Discover the joy of dance at Boston Ballet School. Children ages 16 months–6 years* are invited to try a free class, meet our faculty, and explore our four studio locations at an upcoming Open Studio Day.
Photo by Brooke Trisolini.
Pediatric Dentistry
Wesley Barton, DMD, FAAPD
Bahar Houshmand, DDS
Ava Ghassemi, DMD
Nikita Patel, DMD
Jessie Tsai, DMD
Orthodontics
Roger Taylor, DMD
Shahrzad Khorashadi, DMD
Oral Surgery
Evaneet Sidhu, DMD
Michael Gu, DDS
Orthodontist
Standing left to right: Joyce Fadous, Orthodontic Coordinator; Dr. Roger Taylor, DMD, Orthodontist; Dr. Wesley Barton, DMD FAAPD; Darine Elbahnsawy, Practice Administrator; Sitting left to right: Angela Liquori Collins, RDH; Lisa Hintlian, RDH; Sara Bacon, RDH
Last Minute Camp Options
Family F.Y.I.
2026 FAMILY FAVORITES
Reader’s Choice Results
Available Soon!
We asked and you told us who your Bay State favorites are, in droves! Boston Parents received over 200,000 votes from you guys! Awesome! Coming in August, we have your places to vacation, museums to visit, restaurants, schools, medical, special needs and the list goes on and on! Family Favorites will be listed in the August issue. Plus, you can find even more categories online at BostonParentsPaper.com.
Let’s Grill!
If you’re salivating at the very thought of the approaching barbecue season, know that you are most certainly not alone. The most popular holiday for barbecuing in the United States is the Fourth of July, followed by Memorial Day (we’re counting the days) and, of course, Labor Day. Now go make sure you’re stocked up on charcoal or propane and get those grills cleaned in preparation.
GREATER BOSTON PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE IS AVAILABLE!
The 2026 edition of The Greater Boston Private School Guide provides information on how to help parents find the best private school for their children. This guide has information on prioritizing the most critical factors for your family, determining what type of school to consider, navigating admissions tours, shadow days, interviews, needed exams, tuition assistance, and writing an excellent essay. Use the month-by-month calendar to keep your family on the admissions track to getting accepted to the school of your choice. Available in print and online at www. BostonParentsPaper.com – just click on “Our Magazines” tab.
Your Child with Special Needs
Check out the latest edition of Your Child with Special Needs which is filled with information on how to help kids with special needs thrive with valuable local resources and support groups. Available online at www.BostonParentsPaper. com – just click on the cover of Your Child with Special Needs in the “Our Magazines” tab.
Empowering Potential Nurturing Growth,
The journey following an autism diagnosis can be overwhelming. With 1 in 31 children now affected, you're not alone. May Institute is here to help.
For over 70 years, May has been a leader in autism care. From our May Centers for Children & Families serving young children to our specialized schools for elementary through high school students across Greater Boston, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care to equip your child with the skills they need for a fulfilling life.
or call
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Family F.Y.I.
E-SCOOTERS & E-BIKE SAFETY
By Emma Knight Injury Prevention Intern, Boston Children’s Hospital
As e-scooters and e-bikes become more popular, both riders and pedestrians need to keep safe. These devices are efficient ways to navigate busy cities and towns but if not done safely, can lead to serious injuries or death. Injuries related to these devices have increased at a worrisome pace, especially in 10–14-year-olds who make up the largest group of those injured from e-scooters. It is recommended riders wear protective gear including helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads to help prevent injury from falls and collisions. Check for damage on your scooter before riding, and ensure you know how to use the brakes. This ensures you can operate your device safely and that you will not lose control of it. Be sure to alert others and ensure they see you as these devices can be silent, small, and quick. Due to the speed that e-bikes can run at injuries to pedestrians can be more severe. You should not ride alone, avoid distractions, and drive sober. Riders should remember to always follow manufacturer’s instructions such as age and weight limits as these can both impact the safety of the rider. Repeated bumps from tricks and stunts can cause damage to the device, causing fires while in operation leading to leg burns or make the device unstable, posing a risk for the rider as well as the pedestrians around them. Following these safety tips can help keep both riders and pedestrians safe.
2026 National Parks
FEE-FREE Days
According to former National Park Service Director Chuck Sams, “The entrance fee-free days to encourage people to discover the beauty, history, and inspiration awaiting them in the more than 400 national parks throughout the country.” Only about 100 of the 400+ national parks have an entrance fee, with costs ranging from $5 to $35+. Detailed information about what to see and do in each park is available on NPS.gov or the NPS app. It’s essential for people to know before they go what is open and available, especially if they are staying overnight. Fee-free days apply only to entrance fees and do not cover amenity or user fees for camping, boat launches, transportation, special tours or other activities. ,
The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass allows the pass holder and companions accompanying them unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks. There are also free and discounted passes available for currently serving members of the U.S. military and their dependents, military veterans, Gold Star Families, fourth-grade students, disabled citizens, and seniors.
Free Entrance Days for 2026
July 3-5: Independence Day Weekend
August 25: NPS Birthday
September 17: Constitution Day
October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday
November 11: Veterans Day
These are “patriotic fee-free days,” and nonresidents will still need to pay entrance fees.
Boston National Historial Park
2026 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo
Receive camp information and learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests.
Click here to register and receive access to regularly updated online camp expo materials
Visiting the Emergency Room with Your Special Needs or Behaviorally Challenged Child
By Suzanne Niro, BSN, CPEN
Visiting the ER with a sick child is stressful for any parent. It can be even more challenging for parents of a special needs child or one with behavioral issues. Many of these families have navigated through the ER multiple times for various reasons but each visit can be quite unique. These patients are often dealt with by staff unfamiliar with their extensive histories and complex medical and emotional needs. In addition, prolonged waiting times expose them to other sick children, which can be very problematic.
TIPS FOR PARENTS BEFORE COMING TO THE ER
• Check in with your child’s primary health care provider before heading to hospital. Often an ER visit is unavoidable and children with chronic conditions subsequently require admission to the hospital at high rates (24% to 38% of the time). Consulting with their primary care provider may save the child a trip to the ER, depending on the severity of the complaint. The primary caregiver may be able to arrange an outpatient specialty visit or even see the child themselves to determine if an ER visit is absolutely necessary.
• If an ER visit is unavoidable, make sure to bring the child’s medications or, at minimum, an updated medication list including doses and times given. A quick summary of the child’s complex history is also valuable, including names and numbers of clinicians who are involved in the child’s care. Patients with complex medical needs are often on multiple medications, doses are frequently being changed and some med changes
may not even be updated in the patient’s medical history. In addition, some meds may not be immediately available in hospitals, in which cases exceptions can be made and families may give meds from home.
• Be sure to bring any personal items such as blankets for comfort, or security items such as teddy bears, etc. Although one may anticipate a quick visit, some may last hours, depending on wait time, even if admission is not needed. Having a security item can help the child feel more secure in a stressful situation. In addition, many hospitals offer Child Life services. These clinicians are highly trained individuals who specialize in helping families cope with the visit. They can provide valuable distraction during unpleasant procedures as well as explain to the child and family what to expect during their stay and how the staff can best accommodate their unique needs.
• If your child requires special formula or is on a special diet be sure and bring these with you. Although many hospitals can accommodate these needs on inpatient units, they may not be readily available in the Emergency room.
• Don’t forget to bring a charging cable. If you are brining a gameboy, tablet, cell phone, e.t.c., you will need it. Given these challenges, improving the delivery of patient and family centered care in the ER requires collaboration between the parents and health care clinicians. Being a strong advocate for you child is essential for an ER visit. Clinicians are trained to “listen” to your valuable advice and expertise regarding your child’s unique and individual needs. r
Lessons from the First Job
Parents Learn as Much as Teens Do
By Katy M. Clark
Iwas sitting in my car in the parking lot of a banquet hall. I wasn’t there to attend a wedding or silver anniversary dinner. No, I was there waiting for my fifteen-yearold son.
Moments earlier, I had watched him walk into the office at the banquet hall. He looked so official, dressed all in black. He was reporting for his first day of work as a kitchen assistant.
With this part-time job, I hoped he would learn what all of us have learned from our first jobs: how to manage your time, respect your boss, be responsible, and work hard. I was looking forward to him earning his own money, too.
And can I add that by working a parttime job that summer he wouldn’t have so much free time to play video games? That pleased me, too.
I was waiting in the parking lot,
though, because I was unsure if he needed me for anything. He had turned in his work permit and employment forms earlier in the week, but was everything in order? Did he need my signature one more time? A reminder of his social security number? And his employment contract had said no cell phones, but would he have a place to stash his or did he need to leave it with me in the car?
To be honest, it felt a bit like the worrying and hovering I had done that first day he went to kindergarten. And just like that first day, I learned
Day and Residential programs offered at our campus in Walpole, MA
Individual academic and vocational programs based on student age and ability
Educational framework based on the SCERTS
Model with BCBA, OT, SLP, and clinical support
Licensed to serve 110 students (32 residential) ages 3-22
Student-staff ratio never exceeds 4:1
To be honest, it felt a bit like the worrying and hovering I had done that first day he went to kindergarten.
that he was going to be just fine without me. After fifteen minutes of waiting and no sign of him coming out to hand me his phone or ask me anything, I left. As it should be.
That first day soon turned into his first week done and dusted, then into his first month completed. As time passed, I realized something surprising. Not only was my teen learning valuable life lessons from his part-time job, but I was learning a lot, too.
First, I learned that he was capable without me. He checked his schedule. He picked up his paycheck. He made sure his uniform was clean and ready for his next shift. As it should be.
Then, I learned it was okay not to be aware of every little detail of his life. His job did not send me weekly or daily emails like his high school did. My phone did not ping with constant notifications like the ones I got from his sports teams alerting me to practices and games. All communication about his job was solely between him and his employer. As it should be.
I learned that he still needed me, too. I taught him how to cash his paycheck and also how to deposit it. We talked about spending his paycheck for fun stuff while saving for the future. I introduced him to FICA and other workforce realities. I coached him on how to approach his boss about a misunderstanding over his schedule. I was there for him those times that he needed me. As it should be.
As the summer drew to a close, and my son’s return to school loomed large, I was sad when he had to give his two weeks’ notice. My son learned many valuable lessons from his first job, but I learned a lot, too. I learned that he was capable. That he didn’t need me all the time, but that he still needed me some of the time.
I learned that I could let him go, even if just a little bit, and he would be okay. As it should be.
Katy M. Clark is a writer who celebrates her imperfections as a mom at ExperiencedBadMom.com
Programming is based on individual needs and developed within a nurturing atmosphere of acceptance and respect. The common goal for every child, adolescent, and young adult served by Cardinal Cushing Centers is for them to enjoy learning, realize their potential, and see themselves as valued and important members of society.
Academic Programming:
• Cushing School, Hanover, MA – Student Teacher Ratio 7:3
• St. Coletta Day School, Braintree, MA – Student Teacher Ratio 5:3
• Customized academic curriculum for a wide variety of abilities
• Standards aligned multi modal curriculum and project based instruction
• Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and structured teaching to increase skills acquisition and self-regulation
• Focus on generalization of skills across settings in our school, through parent support and training, and in community settings
• Social Skills are taught and generalized in every area of programming
• Counseling, behavioral supports, and nursing provided
• Integrated occupational, physical, speech & language therapy including Augmentative and Alternative Communication services
Vocational Programming for Students:
• Career awareness and interest programs
• Self-advocacy and self-determination
• Job acquisition skills
• Comprehensive transition assessment
• Job coach support
• Work experience opportunities on Cushing Campus: Culinary, Business, Recycling, Industrial Arts, Horticulture
• Volunteer, internships and paid employment options off campus
• Community employer network and supports
• Post-secondary education and training
Residential Students Enjoy All Academic Day Programs, Plus:
• Lively campus setting; live with friends
• 24 hour, awake supervision
• Low staff-to-student ratios
• Residences are located on campus and look and feel like home
• Community outings for field trips, sports, groceries, etc.
• Independent living skills: hygiene, health and wellness, cooking, laundry and more
• Robust recreational activities, Special Olympics, Interscholastic Sports, Clubs
• SEVIS approved to accept international students
• Fully licensed and approved out of state: California, Illinois, New Jersey, etc.
Universal Playgrounds: Where All Children Come Together
Every child has the essential and undeniable right to play, and to experience the magic and freedom that comes from an ordinary day at the park. And there is nothing children love more, regardless of their abilities and needs, than playing and socializing alongside one another at the playground!
Massachusetts has always been among top-ranking states working hard to ensure and support equal participation for children with disabilities and special needs, and it’s no different when it comes to recreation. Universal playgrounds, accessible to all and designed for children with physical disabilities to experience mobility and have access to equipment and fun, multi-sensory designs is something Boston communities can and should be proud of! Here are some local, inclusive playgrounds that serve as a model for our entire nation that families of all abilities should check out.
Rising Star Playground — Beverly
The big draw for Rising Star Playground is its interactive musical ground components, perfect for kids of all ages to explore together. There are also ramps to access higher structures and a ground level window area for imaginative play. Kids can even visit the Sign Language learning board to learn how to communicate with friends.
Touch The Sky Playground — Beverly
Open to the public when school is not in session on afternoons and weekends, this fully accessible North Shore playground features a slide constructed out of roller balls for touch sensations along with learning boards and wide ramps with rubber surfaces. The latest addition to the school’s dedication to children with disabilities, and also open to the community when not in use, is the Douglas Marino Community Field, a rubberized, completely level field that allows children in wheelchairs or with vision impairments to play ball! The school’s executive director, Mark Carlson, wants parents of children with disabilities to know about this community asset, and that it is available to them.
Martin’s Park at the Smith Family Waterfront — Boston
Martin’s Park, a City of Boston park, honors the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings, Martin Richard. Martin’s Park is a symbol of Martin’s welcoming and inclusive nature, and a unique outdoor play space created to support outdoor adventure and nature play. The Park, with its many inventive structures, is an inclusive play space offering opportunities for children of all abilities to experience discovery and exploration. Designed to encourage interaction with
natural materials including plants, stone, and wood the Park offers the opportunity for rich outdoor play experiences that connect children with nature and with each other.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino Park — Charlestown
The city’s first universally accessible playground, steps from the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in the Charlestown Navy Yard incorporates a ramped play structure, embankment slides and climbers, and a swing chair. This dramatic, waterfront space has been noted for its cleanliness, and was envisioned by Mayor Menino in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings to afford special needs children, patients, and families the opportunity for active play as well as a place of respite for recovery and relief. In his words, “This is Boston at its best—people coming together to improve the quality of life for the residents of our city.”
Harambee Park — Dorchester
Unveiled in 2009, this bright and vibrantly colored playground was Boston’s first “Boundless Playground”, and was designed to maximize play with elevated structures such as a gazebo affording children with physical disabilities a greater perspective that was once unreachable, while at the same time encouraging independent play with peers. This site features plenty of high-backed swings and play panels along with multiple handrails, and was furnished through another of Mayor Thomas Menino’s programs.
Buttonwood Park Playground and Zoo — New Bedford
Named “one of the finest small zoos in the United States”, the Buttonwood complex is wonderfully designed for an outing. The Black Bear Express and Wildlife Carousel are both ADA certified, making them wheelchair accessible for children and just down a path lies the accessible playground with wide ramps and elevated surfaces that allow plenty of room for turning in a wheelchair. Bring some bread to feed the ducks in the idyllic pond, all located on the grounds of Buttonwood Park.
Noah’s Place Playground — New Bedford
Located at Marine Park on Pope’s Island, this community-inspired, generously funded and dedicated site is the largest and most sensoryrich inclusive playground in New England. Features of this park include a toddler playground, wheelchair swing, a natural embankment slide, and a seesaw-like apparatus that children of all abilities can enjoy.
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Fore River Field and Playground — Quincy
Fore Playground features wide walkways, wheelchair ramps, and wheelchair accessible play equipment, including a seesaw. There are also ground-level sensory activities, like chimes. Along with the playground there are also two little league fields, a street hockey court, tennis court, basketball court, and football field.
Adventures for Angels — Peabody
This playground features rubber matting surface throughout, high back swings, and a ramp system for children in wheelchairs. Adventures for Angels also has slides with rollers for touch stimulation, as well as special panels, including an interactive Braille clock and wind chimes.
Bill Adelson Playground at Haskell Recreation Area — Sudbury
Billed as a toddler playground for younger children, the smooth surfaces and ramps throughout this playground make it super accessible. There are also transfer stations, platforms where children can lift themselves out of their wheelchairs onto play equipment. Multiple sports fields and a concession stand are all on-site.
Barton Road Playground — Wellesley
Opened in 2013, this privately funded, 10,000 sq. ft. universal playground hits all the marks of inclusive play for children and is well equipped with completely accessible rubber surfacing, ADA swings, and multiple ground components. Learning boards feature Spanish to English language and the impressive site is sectioned for kids ages 2-5 and 5-12.
Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground — Westford
Located at Edwards Beach, the Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground is full of outdoor fun for kids of all abilities. The playground features universally accessible surfacing and pathways for wheelchairs so every child can reach the highest play deck. There are swings and bouncers with neck and back supports. Along with play structures there is interactive fun for all kids, including metal tubes that make music and a rotating sensory bin.
These are just a few of the local offerings. You can find more inclusive and accessible playgrounds in state, in country or in the world at www.accessibleplayground.net. ✷
Travel with Autism Tips for Getting to and Enjoying the Adventure with Your Child
By Jean Abernathy
For a long time, traveling with my autistic son was a traumatic experience for the whole family. My anxiety was through the roof! Many times, we almost canceled the trip because it just wasn’t worth it! The tantrums, the screaming, the sabotage of all of my packing and planning made me ask myself, why go? Before we had children, my husband and I loved to travel the world. Giving it up would be a big loss for us. After one particular 12-hour flight, when
my then 18-month-old son screamed and cried for 11 hours of it, I was ready to quit travel until my son got older. As a family and after adding another child, we figured out what worked for us. Over time, I’ve learned some tricks that really help, and I’d love to share them hoping you can find a way to make it work for you.
As a mom, travel is already hard between planning and organization, keeping everyone happy, fed, and clean. Modern Family’s Claire Dunphy said of a family trip to
Hawaii,”I’m a mom traveling with her kids. For me, this is not a vacation. It’s a business trip.” Then, add on traveling with a child with autism. Yes, it can be rough! I wanted to find a way to have travel be a part of our family bonding. It took some hard trips to learn what works and what doesn’t. Twice, I came home from a family trip and booked the next cruise out of our town, solo! The good news is that family travel can be done and enjoyed! Let me share what works for us.
LEADING UP TO THE TRIP
Some children with autism do better with a countdown calendar. Starting a week ahead, you mark each day off and let your child add something to his suitcase. It builds excitement and helps him prepare mentally for the trip. But this tactic is not for all. For my son, this process backfired and made him even more anxious. This made for horrific transition days, the day we left home to get to our destination. However, once we got to our destination, he would be fine. The rest of the family was a total wreck but, he was fine. Eventually, we learned to downplay the trip. As our children got older, we would discuss a destination to gauge interest. My son would never show interest in anything new but would give us clear clues if the trip was a no go. Once the trip was booked, we would tell him the dates. Then, we would drop it. Two weeks out, I give him a reminder. One week out, another reminder to discuss basics, i.e school work to bring, prescriptions to renew, etc. At this point, he may ask where his dog was staying and what activities we had planned. We let him bring up the trip if he wanted to. Sometimes he did, sometimes not. Naturally, conversation at dinner would revolve around the coming trip. He is okay with this. Now that he is older, two days before I give him a packing list. It helps ease his anxiety when we travel to accommodations he is familiar with and avoid bouncing around hotels.
AIR TRAVEL TECHNIQUES
Check Airline & Airport Resources
Always inquire with the airline ahead of time to check policies and special accommodations for kids with disabilities. Most airlines have ways to help flyers with dis-
abilities and have plans to accommodate people with special requirements. Many airports have special quiet areas to help people decompress if needed. Or, if you have access to an airport lounge, they can be quiet respites. Then, I plan to get to the gate early and speak with the gate agent. Often, but not always, they’ll let you board first. Some airlines now require that you make this request at the front counter. Trust me, it’s a game changer if your child needs it.
Seat Savvy
If your child has a favorite seat (like mine with his window fixation), it is worth paying a bit more for it. Even better, a bulkhead window seat with no seat to kick in front. This made a world of difference in our flights, keeping him calm and fascinated.
Packing the Carry-on
There is a ton of info on what to pack. I’m covering what not to pack in your child’s carry-on. My son’s love for metal Thomas Trains then metal Star Wars battleships stumped many a TSA agent as they went through the scanner. Until he was 14, his Ziplock bag of what felt like 200 battleships went everywhere with us. Still, for some cosmic reason, at age 17, almost every single time, it’s his backpack that gets pulled for additional screening. Now that we are beyond traveling with strollers, car seats and all the gear, we are big fans of not checking luggage, opting for carryon luggage only. But, while you are still in the young kid phase, pack all but one or two metal toys in checked luggage, provided your child will allow for this. Mine did not. If your child has to have toys with him, pack them in a clear bag ,then pull the bag out for security scanning. This will save time and much angst. My son did not like strangers going through his bag and would let them know it.
The “Mom’s Got It Covered” Bag
Aside from what I pack for him, I have my own bag. It’s my magic Mary Poppins bag. Think favorite toy, go-to snacks, water bottle, an extra outfit for him and me (you never know), and even some lollipops for those tough earpopping moments. Don’t forget sanitizing wipes for all airplane surfaces, duct tape to keep the tray table closed when not in use, and plenty of extra diapers. I learned the diaper lesson the hard way when our plane was delayed for six
Continued on page 22 >>>
hours on a flight home. You would think you could buy emergency diapers at an airport! Plus, the all-important iPad, headphones, and charger!
On Board Communication
I make it a point to give the person sitting in front of my child a heads-up of what we are dealing with. I explain that my son has Autism. He usually enjoys flying but can get restless. We will do our best to keep him content and prevent him from kicking your seat during the flight. Please understand that this is hard for him. People are usually very kind and understanding if you are trying to work with your child.
The Reward System
I was initially against bribing, but flights aren’t the usual setting, are they? I reward him with a small treat from my bag if he’s good for a certain period. It’s amazing what a little motivation can do.
Bring Backup
If you find yourself having to travel solo with your special needs child, find someone to come along. Having a buddy to help so you can regroup for five minutes or go to the bathroom on the flight makes a difference. We all need a breather now and then.
YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS
Choose a Rental Over a Hotel
I have more success staying in a place with a kitchen (See Breakfast and Dinners In) and a comfortable place to eat meals and separate bedrooms. Separate bedrooms or a comfortable place for my son to be alone and decompress makes for a much happier situation for the whole family. Also, with separate bedrooms it is easier for him to fall and stay asleep without the noises of others in the room. Sometimes, our family of four can’t avoid a hotel night, nor want to pay for two rooms. These nights are very stressful. It’s hard for all to sleep well. What helps are a small travel fan and a travel headband with wireless earphones to cut down on noise distractions. The more restful sleep my son gets the better it is for all of us.
Familiarity
Part of the fun of travel is to explore new things. For my son, new and unfamiliar places are pure torture. As a parent, I want both of my children to see the world. My son resists this want. Over time, we have discovered that if we go to a familiar base setting for longer durations, my son is better able to handle doing day trips or short three-day trips from the vacation. Plus, leading up to the trip is not so traumatic because he knows what to expect and actually looks forward to it.
Breakfast and Dinners In
On days that we are out and about, I try to start the morning with a “normal” breakfast with familiar foods. This normalcy is one less new thing for him to face. Then, after a tiring day of exploring, knowing that a dinner out will end badly, I plan a normal dinner at the place we are staying.
Build-in Down Time
Since the pandemic, I find that both of my children, autistic or not, need more downtime. I use a one-to-one ratio, one day exploring, then the next day of downtime. As the trip goes on, I transition to half day segments recognizing that the longer away from home the more the trip wears on my child.
Be Flexible
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Maybe it’s a delay or an overstimulating environment. A backup plan or a quiet corner for meltdowns can be a lifesaver. Sometimes, it might mean cutting a trip short for the sanity of the family, and that’s okay.
DO A POST MORTEM
Once you’re back home and settled, think about what worked and what didn’t. Write it down! Consider creating a “How to Travel” journal. Take note of items you wished you had packed and items that should have stayed home. List situations when everything worked out and why, as well as what didn’t and possible ways to do things differently next time. Plus, check in with yourself. As moms, we tend to focus on everyone else. How did you enjoy the trip? Are you rested or exhausted? Did this trip live up to what you imagined? What could you do differently to make future travel better for you and all of your family? The focus of the journal is to document how a trip went as opposed to the trip itself, so that next time your travel experience will be even better. Get beyond family travel being a relocation. Enjoy an actual vacation.
Traveling with our special kiddos take extra work, but the memories are worth it. We’ve got this, mama!
HOW TO PICK THE
Best Camp FOR YOUR CHILD
IN NEW ENGLAND, WE’RE INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE of summer camps for our children to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a day or sleepaway camp, one that focuses on the performing arts, science, or whatever else your child is passionate about, it more than likely exists in our region.
Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit the Needs and Interests of Your Child?
The 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 usually vary from one to eight weeks. Some camps offer up to ten weeks of programming, before and after camp programs are offered for an additional fee at some day camps.
OVERNIGHT (also called 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 allow campers 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.
The only downside to having so many options is that it can feel like an exhausting search to find the right fit for your kids. We want them to be happy. We want them to feel comfortable. And, most of all, we want them to be safe. But how does a parent know they are making the right choice? Read on to find a wide range of information that will answer your checklist of questions regarding how to best decipher the information in all of those brochures and how to make the most of an informational visit. You’ll have better peace of mind, and chances are, your kids will have an incredible summer.
BE PREPARED
Before you start scheduling camp interviews, research the options that appeal most to your family, then weigh the pros and cons of each (you can even grade them on a points system if you like). After you’ve compiled a list in order of interest, start eliminating some. You don’t want to drive yourself crazy going on interviews for camps that aren’t all that appealing to you. It’s a waste of your time and theirs. Once you’ve ruled
SPECIALTY CAMPS are based in day or resident settings. Popular options for specialization 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 specific diagnoses, while others are geared to meet a broader array of needs at any 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 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.
out camps that don’t meet your essential search criteria or expectations, begin exploring the details of each option you like. Sometimes, the filtering process yields too many camps to interview personally; sometimes, it doesn’t yield enough. Adjust key variables, such as location and session length, to narrow or expand the number of options on the results page. Use the results page to go directly to camp websites.
GET ORGANIZED
Camp interviews may feel tedious at times, depending on how many you plan on talking to. Still, they are necessary in determining how your child might fit into the environment. Go into each interview armed with knowledge of your pros and cons so that you have your questions firmly planted in your mind. How does the camp convey who they are and reflect the world they’ve created exclusively for a child’s benefit? Camp seekers can learn much from a close look at camp websites, brochures, photos, videos, FAQs, newsletters, social media, and camper or parent testimonials. Many camp web-
sites are a gateway to most camp information on this list, from video content to downloadable brochures and forms, all reflecting the camp’s culture.
Camps are much more than lists of activities they offer; they are vibrant educational communities – and no two are exactly alike. There is probably not just one perfect camp for your child. More than one camp may turn out to be a great fit, given your search criteria, so the interviewing stage will most likely factor into your final decision and help you pinpoint the camp. So, how do you decide between two (or a few camps) with comparable activities, locations, schedules, amenities, and prices?
Enough research will provide answers to your questions without you having to utter a single word. Camps try to anticipate what families need to know and provide this information online. You’ll want to use interview time to ask questions that haven’t already been answered – questions that explore the fit for your child.
Are you running low on time? Interviews with some camp head honchos may already be available online. You can also consult with friends who’ve previously met with the camp for information you never even realized you might want. Look for an interview with the example,; you might see photos on the website or Facebook showing the salad bar or a cabin group sitting around the table with food served family-style. This might spark a question about camp food and how your child’s dietary needs can be met. Or, combing through the part of a website developed exclusively for par ents of overnight campers might enable you to understand the camp’s plan and suggestions for communicating with your camper. Perhaps reading the director’s blog from last summer or looking at newsletters might give you insight into the camp’s philosophy and culture.
BE YOUR CHILD’S BEST ADVOCATE
You’re the expert on your child! What aspects of his personality might affect the camp fit? (Your child is shy and cautious in new situations, for instance. Or your child needs to have a certain amount of time to practice music, sports or academics.)
Submitted by American Camp Association, New England.
STUDENTS
WITH CONNECT, & THRIVE.
complex language and Cod—combining activities, and strong while helping meaningful friendships.
School, click here, RIVERVIEWSCHOOL.ORG/SUMMER
Include Your Child In the Camp Search Process
Decisions 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 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 decision-making 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 decision-making 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 decisionmaking takes time and practice. Both found in abundance at camp.
Viking Forensics • Biomedical Academy
Rocketry • Mechanical Engineering
Coding • Robotics • Bridge Building
Catapult Engineering • Marine Science
Space Science • Science Samplers
STEM Enrichment & Summer Fun!
ages 8-17 • (315) 773-5673 • edgeonscience.com
Discover the joy of dance at Boston Ballet School. Children ages 16 months–6 years* are invited to try a free class, meet our faculty, and explore our four studio locations at an upcoming Open Studio Day. Learn more and register online bostonballet.org/bpp-enroll
Make Summer Count: 9 activities for motivated teens
Summer often conjures images of camps for younger kids, where they make friends, learn new skills, and have fun. But as children grow into their teen years, they still benefit from engaging, enriching summer experiences—just tailored to their evolving interests and goals. While babysitting, mowing lawns, or lifeguarding are great ways for teens to spend their summer, there’s a wealth of opportunities that can help them prepare for their future, especially if they’re college-focused. Here’s a look at some activities and their benefits:
1Summer Camps & CIT Opportunities.
Community Service Camps: These camps allow teens to give back to their communities while learning valuable skills. Whether it’s packing food for the homeless, assisting with community projects, or even helping to build homes, teens gain hands-on experience that fosters a sense of purpose.
Interest-Based Camps: For teens passionate about sports, arts, computer science or other activities, specialized camps provide an immersive environment to develop their skills. From improving soccer techniques to exploring the arts or deepening their faith, these camps offer a focused approach to personal growth.
Team-Building Camps: At camp, teens meet peers from diverse backgrounds and learn to work as a team through collaborative activities. Trust-building exercises and group projects teach cooperation— skills that are vital in college and beyond.
2 Internships.
For teens with a clear interest in a particular field, internships provide an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience. Whether shadowing a doctor, assisting in a lab, or working at a local business, internships offer insight into potential career paths and look impressive on college applications.
3 Research Opps.
Teens interested in STEM fields can
often find summer research opportunities through universities, science institutes, or specialized programs. These experiences allow students to contribute to meaningful projects, learn advanced methodologies, and connect with professionals in their field.
4Job Shadowing.
For those still exploring career options, job shadowing provides a chance to observe professionals at work. Spending a day or two with a mentor can help teens understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a job and determine whether it aligns with their interests.
5Develop Interests & Skills.
Summer is a perfect time for teens to unplug and dive into interests they might not have time for during the school year. Whether attending camps focused on creative arts, sports, or technology, or taking guitar lessons, teens can develop new passions or refine existing ones, which could influence their future studies or careers.
6 Build Independence.
Experiences like camps, internships, or job shadowing encourage teens to step out of their comfort zones. These activities require them to adapt to new environments, manage their time, and interact with others—key skills for college and adulthood.
7Build Healthy Habits.
Whether through sports camps, outdoor adventure programs, or summer jobs that involve movement, staying physically active during the summer is essential. These activities help teens maintain their health while fostering discipline, developing skills and teamwork.
8 Cultivate Friendships & Social Skills.
Whether through sports camps, outdoor adventure programs, or summer jobs that involve movement, staying physically active during the summer is essential. These activities help teens maintain their health while fostering discipline, developing skills and teamwork.
9 Sweet Homecoming.
Spending time away from home — whether at a residential camp, internship, or through international travel — often helps teens gain a new appreciation for family life and everyday comforts, from home-cooked meals to their own bed.
Summer isn’t just for relaxing—it’s a time to grow, explore, and prepare for the future. Whether through camps, internships, research, jobs or other activities, college-focused teens can make the most of their summer while creating memories, making friends and developing skills that will last a lifetime. And yes, there’s still plenty of time for those odd jobs to help fund next year’s adventures!
Mass Audubon Camps Where Kids Grow
Day Camp Vs. Overnight Camp
Deciding between day camp or residential (overnight) camp is one piece of the decision for families. Camp is an experience and not limited to a singular location. Campers can develop hard and soft skills, whether sleeping away from home or returning to their own beds each night. While there are differences between day and residential camps, above all else, the most important outcome of this decision is finding the right fit for your camper and family.
This begins with knowing your camper. Many overnight camps begin taking campers between ages 7 to 9. However, some children may be ready at 6, while others may not be ready at 10. While there is no clear, linear checklist to determine whether day or overnight camp is right for your child, the questions listed here can help guide that conversation.
These questions help begin a dialogue with your family about which camp best fits you. The choice of day versus residential camp is a crucial aspect of the overall decision. But even then, make sure you follow up with those potential camps. Talk to directors. Ask for tours. Ask for references. Do your due diligence. In the end, both you and the camp want this summer to be the first of many and the beginning of a great relationship.
• What is the primary reason for wanting to go to camp?
• Has your child ever spent multiple nights sleeping away from home?
• What’s your budget for camp?
• Can your child bathe and dress independently?
• How far away from home do you want your child’s camp experience to be?
• What activities are important to your camper’s experience?
BE HONEST WITH CAMP.
Whether 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!
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 bed-wetting, 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 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.
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 visit www.acanewengland.org.
Parents agree: Camp Frank A. Day is where memories are made, friendships are found, and independence grows. Campers are welcomed, encouraged, and guided to fully embrace each moment.
From action-packed days to campfire nights, our campers carry their CFAD experiences with them for a lifetime.
STEAM Summer Camps
5 REASONS TO CONSIDER THIS SUMMER
By Jean Abernathy
Summer camp provide an environment in which encourages children to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers, action-takers, and global citizens. Children can begin putting the real-world pieces together that they have learned throughout the school year and start applying those principles in a fun and engaging manner during summer. A STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & math) approach summer camp allows your child to explore different areas of study and provides them with an understanding of how each subject is connected. Here are five reasons why you should consider a STEAM focused summer camp for your child.
Encourages Learning During Summer
The dreaded “summer learning lose” has plagued classroom teachers for decades, and often contributes to wasted instructional time come Fall. A growing body of research indicates that summer programs can help students retain and build upon their learning from the previous year, especially if those programs are specifically aimed at enrichment. Camps that focus on arts and science enrichment offer a powerful combination of interactive, individualized instruction to provide children with an opportunity for focused reading, practical mathematics, as well as the lively interaction that children crave when school is out for the summer.
Spark an Interest in Science
Summer is a great time to encourage your children to pursue new interests that they may not normally be attracted to, including the sciences. A study of high school and university age students enrolled in a summer science internship program revealed
Giving children the opportunity to learn how to create 3D drawings or movies isn’t just fun, it encourages children to use their “big picture” visioning skills to imagine new possibilities and outcomes.
that the majority of the students reported extracurricular exposure to the STEAM fields had encouraged their interest in science.
Actively applying science concepts outside of the classroom seems to have a lasting effect on children, and summer camp is a great place for them to start exploring in a fun, supportive environment.
3
Introduces Career Opportunities Early On
While summer camp may seem like the last place that children should be thinking about their career goals, it’s never too early to give them enrichment experiences in the STEAM fields to ignite the kind of curiosity that often leads to a fulfilling and meaningful work life. A two-year study of middle school students across the country revealed that “students who once participated in science summer camps were more likely to later report a career interest in the science and engineering fields”. It’s clear that enrolling your child in a STEAM focused camp is an ideal way to provide them more options as they start considering their path through high school, college, and beyond.
4
Children Experience Academic Success in a Low Pressure Setting
Summer camp can be a nice way for children to experience the joy of academic achievement in a more supportive, low stakes environment. A few weeks at camp can give your child the chance to feel safer and more supported while learning, which can, in turn, lead them to feel more confident and take on greater academic challenges once the school year resumes in fall.
5
Mixing Arts & Science is just plain fun & more!
Quality arts instruction, especially when coupled with the sciences, gives children the opportunity to play, create, and learn in non- traditional ways that emphasize individual expression as well as real- world collaboration skills. Giving children the opportunity to learn how to create 3D drawings or movies isn’t just fun, it encourages children to use their “big picture” visioning skills to imagine new possibilities and outcomes.
STEAM summer camps offer children the chance to learn, grow, and explore new modes of thinking and doing. A STEAM summer program can not only boost academic performance during the school year, it can also build confidence, creativity, resiliency, and ideally, will be fun! Y
Jean Abernathy is the mother of two teenagers and has contributed to Boston Parent for over 10 years.
Camp Mythik at BERKSHIRE LAKE
At Camp Mythik, kids entering 6th-10th grades are welcomed into our award-winning immersive story experience. They will solve riddles, battle monsters, forge armor, and succeed (we hope!) in saving Camp Mythik from its latest mythological catastrophe. Plus, our one-of-a-kind StoryLab equips campers to tell their own story. With the help of our dedicated teaching artists and staff, your camper will write, paint, animate, sing, or film a piece of storytelling they can share far and wide. This summer a hero will emerge...
