his shoes by himself,” says Haldeen.

Developing new skills isn’t the only

thing kids glean at a special needs camp.

They learn about friendships, too. Last year when Tiffany went to camp, there was a girl in her cabin with a more severe case of cerebral palsy than Tiffany. Because Tiffany had spent her whole life with people helping her, she naturally wanted a chance to help others. “When we went to the dance, I got to push my new friend around in her chair,” says Tiffany. “I also got to help her eat.”

Van Huss notes, “Many of our campers have trouble making friends and maintaining friendships in their home environments.

Just knowing there are other kids out there, just like them, is comforting. With our focus

on social skill-building and with our specialized staff helping to guide social interactions, many of our campers leave having made lifelong friendships.”

When camp is over, what do the children take with them? For some, new skills. For others, new friends. And for many more, simply a fond memory of having had a break from their routine at home.

“Our campers look forward to returning year after year,” says Haldeen. “For many, we are their summer vacation. The minute they drive away, they are making plans to return next year.”

Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

Inclusion Camps Camps designed for specific needs offer very specialized care, but some families make inclusion their goal, preferring a traditional camp that caters to all children. Before enrolling your children in a camp, visit the facility and make sure it meets your expectations and needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind before choosing a traditional camp or special needs camp: • Is the camp accredited by the American Camping Association (www.acacamps.org) or the National Camp Association (www.summercamp.org)? Does it meet the organization’s standards for kids with special needs, including facility and staffing requirements?

• What training and experience do the directors and counselors have in working with kids with needs similar to your child’s?

• Ask for the names of families whose children have attended the camp who might be willing to discuss their experiences with you.

• What is the ratio of counselors to campers? For children with severe disabilities, the ratio should be at least one counselor for every three campers. What are the camp’s health and safety procedures? Who is the health care consultant? What emergency arrangements been made with a local hospital?

• Can I visit the camp to see the program firsthand? Do they have sessions year-round? If it’s a regular camp, are special efforts or programs in place to integrate a child with special needs? Is it accessible for children with limited mobility?

• What about the camp’s registration fee? Keep in mind that expense and quality may not go hand-inhand because many specialized camps charge only a fraction of actual costs. Find out if scholarships are available.

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CARDIGAN

SUMMER SESSION

THE PERFECT BALANCE OF ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT AND SUMMERTIME FUN FOR GIRLS AND BOYS AGES 8-15!

JOIN US FROM JULY 2 TO JULY 30!

• Meet, learn from, and make lifelong friends with students from around the world.

• Attend in-person classes each morning with a low 3:1 student:teacher ratio.

• Choose from a wide range of subjects including creative writing, computer coding, ceramics, forensics, wilderness survival, SSAT Prep, and more.

• Explore our 525-acre lakeside campus each afternoon while you pursue a passion, try something new, or simply enjoy the outdoors.

• Guided activities include mountain biking, hiking, paddle boarding, tennis, model rocketry, drama, and more.

CARDIGAN MOUNTAIN SCHOOL • CANAAN, NH • (603)523.3526 • WWW.CARDIGAN.ORG/SUMMER

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Too Young for a Job? Too Old for Camp?

CIT Programs to the Rescue!

Y

OUR TEEN IS TOO YOUNG TO GET A SUMMER JOB AT A LOCAL RETAIL STORE, yet she considers herself too mature to spend the summer frolicking in the pool, playing games and making crafts. With a roll of the eyes, she has declared, quite to your dismay, that she’s too old to attend camp this summer You, on the other hand, have a different idea. Summer camp still seems very much a worthwhile venture considering the alternative – just hanging out all day.

There is a solution to this dilemma: Young teens can participate in a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. CIT programs offer a perfect happy medium for those kids who feel they’ve “outgrown” summer camp but aren’t yet old enough for employment. And, for many kids, they offer a chance to extend the summer camp experience a few more years.

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What Are CIT Programs?

CIT programs are for young teens who are serious about assuming some of the responsibility and effort it takes to work with younger children in a camp setting. There are usually a limited number of openings, and some camps only consider teens who have been “campers” in previous years.

CIT programs are intended to train teens to become future counselors, leaders and mentors.

There are a variety of responsibilities given to these trainees, and the scope of their duties can vary enormously from camp to camp. Some of their assigned tasks might include organizing and planning activities, leading teams in various projects, helping out with camp maintenance, assisting counselors with office work and assisting at various athletic activities.

At most camps, CITs are usually still

CIT programs are intended to train teens to become future counselors, leaders and mentors. There are a variety of responsibilities given to these trainees, and the scope of their duties can vary enormously from camp to camp. considered “campers,” but they assume more responsibilities. Most teens in CIT programs are still considered minors, and, therefore, are not paid. CITs usually pay a camper’s fee, but their fee is often reduced. The teens are expected to split their time between working as a CIT and being a camper. CITs at day camps are usually 14 to 16 years old. Resident camps (overnight camps) generally expect applicants to be 16 or 17, because teens cannot become a senior counselor at an overnight camp until they reach 18. In some of these instances, the CITs are paid a stipend or given tips.

years. Therefore, it is important to call the camp you have in mind to discuss their guidelines prior to applying. Camps are looking for teens who are excited about becoming mentors to younger kids.

So it’s imperative that your teen lists experiences in this area, such as babysitting, tutoring or community service that might involve children, such as reading to youngsters at a local library.

Teens should also list skills or sports they are good at on the application. For instance, if a teen has lots of experience with tennis, a camp director might foresee using the applicant as an assistant coach in a tennis program.

Benefits for Teens

Finding the Right Fit

Teens who participate in CIT programs reap many benefits. They gain confidence in themselves and their special abilities and talents. Most camp directors expect that CITs will learn leadership skills, develop responsibility and competency, acquire a strong work ethic, gain decision-making skills and learn to be part of a team working toward a common goal. Teens also learn the value of being a positive role model and mentor for younger kids. These programs serve as a release from the academic pressures teens are faced with during the school year, yet they still provide an excellent learning experience.

The completion of a CIT program looks great on college applications. Participation in these programs shows a willingness to work hard and take on the responsibility necessary to work with young children. In addition, camp program directors often provide great references because they can write about a trainee’s strengths and accomplishments in detail.

Your teen will have a better experience if the camp she chooses fits her abilities, skills and interests. Ask your friends and neighbors about camps that their children attended, particularly if they participated in a CIT program. It’s always good to hear from someone who has experienced the program firsthand. If possible, visit the camp before applying because not every camp is right for every child. ■

The Application Process The application process to become a CIT can vary from camp to camp. It may involve simply filling out an application or also going on interviews and supplying references. Some camps only accept applications from teens who have been campers at their camp in previous Northeast Camp Guide | BostonParentsPaper.com

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ACERA (WINCHESTER) Day Camp 781-729-3489 Ages 5-17 At Acera, children nurture their natural desire to inquire, create, innovate and experiment – drawing out kids’ leadership and self-esteem through STEM skill building, artistic expression, and project-based learning. https://www.aceraschool.org/ summer-camps/

BC HIGH SUMMER PROGRAMS (BOSTON) Day Camp 617-474-5181 Ages 10-17 BC High Summer Programs is open to girls and boys entering grades 5-12. We offer sports camp, academic courses, enrichment classes, academic credit recovery classes, and specialty programs. You do not need to be a BC High student to attend any of our programs! We invite you to take advantage of the many opportunities on our 40-acre campus located at 150 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston. We are situated on Columbia Point and are only a 5-minute walk from the Red Line and Commuter Rail train stops at JFK/UMass. In addition, we are conveniently located close to I-93, I-90, and just minutes away from downtown Boston. http://www.bchigh.edu/summer

BELMONT HILL SPORT CAMPS (BELMONT) Day Camp 617-993-5215 Ages 6-17 The Belmont Hill Sport Camps welcome boys and girls ages 6-17 for an active summer of teamwork, competition, and fun. Whether experienced or novice, we tailor our programs to ensure each camper has the chance to develop skills and improve their game with focused instruction in an inclusive, Listing information provided by Camps

cooperative environment. https://www.belmonthill.org/about/ summer-programs/sport-camps

BELMONT HILL SUMMER SCHOOL: LEARNING (BELMONT) Day Camp 617-993-5215 Grades 6-12

to reach higher, and the goal for children and young adults to “branch out” exploring new interests and ideas. http://www.branchesmeadowbrook. org/

BROOKLINE ARTS CENTER (BROOKLINE)

Day Camp 617-566-5715 At Belmont Hill Summer School, Ages 5-92 students from grades 6-12 can We are a visual arts center explore new subjects, hone skills, and committed to bringing the community meaningful experiences gain valuable academic experience in the arts through classes, from expert faculty. Whether it exhibitions and outreach. is a six-week credit course or a https://brooklineartscenter.com/ three-week academic workshop, summer-2022/ our curriculum is designed to CAMP BIRCH HILL (NEW position students for success in their DURHAM, NH) upcoming school year.

Overnight Camp https://www.belmonthill.org/about/ 603-859-4525 summer-programs/summer-school Age: 6 - 16

BOSTON BALLET SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS (BOSTON AND NEWTON) Day Camp 617-456-6333 Ages 3-18

Boston Ballet School offers a variety of fun and inclusive dance programs in August for children ages 3-18.

Experience dance in a creative environment under the direction of expert faculty at two convenient locations in Boston and Newton. https://www.bostonballet.org/school

BRANCHES AT MEADOWBROOK (WESTON) Day Camp 781-647-0546 Ages 4-15

Nestled in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Camp Birch Hill offers a fun, elective based program where boys and girls aged 6-16 can participate in over 50 diverse activities of their choice. Each summer they welcome campers to their grounds in New Durham, NH. This traditional, overnight summer camp sits on a 100 acre piece of private, lakeside land where kids can come for two, four or six weeks of their summer. It is a home away from home where kids have the time of their lives for two, four or six weeks while making lasting friendships and memories. campbirchhill.com

CAMP MARIST (EFFINGHAM, NH)

With traditional camp programs, enrichment offerings, academic discovery classes, trips, and teen leadership options coming together under one umbrella, we are excited to introduce Branches at Meadowbrook: a collection of summer and yearround programs launching in 2022.

Branches is intended to represent our summer programs as an extension of the The Meadowbrook School’s mission and values, the opportunity

Overnight Camp 603-539-4552 Ages 6-16 Camp Marist is an international, co-ed Catholic overnight camp for campers ages 6-16 years old on Ossipee Lake in New Hampshire.

From horseback riding to waterskiing, go-karts, sports, and drama…we offer everything a kid would want! https://www.campmarist.org/

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CAMP SATUCKET - OLD COLONY YMCA (EAST BRIDGEWATER) 508-378-3913 Ages 5-15 Old Colony YMCA Summer Day Camps teach self-reliance, foster a love for nature and the outdoors, and encourage the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership...all amidst a fun and creative learning environment. http://bit.ly/CampSatucketBPP

CARDIGAN MOUNTAIN SUMMER SESSION (CANAAN, NH) Day and Overnight Camp 603-523-3526 Ages 8-15 The perfect balance between academic enrichment and summertime fun for boys and girls ages 8-15! https://www.cardigan.org/summer

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Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide

CHARLES RIVER SCHOOL (DOVER) CHRISTIAN YOUTH CONFERENCE AT OCEAN PARK (OCEAN PARK, Day Camp 508-785-8250 ME) Age: 5 - 15

CRS Summer provides fun and exciting programs for kids between the ages of 4 and 17 on our beautiful 16-acre campus. In addition to our renowned multi arts program, featuring dance, music, visual art, and theater, we have camp options in STEAM, innovation, nature, entrepreneurship and more. Campers will also spend time in our outdoor Wetlands lab, on the fields playing sports and other games and in our swimming pool. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment for all of our campers. http://www.charlesriverschool.org/

Overnight Camp 781-245-9984 Age Range: Ages 14-18 For over 100 years, the Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park (CYC) has provided a place where teens can begin or renew their walk with Christ. Catering exclusively to high school youths, CYC challenges kids to grow in their relationship to God within a safe, loving community.

CYC helps kids build faith and discipleship. Students make lifelong friends and return summer after summer, often becoming part of the staff after graduation.. http://cycop.org

Listing information provided by Camps

CREATIVE ARTS AT PARK AT THE PARK SCHOOL (BROOKLINE) Day Camp 781-942-9600 Ages 7-15 Creative Arts at Park is a five-week program that provides young people with an opportunity to explore the full range of visual and performing arts and sports. For five exciting weeks, campers select their own schedules from over 130 classes in computer animation, visual art, dance, music, photography, theatre, video, writing, and sports. Under the guidance of professional artists, participants discover talents and develop skills that will provide them with life-long enjoyment. http://www.creativeartsatpark.org/

DEBATE CAMP (DANVERS, WEST ROXBURY) Day Camp 888-512-8154 Ages 10-16 Debate Camp provides summer training programs in public speaking, debate and Model UN for students in grades 5 to 11 http://www.debatecamp.com/boston

to 15. Campers choose their own schedules from over 100 choices.

There are also programs for ages 3 to 7. Campers may attend less weeks. http://derbyacademy.org/summer

EDGE ON SCIENCE (NEWTON, BEVERLY) Day Camp (315) 773-5673 Grade Range: Rising 3rd to 12th grade Immerse your child in one or more week-long STEM experiences, exploring applied science and engineering. Individual and team projects make it hands-on. Choose from ten different topics and 43 sessions. Easy to find a week that works! https://www.edgeonscience.com/ summer-camps/

EF LANGUAGES ABROAD (INTERNATIONAL) Overnight Camp (617) 619-1949 Ages 12-18

Dedham Country Day Camp has programs for children ages 3-15.

We offer a Traditional Day Camp (rising 3-7th grade), Sports Camp (rising 2-7th grades), Leader in Training Program (rising 8th grade) and a Counselor in Training Program (rising 9-10th). http://www.dedhamcountryday.org/ camp

Accredited language programs.

Take your first steps towards fluency with our specially designed courses, just for younger learners.

You’ll advance your language skills thanks to our innovative teaching methods, which include interactive lessons and fun-filled activities and excursions. Flexible programs run from 2-10 weeks with start dates in June, July, and August. EF’s allinclusive package features flights, accommodations, excursions, meals, and a language certificate. Join a group or travel individually to meet your new friends at the EF campus of your choice. https://www.ef.edu/ils/

DERBY SUMMER PROGRAMS (HINGHAM)

EMPOW STUDIOS (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

Day Camp 781-740-4766 Ages 8-15

Day Camp 617-395-7527 Ages 7-15

Summer Arts is a 5 week comprehensive program for ages 8

Empow Studios offers weekly STEM Summer Camps for kids ages 7-15.

DEDHAM COUNTRY DAY CAMP (DEDHAM) Day Camp 781-320-1832 Ages 3-15

Campers have fun learning coding, robotics, movie-making, Minecraft, Roblox, 3D printing, and more! Fullday and half-day camps available throughout Massachusetts and online. http://www.empow.me

EVERWOOD DAY CAMP (SHARON) Day Camp 781-694-5829 Ages 4-15 Everwood provides an unparalleled summer camp experience in the great outdoors and are proven leaders in COVID-19 safety. We are committed to supporting the social and emotional health of our campers through real opportunities for connection. http://www.EverwoodDayCamp.com

FALMOUTH ACADEMY FA SUMMER (FALMOUTH) Day Camp 508-457-9696 Ages 7-Adult Falmouth Academy sits on 34 acres abutting conservation land just minutes from the ocean and in the heart of the Upper Cape’s vibrant art and science community. Full-day and half-day programs for children and teens are offered. Activities include lacrosse, basketball, soccer, tennis, arts and crafts, computer programming, photography, animation, fort building, theater, robotics, cooking, nature and science exploration, and outdoor adventure.

Specialty programs include outdoor survival skills, computer programming and robotics. http://www.falmouthacademy.org/ Summer-programs

FLEUR DE LIS CAMP (FITZWILLIAM, NH) Overnight Camp 603-585-7751 Ages 8-17 For a best summer ever come to Fleur de Lis - a girl’s camp filled with great fun, great learning, and great adventures in beautiful southwestern Northeast Camp Guide | BostonParentsPaper.com

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NH. Girls come for the summer and leave with a new second home, forever friends, and life-long memories. https://www.fleurdeliscamp.org/

FUSION ACADEMY (BURLINGTON/ LEXINGTON, HINGHAM, NEWTON) Day and Virtual Camp 781-512-0505 Ages 12-18 A completely Customizable Summer Experience using our Unique 1:1 program. The summer focuses on Academic Engagement, Creative Enrichment and College Preparation.

Enrolling students entering grades 5-12. In-person or Virtually. https://www.fusionacademy.com/ summer-programs/

GROTONWOOD CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER (GROTON) Day and Overnight Camp 978-448-5763 Ages 5-18+ Grotonwood is a traditional co-ed Christian summer camp serving kids in age 5-17 through day camp and overnight camping experiences. This non-profit is situated in the heart of beautiful Groton Massachusetts amongst 247 acres of private woodlands. http://www.grotonwood.org

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS (HOPKINTON) Day Camp 508-435-9222 Ages 4-17 Summer programs at the HCA are the perfect creative outlet for students who love the arts. Our artist-instructors make learning fun as they help students find their voice in a variety of different artistic mediums, from art to movie-making. http://www.hopartscenter.org/

ICODE OF WELLESLEY STEAM SUMMER PROGRAMS (WELLESLEY) Day and Virtual Camp Programs 781-291-3131

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Ages 6-18+ iCode of Wellesley is a premier STEAM afterschool and summer camp program that teaches life skills alongside a diverse set of technologies. Using these fun and engaging activities we help children build resilience, problem solving, and team work. https://icodeschool.com/ wellesley107/

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BOSTON BILINGUAL SUMMER CAMP (CAMBRIDGE) 617-583-9250 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-10 The International School of Boston gives your children a safe and fun day camp experience that they will never forget. Under the guidance of bilingual teachers, campers participate in academic, creative, and playful activities. https://www.isbos.org/campus-life/ summer-camp

LINX CAMPS (WELLESLEY) Day Camp 781-235-3210 Ages 3-17 LINX Camps provides fun-filled, enriching and innovative summer programs that are rich with traditions and choices. Our expert staff recognizes each campers’ strengths to support the growth of our younger campers while building character in our older ones. http://www.linxcamps.com/

MAPLEWOOD COUNTRY DAY CAMP (SOUTH EASTON) Day Camp 508-238-2387 Ages 3-14 Maplewood is family owned and operated. We serve children ages 3 to 14. We are accredited by the American Camping Association.

Children are taught the fundamental concepts of discovery, community, teamwork and fitness in a secure, fun environment. http://www.maplewoodyearround.

com/

MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE (BEDFORD, LOWELL) Day Camp 800-818-3434 Ages 8-17 MCC’s engaging camp program allows children and youth to have a productive and fun summer with unique opportunities to explore careers, learn new skills, meet new friends and boost self-confidence with half- and full-day options. https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/ collegeforkids/summer-locations

MONTSERRAT COLLEGE OF ART SUMMER YOUTH STEAM ACADEMY (NEWTON) Day Camp 978-921-4242 Ages 8-15 Montserrat College of Art’s Youth S.T.E.A.M. Academy offers summer courses for youth ages 8-15 to experience hands-on learning in a safe, supervised environment led by professional faculty from educational institutions on the North Shore and beyond. https://www.montserrat.edu/youth

MOUNT HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS (BURLINGTON) Day Camp 781-272-1014 Ages 3-11 Join us for an adventure at our Summer Program! We will have lots of fun with exciting games and special in-school activities. Children are assigned to different age groups (Toddlers, Preschool and K - entering 6th Grade) and will participate in age-appropriate activities throughout the day. Our caring teachers are CPR, First Aid and EEC certified. https://www.mounthopeschool.org/

NEOC - NEW ENGLAND OUTDOOR CAMP (FROM THE LINX COMPANIES) (WELLESLEY) Day Camp 781-235-8765 Ages 3-15 New England Outdoor Camp — NEOC, for short, and pronounced ne-äk — is a new, premier, day camp created by the LINX Companies, the parent company of LINX Camps.

Set in Nature. Rooted in Wonder.

Bursting with Fun! https://www.campneoc.com

experiments. We are offering one week day camps from June 27th Sept 2nd 2022 for children ages 6-14.

SUMMER AT TOBIN (NATICK)

For our in-person camp, we split the time 50-50 between screen time and non-screen time. Class sizes are small (around 4-6 kids per camp) and students explore coding, 3-D printing, robotics, and outdoor hands on science. Teachers are all fully vaccinated and classrooms are all well-ventilated. Limited spots available! https://penguincodingschool.com/ summer

Our summer program is designed for families looking for a reliable, nurturing place for their kids to spend time in the summer – with a lot of fun field trips and activities! http://www.tobinafterschool.org/ learning/summer-at-tobin/

SUMMER AT TOBIN BEAUDET (NEEDHAM) 781-444-5444 Age or Grade Range: Ages 2.9 - 8th Grade

NEW ART CENTER SUMMER YOUTH ART PROGRAM (NEWTON) POWERS MUSIC SCHOOL Day Camp (BELMONT) 617-964-3424 Grades 1-12

Students entering grades 1-12 can spend their school vacation immersed in the arts! New Art’s Summer Camp is designed for students to develop skills, creativity, and self expression at any ability level. Join us for several weeks this summer. https://newartcenter.org/ summer-camp/

NIGHT EAGLE WILDERNESS ADVENTURES (WALLINGFORD, VT) Overnight Camp (802) 446-6100 Ages 10-14 Located in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Night Eagle Wilderness Adventures is a unique primitive summer camp where boys live in tipis and do things that boys did hundreds of years ago. http://www.nighteaglewilderness. com

PENGUIN CODING SUMMER PROGRAMS (NEWTON) Day and Virtual Summer Programs 781-277-2755 Ages 6-14 Learn to code this summer! Join us in-person in Lexington & Newton or online as we explore the fun of coding and hands on science Listing information provided by Camps

508-650-1561 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-10

Day Camp 617-484-4696 Ages 5-11 (CIT 13-15) We believe the combination of high-quality music instruction your child will receive and the experience of presenting a fully-staged theatrical performance using those newly-gained musical skills makes the Pow-Wow program different from other summer programs that specialize in either solely music or theatre.

Our trained music instructors teach students the basics of violin and piano, instruments that may be new to many participants and help them develop a love of music. Arts and crafts time is often spent on creating sets or props, as well as other fun activities. Music, singing, acting, movement, and creativity are taught in small and large group settings.

As the session winds down and the excitement builds, students use the skills they gained in music, art, singing, and movement in the final performance on Friday for friends and family - a unique presentation of instruments, story, and song adapted by the faculty specifically for Pow-Wow. http://www.powersmusic.org/ pow-wow

We are busy planning another amazing summer for your children at Tobin Beaudet! Choose Your Days, Choose Your Weeks! Open 7am – 6:30pm Programming available the day after Needham Public Schools closes through the day before school begins. http://tobinbeaudet.com/programs/ summer/

SUMMER IN FRENCH AT THE FRENCH CULTURAL CENTER (BOSTON) Day Camp 617-912-0400 Ages 3-17 Give your child a full immersion experience of summer fun and learning! With native Frenchspeaking and bilingual teachers, varied and engaging curriculum, and a convenient location in the heart of Back Bay, our in-person Summer in French program is the perfect way to improve your child’s skills and confidence in French, no matter their age or level. Each week focuses on a theme with a variety of special activities geared for children to increase their vocabulary and stimulate their conversation skills.

Outdoor activities take place at a nearby playground and at the Boston Common. https://frenchculturalcenter.org/ summer-in-french/

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TABOR SUMMER CAMP (MARION) UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION WALNUT HILL SCHOOL FOR THE OF GREATER BOSTON SUMMER ARTS SUMMER PROGRAMS Day Camp 508-291-8342 INSTITUTE IN GLOBAL LEADERSHIP (NATICK) Ages 6-17 (BOSTON) Day and Overnight Camp Join us for an unforgettable summer by the sea full of friends, sports, adventures, and learning at the Tabor Summer Camp. We offer a variety of engaging activities and enrichment courses for young people ages 6-17 on our beautiful seaside campus. http://taborsummer.org/

THE BARTON CENTER FOR DIABETES EDUCATION, INC. (MULTIPLE CITIES)

Day and Virtual Camp 617-482-4587 Ages 11-18 Step into the role of a diplomat to address current global issues during the United Nations Association of Greater Boston’s Institute in Global Leadership Model UN programs! https://unagb.org/model-un/ vacation-institutes/

WALDORF SCHOOL OF LEXINGTON SUMMER PROGRAM (LEXINGTON)

Day and Overnight Camp 508-987-2056 Ages 6-18

Day Camp 781-863-1062 Grades: Nursery - Grade 5

The Barton Center is dedicated to children who live with type 1 diabetes and the people who care for them. Barton programs offer fun, recreation, diabetes education, and support. Please visit our website for a complete list of programs. http://www.bartoncenter.org

Consistent with the mission of WSL, the program aims to cultivate in each child a sense of wonder and curiosity for the natural world, creativity, collaboration with others, and confidence to engage in new experiences. Children enjoy outdoor crafts, singing, dramatic arts, group games, water and nature-based play on our campus and in the nearby meadows and forest. Mixed age groups provide a welcome chance for new and lasting friendships across the grades. Socially distanced program wide activities will foster community building and togetherness. And true to the Waldorf ethos, we’ll have fun rain or shine, so keep those rain boots handy! https://thewaldorfschool.org/summer

TUFTS UNIVERSITY DESIGN AND ENGINEERING WORKSHOPS (MEDFORD, MA) Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 18 Join us as we explore robotics and engineering in fun week-long summer workshops! Kids will learn about the Engineering Design Process through hands-on activities.

Grades: K - 12. Learn more and register at go.tufts.edu/k8summer

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508-650-5020 Ages 10-17

Summer Camp programs in Dance (Ballet), Musical Theater, and Visual Art. http://www.walnuthillarts.org/ summer

WELLESLEY THEATRE PROJECT (WELLESLEY) Day Camp 781-235-1550 Ages 5-18 Join WTP for some great camps this summer! WTP is offering Full Scale Production Camps and One Week Theatre Camps for five year olds through 12th Grade https://www.wellesleytheatreproject. org/

YMCA OF GREATER BOSTON (BOSTON, WALTHAM, WOBURN, READING, DEDHAM, NEEDHAM) Day and Overnight Camp 617-927-8060 Ages 3-16 Y Day Camp keeps kids engaged, safe, healthy and learning. At the Y, we focus on your child as a whole, including top-notch sports and swimming instruction, exploration of the community, and developing life-long friendships. https://ymcaboston.org/ active-programs/#Day%20Camp

TM

2018 TOP 5

TM

2019 TOP 5

“We LOVE Tender Loving Care. The teachers are like family. They care for each child like their own family. They are knowledgeable in early childhood education as well as the gentle care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers!!”

Woburn - 781-281-2983 | Weston - 781-703-5088 www.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com Northeast Camp Guide | BostonParentsPaper.com

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