A full day arts camp on the beautiful grounds of Linden Place Mansion in Bristol, RI Arts & Crafts, Drama, Music and Dance, each week with a different theme
July 11-15 July 18-22
LINDENPLACE.ORG • 401-253-0390
Summer Program & Camp Guide March 23-24, 2016 Page 3
It's never too early to start thinking about summer (camps) Welcome to East Bay Newspapers' annual Summer Program & Camp Guide. Within these pages you will find everything you need to plan a busy and fulfilling summer for your kids. Whether they want to spend their vacation fencing, painting, learning robotics — or all of the above — it's here, or near here. On pages 9 to 15, you will find our annual guide, with local camps organized alphabetically within categories, including classic summer camp, arts, and sports; there are even camps that help teach children with conditions like asthma and diabetes how to manage their health while also safely enjoying a traditional summer camp experience.
New this year is our Summer Program & Camp Expo, which gives parents a unique opportunity to meet and get to know the folks running local summer programs. Shop for summer activities for the kiddos, learn about the diverse choices of summer programs and have some fun along the way. The Summer Program & Camp Expo will be held on Saturday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Highlander Charter School, 360 Market St. Warren. It may seem a little soon to be thinking about this, but it is definitely not — summer will be here before you know it and the most popular programs fill up early … so don't get left out in the "cold."
Page 4 Summer Program & Camp Guide March 23-24, 2016
Whose idea was this 'camp' thing anyway? Camping traditions around the world The invention of summer camp as we know it was a truly great thing, there's no doubt about it. But despite the fact that s'mores, ghost stories and campfires may seem as American as apple pie and Chevrolets, they are certainly not exclusive to this country. The first residential summer camp for children may have been in the Swiss Alps in the 1800s, and they have been popular in France for about as long. French "colonie de vacances," or more recently "centre de vacances," attract more than a quarter of all French children to a "collective holiday" each year. In fact, summer camps are very popular and well-attended in most developed countries, with Australia as a notable exception, probably due to the structure of their school year and the fact that the Christmas holiday lands smack in the middle of the Australian summer. In Canada, much like in the U.S., camps are very popular and range from the subsidized to the very expensive, and
hold fairs throughout the winter months. In some countries, including Chile and South Korea, the focus on summer camp is language immersion—English most often—with an emphasis on academics. They are almost like an extension of the school year. Summer camps in Ireland also focus on language immersion, but unlike camps that teach children a second language, Irish camps, traditionally in the form of Irish colleges called Gaeltachts, immerse students in Gaelic and well as traditional cultural activities like céilís, and Irish music, and Gaelic games. In China, Most of the summer camps are sponsored by the educational bureau, and only open to selected students within an individual school district. In the recent years, programs have started that are open to kids from different background and different regions. Similarly, the strong state presence is felt in Russian summer camps. Back when it was the USSR, summer camps were called Young Pioneer Camps, of which there were as many as 40,000 in the 1970's serving almost 10,000,000 chil-
dren. Though they declined dramatically after the 1990's, the All-Russian Camp Association still serves about 2,000,000 kids every year. In Scandanavian countries like Finland and Sweden, a type of camp arose in response to what citizens perceived as
secularization of society. These "confirmation camps", religious camps organized by local churches and directed at young teens remain popular today, with as many as 90 percent of kids attending at one time or another. In fact, despite its culture being very different from ours in many respects, India might be the country with the camp tradition that seems closest to what we might think of as the ideal summer camp experience. Wealthy Indian kids head to the Himalayas and other wilderness areas for activities including rock climbing and trekking, backpacking, and white water rafting. Wildlife conservation has become an increasingly popular focus in recent years. Here in the U.S., the American Camp Associating accredits about 12,000 summer camps each year, from boarding to day and focusing on everything from sports to arts to wilderness skills—many of which can be found in or near the East Bay. Sources: camping fellowship.org, wikipedia
Summer Program & Camp Guide March 23-24, 2016 Page 5
Frame your family’s summer camp search and find your camp BY LUCY NORVELL
Director of Public Information, American Camp Association, New England
There’s a camp out there for everyone— figuring out which suit a child’s current needs and interests is an adventure in itself (not as fun as going to camp, but fun nonetheless!). Finding camp is not nearly as fun as going to camp, but here are five steps that are sure to yield the kind of search results families need and hope for: ■ Begin in New England, where summer camp began a century and a half ago. New England camps offer an incredible array of options. Day. Overnight. Trip and travel. Independent. Nonprofit. Religiously-affiliated. One week. Eight weeks. Coed. Girls’ only. Boys’ only. General. Traditional. Specialty (and everything in between). Hundreds of camps are nestled among the lakes, forests, beaches, and mountains CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, and VT. ■ Get the lay of the camp landscape— online. Online camp search provides a place in cyberspace where camp seekers can explore all their options on one website! Don’t waste time with all the tiny, fragmented camp directories. Use the
Find a Camp Tool created with a camp expertise that’s unparalleled. Finally! A one-stop spot to explore a full range of camp options by using key search criteria. Search by location, date, session length, activity, and intensity of instruction and competition. You can even search by camp name. (find.acacamps.org) ■ Visit a Camp Fair—or Open House! This can be an efficient way to explore camp options—in a large room where anywhere from 30-90 camp exhibitors are set up to share information and advice at a fair OR with a chance to tour around camp and to meet some of the staff at an Open House. Wherever you are in your camp search, both types of in-person exploration can be informative. Meeting camp people can influence your search in a big way. ■ Talk with camp representatives on the telephone. If a camp fair or open house is not in your future this year, you can fill in the gaps from your website research with information you get over the phone. Camp people are sitting by their phones in the late winter and early spring just to answer questions from prospective
campers and families! Really! You can speak with them! Camp is all about connecting with people; expect to connect with camp people when you’re exploring your options. When you get close to a final decision, ask for names of parents of new campers from last summer and call them too. ■ Talk to people about camps! Do check references and collect as much informal information about camps as possible. And do ask your neighbors, friends, and par-
ents of your children’s friends about camp, too. Pediatricians and teachers might have some great camp insight for you as well! And remember, you’re welcome to contact ACA New England, the region’s experts on all things camp. Like many searches, you can start your camp search online. But, end that search with people. Camps are people-centered communities. People who work at the camp and people who have attended and who belong to the camp’s community are going to be able to help most as you explore the fit between what you hope to find (your camp wish list) and what each particular camp experience offers. The American Camp Association, New England—the region’s hub for all things summer camp—supports camp experiences, educates camp professionals & staff, consults on camp best practices and advocates for camp quality. For additional camp information and resources in CT, MA, ME, NH, RI & VT, visit www.acanewengland.org or call (781) 541-6080.
Page 6 Summer Program & Camp Guide March 23-24, 2016
Day camp or overnight Camp? How to find a best-fit summer camp BY LUCY NORVELL
Director of Development & Communications American Camp Association, New England
So, what’s better – day camp or overnight camp? This excellent and frequently asked question doesn’t have a simple answer, it has a few: Yes! It depends on your child! Both! Many children attend both day and overnight camp in the same summer rather than one or the other. Some families find that a combination of day and overnight camp experiences is optimal, while others find it best to choose between day and overnight options. Here’s the question you should ask instead: What is best for your child this summer? And, here’s what you need to find out if you don’t yet know: Day Camps serve the youngest of campers as well as many first-time campers who are not yet ready to be
away overnight. Campers travel home at the end of the day to rest and refresh. Day camp often serves as an introduction to the amazing world of summer camp, but it’s not just for younger and new campers. Experienced campers of all ages—including teens and tweens— are challenged and delighted by day
camp programming options. Typically families choose a day camp that is close to home, work or a relative or friends who cares for the child before or after camp. Location is one of the most important variables in a day camp search; that’s way the ACA’s Find A Camp tool allows camp seekers to
search miles radius around a zip code and by state (find.acacamps.org) Overnight campers should be ready to be away from home overnight. While a successful experience away from home prior to going to overnight camp is recommended, children need not have been away from home for several nights—just one or two will do! Overnight campers range in age too— from six or seven at the youngest to eighteen at the oldest. Living, learning, playing, and experiencing life together 24/7 is very popular with children of all ages and equally valuable to their optimal development. Being away from their families for the length of the session while on a resident camp adventure creates a sense of independence that’s highly beneficial—and which prepares children and teens well for the next school year, not to mention college and young adulthood. For more pointers on finding a best fit camp for your child this summer and to use the online camp search tool, visit www.acanewengland.org and click on ‘families & public’.
Summer Program & Camp Guide March 23-24, 2016 Page 7
Summer camp, lifelong memories BY CHRISTINE CONLEY Unforgettable, is the first word that comes to mind when I envision myself in my blue camp shirt, stitched with memories. My experience in the Town of Bristol summer recreation program was truly life-enriching. Each day, my mom drove me down the road that lies between the two intricate bronze bull statues at the entrance to Colt State Park in Bristol. The moment I arrived at the massive pavilion, I anxiously waited for my age-group to be called. I noticed my dearest friends gathering next to my counselor, all in blue camp shirts. As I gathered myself to accompany them, I felt an eager smile creep upon my face. I knew I was venturing into a day-long realm of sports, crafts and fun. During my five years at the Bristol Parks and Recreational Camp, I learned how to play and be successful in a myriad of sports ranging from dodgeball to soccer. In addition, I grew a great appreciation for arts and crafts through a variety of things I learned to create. I went on nature walks that heightened my love for the environment. I sun-tanned
along the shoreline of the town beach with the seagulls soaring high above my head. I also actively participated in sandcastle competitions so I could proudly take home the blue ribbon. I reflect upon these events often, and I am brought back to the breeze that caressed my hair and the scents that christened my nose. However, what I am most frequently brought back to is the invaluable friendships that I have made in my blue camp shirt. To this day, I am still connected with the friends I made through the memories we created each summer. However, life has set its course. We have grown apart due to the differing paths we have chosen to take. Although we don’t see each other often anymore, we still remain a part of the place we called home every summer. We are a part of each other. We are a part of our blue camp shirts, and we will forever be a part of the Bristol Parks and Recreational Camp. Christine Conley is a Bristol resident and senior at St. Mary Academy-Bay View working in a semester-long internship at East Bay Newspapers.
Picture this: Summer on the Big Screen! We’ll celebrate our favorite movies and their most loveable characters with crafts, games, science activities, clubs and more. Join in the fun and LET THE FORCE BE WITH YOU! LOCATION: Hugh Cole School, 50 Asylum Rd. Warren WHEN: June 20 – August 19, 2016 • FULL DAY: 6:45am to 6pm MINI DAY: 9am to 3pm Call 401+245-1460 x1375 for more information or visit www.bw.k12.ri.us and find us under district offices
TWO GREAT EVENTS COME TOGETHER
Saturday April 2 10AM - 2PM
The Summer Program & Camp Expo gives parents a unique opportunity to meet and get to know the folks running local summer programs. ✔ Shop for summer activities for the kiddos ✔ Interactive camp presentations ✔ Learn more about local summer programs ✔ Meet dozens of summer program and camp professionals ✔ Summer camp information from dozens of area camps
The East Bay Chamber of Commerce Merchant Fair features dozens of local merchants and crafters. ✔ Toe Jam Puppet Band (Sponsored by ReMax Rivers Edge)
✔ Food Trucks ✔ Meet Paws & Sox from the PawSox ✔ Food drive ✔ Explore Warren's Fire Truck ✔ Learn about the Glora Gemma Foundation’s Mission
Admission is FREE — bring the family All happening at the Highlander Charter School, 360 Market Street, Warren Presented by:
SATURDAY, APRIL 2 • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Summer Program & Camp Guide March 23-24, 2016 Page 9
CAMP GUIDE 0188; bbcri.org This camp, for grades 1 to 8 and operated by Barrington Baptist Church offers Bible study, crafts, sports, games, cooking, music, daily swimming and weekly field trips.
Camp Guide 2016 A surer sign of spring than any groundhog, it's time for East Bay Newspapers' annual Summer Camp Guide. Whether your kids love animals, sports, the great outdoors, art and music or anything in between, you’re sure to find something within these pages. Most municipally sponsored camps are not included here; call your local recreation department for details on what’s available in your community. Remember to register early, as many camps fill up quickly.
General Camps THE CLASSIC SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE ■ ALL SAINTS ACADEMY
915 West Main Road, Middletown; 401/848-4300; allsaintsacademy.org Children ages 3-9 enjoy a vacation filled with challenging activities, interesting field trips, and cookouts, with new themes every week. ■ AQUIDNECK ISLAND DAY CAMP
The Pennfield School, 110 Sandy Point Ave.,
■ CAMP JORI
Portsmouth; 401/864-3183; www.AquidneckIslandDayCamp.com Campers age 5-13 get to choose from a menu of activities including horseback riding, sailing, the beach, art, swimming, and more. ■ BARRINGTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS Barrington Middle School, 261 Middle Highway, Barrington; 401/245-0432; www.barrcommschool.com Classes for students from kindergarten to high school in art, crafts, baby-sitting training and more.
CAMP SQUANTO COME JOIN US FOR A SUMMER OF FUN, G2r-a1d2es EXCITEMENT AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. Have you had the opportunity to discover Camp Squanto and it’s unique summer camp experience for all ages? Camp Squanto has a long tradition of providing quality Christian youth camping along with unique, fun, safe and dynamic programming for children and youth. Come discover Camp Squanto and join in the fun!
AT CAMP SQUANTO, WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY SUMMER IN A YOUNG PERSON’S LIFE IS A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY.
TARGET ZIPLINE SPORTS
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
CLIMBING
SKITS
ATHLETICS
AQUA
BIG GAMES SWIMMING BOATING FUN
TOWER
GLIDE
PADDLEBOARDS
Pilgrim Pines/Camp Squanto • 220 West Shore Road Swanzey, NH 03446 • pilgrimpines.org • 603.352.0443
■ CAMP ALDERSGATE
1043 Snake Hill Road, North Scituate; 401/568-4350; campaldersgate.com Run by the United Methodist Church, Camp Aldersgate offers overnight and day camp with activities including horseback riding, aquatics, fishing, sports, creativity, cooking, arts, explorers, a grandparents’ camp and more. ■ CAMP CEDARWOOD
25 Old County Road, Barrington; 401/246-
1065 Worden’s Pond Rd., Wakefield; 401/783-7000; www.campjori.com At Camp JORI, we aim to provide a high quality overnight Jewish Camping experience that is available to all families in a safe and supportive setting so that each JORI camper will develop life-long connections with the Jewish community. We offer Overnight Camp for grades 2-10, Day Camp for grades K-4 and a weekend program for those who want to get a taste of Overnight Camp. ■ CAMP RAMSBOTTOM - BOYS
& GIRLS CLUB OF PAWTUCKET One Moeller Place, Pawtucket, RI 02860 401-722-8840 ramsbottom@bgcpawt.org bgcpawt.org Camp Ramsbottom in nearby Rehoboth, Massachusetts, is a popular site for one of the Club's weekday camps.
See CAMP GUIDE Page 10
Page 10 Summer Program & Camp Guide March 23-24, 2016
CAMP GUIDE From Page 9
■ CAMP ST. DOROTHY
13 Monkey Wrench Lane, on the shores of Mt. Hope Bay, Bristol; 401/253-5434 Under the direction of the Sisters of St. Dorothy, this Christian day camp offers allweather outdoor and indoor fun, sports, nature walks, swimming, songs, art, plays, Bible stories, games, sign language and more for ages 5-13.
Children enjoy field trips, sports, swimming, arts and crafts and more. ■ COZ SUMMER CAMP
Hugh Cole School, 50 Asylum Road, Warren; 401/245-1460, ext. 1375 This Bristol-Warren Regional School District program is for campers in grades K-6 and includes art, community service, computers, cooking, cookouts, fitness, gardening, music, hiking, reading, sports, and more. ■ CAMP WETU AT MOUNT HOPE FARM
■ CANONICUS CAMP AND
CONFERENCE CENTER American Baptist Churches of R.I., 54 Exeter Road, Exeter; 800/294-6318; www.canonicus.org This day camp for pre-K to grade 7 and resident camp for grades 1-12 offers kayaks, swimming, archery, outdoor skills, sports, fishing, cooking, horseback riding and more. ■ THE CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP
Locations in Warren (401/247-2503), Rumford (401/434-1118), Riverside (401/2286209) and Seekonk (508/336-2677); www.childrensworkshop.com
Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol; 401/254-1745; mounthopefarm.org Summer 2015 includes four 2 week sessions, each with a themed curriculum integrating the Farm’s unique landscape as a laboratory for kid friendly learning on a range of topics including farming, forestry, hiking, science, history, conservation and fun! ■ EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE CENTER SUMMER CAMP 872 Reservoir Road, on Echo Lake, Pascoag; 401/568-4055; www.eccri.org Run by the Episcopal Diocese of R.I., this camp is for ages 4 to 17 and includes daily worship, swimming, creative evening pro-
Newman YMCA Bayside YMCA 70 West Street • Barrington, RI (401) 245-2444 Offers: Traditional Day Camp which includes: Archery, Swim, Nature, Art, Sports, and games. Bayside Specialty camps are: Jam On (band camp) Gymnastics Aquatics Kayaking Horsemanship Sailing Farm Camp Skate Camp
472 Taunton Avenue • Seekonk, MA (508) 336-7103 Offers: Traditional Day Camp which includes: Archery, Swim, Swim Lessons, Art, Nature, Ropes Course, Sports, Games and Gaga. Our Day camp is fully inclusive and adaptive to children of varying abilities. Newman Specialty Camps are: Becoming a Chef Mad Science Musical Theater Movie Making Path finders (survival) Dance Football Soccer Basketball Adventure Camp (trip and travel)
Early Bird Registration ends: May 15th so Register Now! For more information & details Call your local branch www.ymcagreaterprovidence.org
grams and time with friends. ■ FRIENDS ACADEMY SUMMER PROGRAMS 1088 Tucker Road, North Dartmouth, 508/999-1356; www.friendsacademy1810.org Offers a wide variety of nature, academic and sports camps for children in pre-K through grade 9. ■ THE GARDEN PLAYSCHOOL
84 Cutler St., Warren, 401/289-2895; www.gardenplayschool.com This nature-based camp is for children ages 18 months to 5 years, with different themes. ■ GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTH EASTERN
NEW ENGLAND SUMMER CAMPS Various locations, including Promising Acres in Swansea and Camp Rocky Farm in Newport; 401/331-4500; www.gssne.org Day and overnight camps for girls entering grades K-12 include traditional camp experiences like swimming, boating, arts and crafts, nature, cooking and outdoor skills. ■ NARRAGANSETT COUNCIL - BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA STEM DAY CAMP 10 Risho Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914 401.351.8700 info@narragansettbsa.org narragansettbsa.org There will be expanded STEM program time at our camps this summer, including our maker studio at Camp Champlin. ■ SUMMER CAMPS AT GORDON SCHOOL Gordon School, 45 Maxfield Ave., East Providence; 401/434-3833 or www.gordonschool.org Gordon offers a series of day camps each summer. For 2016, options include Summer Gators for students entering nursery to grade 4, soccer for grades 1 to 9, summer theater for
grades 5 to 9, basketball for grades 1 to 9, and science and engineering for grades 4 to 8. ■ SUMMER J-CAMP
AT THE DWARES JCC 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence; 401/4214111; jewishallianceri.org Day camps for children ages 2-15 including sports, art, acting, animals, cooking, science, travel, and so many more ways for your child to create an exciting summer full of memories. ■ MOSES BROWN SUMMER CAMPS
250 Lloyd Ave., Providence; 401/831-7350, ext. 150; www.mosesbrown.org Moses Brown offers a traditional day camp for children ages 3-17 as well as specialty camps for computing, design, chess, girls' leadership, sailing and maritime studies, football, lacrosse, soccer tennis, and more. ■ OCEAN STATE MONTESSORI
SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP 100 Grove Avenue, East Providence; 401/434-6913; www.oceanstatemontessori.org/camps Ocean State Montessori School Summer Camp offers a perfect balance of indoor and outdoor activities including arts and crafts, movement, stories, drama, swim lessons, and free play for ages 3 to 6. ■ PENNFIELD SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP
110 Sandy Point Ave., Portsmouth; 401/849-4646; www.pennfield.org A camp for ages 3 to 14 utilizing Pennfield’s state-of-the-art facilities including an inground swimming pool, gymnasium, air-conditioned library, art studio and playing fields. ■ ROCKY HILL SCHOOL SUMMER
ENRICHMENT ACADEMY AND CAMPS 530 Ives Road, East Greenwich; 401/8849070; www.rockyhill.org
Summer Program & Camp Guide March 23-24, 2016 Page 11
CAMP GUIDE ■ NORMAN BIRD SANCTUARY SUMMER CAMP 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown; 401/846-2577; www.normanbirdsanctuary.org The Norman Bird Sanctuary offers day camp programs through the summer for children from age 3.5 through 14. Their age-appropriate and innovative camps offer a unique blend of hands-on learning, games, animal encounters and team building. Camp groups led by caring, enthusiastic and professional Teacher Naturalists utilize Norman Bird Sanctuary's 325 acre outdoor classroom.
Offers a variety of summer programs, sports and specialty programs for ages 3-18 ■ ST. MICHAEL’S COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 180 Rhode Island Ave., Newport; 401/8495970 or www.smcds.org/summer St. Michael’s offers a variety of programs for children ages 3-18, encouraging children to explore, learn, create and develop in an atmosphere of support and respect. ■ WHEELER SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS Wheeler School Farm, 357 Walker St., Seekonk; 508/336-8377; wheelersummercamp.com Wheeler Summer Camps offers a traditional outdoor day camp experience for campers ranging in age from 4-15. Activities are geared toward exploration of the outdoors, learning life skills, arts and athletics.
camps specialize in teaching kids to appreciate the natural environment.
YMCA Camps
■ ALTON JONES CAMP
While each YMCA camp designs its own programs to serve its local community, each YMCA promotes the core Y principles of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Following are some local YMCAs offering camps.
401 Victory Highway, West Greenwich; 401/874-8200; www.altonjonescamp.org Alton Jones Camp for ages 5 to 17—with 2,300 acres, 75 acre lake, miles of trails and a nineteenth-century farm—offers a big backyard for learning, exploration, adventure and fun. Offering day, overnight and specialty camps. Activities highlight outdoor skills and the natural environment.
• Bayside YMCA, 70 West St., Barrington; 401/245-2444; www.ymcagreaterprovidence.org. • Newman YMCA, 472 Taunton Ave., Seekonk; 508/336-7103; www.ymcagreaterprovidence.org. • Newport County YMCA, 792 Valley Road, Middletown; 401/847-9200 or www.newportymca.org. • YMCA Camp Sandywoods, off Bulgarmarsh Road, Tiverton; 401/847-9200; www.newportymca.org.
Environmental Camps Although most traditional summer camps offer outdoor experiences and incorporate their settings in their programs, some
■ SAVE THE BAY’S BAYCAMPS
■ AUDUBON SOCIETY OF RHODE ISLAND NATURE DAY CAMPS Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope St., Bristol; Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave., Seekonk; and Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield; 401/245-7500, 401/949-5454; www.audubonsummercamp.com Audubon summer camp gets kids aged 3? to 15 outside exploring fields, forests, ponds, and the coast of Narragansett Bay. It’s the perfect environment for adventure, exploration, learning, and loads of fun. It’s
what summer camp should be. ■ CAMP SEQUOIA AT BLITHEWOLD
Blithewold Gardens and Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road, Bristol; 401/253-2707; www.blithewold.org For kids entering grades 1-5, the camp specializes in hands-on programs emphasizing the interaction of plants, animals, humans and the environment. ■ THE LLOYD CENTER
SUMMER PROGRAMS 430 Potomska Road, South Dartmouth, Mass.; 508/990-0505 x13; www.lloydcenter.org The Lloyd Center's summer programs are designed to give motivated students entering grades 3 to 8 an opportunity to explore different aspects of environmental science. All coastal studies sessions include field study, laboratory work, and fun! The Young Naturalist program, for ages 5-7, teaches kids about fish, birds, crustaceans, snakes, mammals and more.
Save The Bay, 100 Save The Bay Drive, Providence; 401/272-3540; www.savebay.org Narragansett Bay is what sets our summer camps apart from all the rest. In fact, it's our campground. During our week-long, full- and half-day camps, children from kindergarten through high school enjoy hands-on exploration of Rhode Island's greatest natural resource. From sailing and science to critters and crafts, plus locations throughout Rhode Island, there's a camp for every child who loves the outdoors. ■ ZOOCAMP
Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence; 401/785-3510; www.rwpzoo.org. Games, hands-on activities, crafts, animal encounters and tours of the zoo for ages 4-13.
Educational Camps These camps focus on academics or a specialized area of study, from foreign language to technology. ■ ANTIOCH SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM
618 Rock St., Fall River; 508/673-6767;
See CAMP GUIDE Page 12
Page 12 Summer Program & Camp Guide March 23-24, 2016
CAMP GUIDE dancing, acting, and master classes, and culminates with a performance for family and friends on the PPAC stage.
From Page 11 www.antioch-school.org Arts & crafts, baking, an hour of academics daily and a weekly field trip for students in preschool through 8th grade.
■ CAMP OSTC Ocean State Theatre Company, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick; 401/921-6800; www.oceanstatetheatre.org Ocean State Theatre Company offers summer camps full of fun and learning with quality theater professionals, culminating in a full-scale musical production. For students in grades 1 through 9.
■ BATTLESHIP COVE
5 Water Street, Fall River Mass • 508-6781100 • www.battleshipcove.org Journey through time and camp aboard a historic WWII battleship. Overnight program for scout troops to experience life as a sailor and to sleep on a WWII battleship. It also includes school and youth groups as well as family overnights. ■ CAMP HAPPY TRAILS
Potter League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown; 401-846-0592 x120; www.potterleague.org Kids in grades 2 to 6 are introduced to the wonders of the animal kingdom while learning compassion and respect for the world around them. ■ FRENCH-AMERICAN SCHOOL
OF R.I. SUMMER CAMP 75 John St., Providence; 401/274-3325; www.fasri.org Kids ages 4 to 12 have summer fun in French. Activities include arts, craft, sports, fresh air, and French language experience and exposure. ■ PORTSMOUTH ABBEY
SUMMER PROGRAM Portsmouth Abbey School, 285 Cory's Lane, Portsmouth; 401/643-1225; www.portsmouthabbey.org/summer The Abbey summer program, designed for students entering grades 7 to 11, provides children with a month full of fun experiences, new friends and academic skills all while living on the campus on the shores
of Narragansett Bay. ■ RITES SUMMER PROGRAMS
Hamilton School at Wheeler in Providence; 401/723-4459; www.ritutorial.org The RITES Summer program, for students entering grades 2-12, offers an enjoyable, multisensory, specialized, educational experience for children with a range of learning differences that affect their classroom performance. ■ ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL
SUMMER PROGRAMS St. Andrew’s School, 63 Federal Road, Barrington; 401/246-1230; www.standrewsri.org/summerprograms A summer program that offers a bridge to the academic school year with activities for students in grades 1-12. Half - and full-day camps in theater, paintball, a variety of sports, science, robotics and more!
Creative Camps These camps focus on the arts ranging from dance to theater to studio art.
■ ARTS ALIVE! PO Box 678, Barrington; 401/237-0638; www.artsalivebarrington.org Acting, Music, Dance, Fun! Arts Alive! Summer Theatre Camps are for Ages 8 -16. Children under 8 may participate if they have previous experience with an Arts Alive school play program. ■ THE ARTISTS’ EXCHANGE
50 Rolfe Square, Cranston; 401/490-9475; www.artists-exchange.org Campers aged 5 to 15 will find a wide range of classes and opportunities to create with a mediums including paint, clay, and found and recycled materials. Camps are taught in our fully equipped studios and theater spaces by certified teachers and professional artists. ■ CAMP BROADWAY Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence; 401/421-2997; www.ppacri.org Weeklong day camp for theater-loving kids ages 10-17. Includes five days of singing,
■ JUST DANCE 426 Metacom Ave., Warren; 401/486-4478; justdanceri.com Dance instruction for ages 2-adult in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip hop, acro, and lyrical. Summer camps run Monday-Thursday in July and August. ■ KIDSEYE SUMMER FILMMAKING CAMP University of Rhode Island, Kingston; 401/861-4445; www.RIFilmFest.org This fun yet intensive five-day filmmaking camp for children ages 8-17 is presented by FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival. Participants step into the roles of screenwriters, actors, directors and crew and learn the basic elements of the filmmaking process, culminating in a premiere screening of their finished films. ■ KINDERART SUMMER CAMPS
KinderArt Preschool, 146 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown; 401/847-0685; Kinderartkids.com Creative summer program for children ages 3-5 features music, art, dramatic play, field trips, dance, outdoor fun and more. ■ LINCOLN SCHOOL
301 Butler Ave., Providence; 401/331-9696
Summer Program & Camp Guide March 23-24, 2016 Page 13
CAMP GUIDE x4103; Lincolnschool.org Camps for boys and girls aged 3 to 6 and girls entering grades 1 through 12 include surf, robotics, squash, acting, and more.
Sports Camps
■ LINDEN PLACE SUMMER ARTS CAMP 500 Hope St., Bristol; 401/253-0390; www.lindenplace.org Campers ages 6-14 participate in a wide variety of activities from arts and crafts and drama to creative movement and music classes. Each one-week session is arranged around a theme and ends with a performance for friends and family.
In addition, many traditional camps as well as the YMCAs will offer specialized sports and adventure themes including ropes courses, rock climbing, hiking, skateboarding and more.
The number of summer camps devoted to individual sports is huge. Keep an eye out for sports camps available through many of the private schools and colleges in the area
■ BEACH DOGS RHODE ISLAND LACROSSE CAMP St George's School, Middletown; 401/9659622; www.beachdogslax.com Prepare to dig deep into the history of "the oldest team sport in America" with visiting coaches from the Iroquois National Lacrosse Program in addition to stellar coaching talent from across the U.S.
■ NEWPORT ART MUSEUM SUMMER PROGRAMS 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport; 401/848-2787; www.newportartmuseum.org Camps and classes offered for kids aged 614. ■ R.I. PHILHARMONIC MUSIC SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS The Carter Center for Music Education & Performance, 667 Waterman Ave., East Providence; 401/248-7001; www.riphil.org/musicschool Offering summer camps, workshops, early childhood classes and private lessons for all ages; programs include jazz, rock & blues, children's voice, music production, chamber music, and more.
Rehoboth; 401/245-9750 Warren; 401/2532212 Bristol; 401/624-2283 Tiverton; 774/260-7386 Rehoboth; www.rosemarysdance.com Rosemary's will offer a Summer Dance Project in July as well as a Summer Ballet Workshop in August.
DESIGN YOUNG ARTISTS PROGRAM 2 College St., Providence; 401/454-6200; ce.risd.edu A variety of camps and courses offered at both RISD’s Providence campus and Tillinghast Farm in Barrington.
■ SUMMER DANCE CAMPS AT THE BALLET CENTER 89 Gooding Ave., Bristol; 401/254-2847; theballetctr.com Find new ways to move this summer! Dance camps offered in July for dancers aged 3 to 12 include Frozen Summer Fairy Tale Camp (ages 3-7), and Descendants Camp (ages 8-12).
■ ROSEMARY'S SCHOOL OF DANCE EDUCATION Locations in Warren, Bristol, Tiverton, and
■ TRINITY REPERTORY YOUNG ACTORS SUMMER INSTITUTE 201 Washington St, Providence; 401/521-
■ RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF
1100; www.trinityrep.com The Young Actors Summer Institute is one of the most comprehensive arts enrichment summer programs in New England. Taught by Trinity Rep's professional acting company and Trinity's education staff, students are able to choose from a variety of different classes, including playwriting, stage combat, improvisation, film and much more! ■ ART BY YOU AT WEIRDGIRL CREATIONS POTTERY STUDIO SUMMER ART CAMP Art by You at Weirdgirl Creations Pottery Studio, 33 Kent St., Barrington, RI ; 401/2471397; www.weirdgirlcreations.com The studio offers a 4 half day art camp for ages 5 and up. Students work in clay, try their hand at the wheel, paint 4 bisque pottery pieces, as well as drawing & painting.
■ COMMUNITY BOATING CENTER India Point Park, Providence; 401/454-7245; www.communityboating.com For ages 8-17. Curriculum allows stepped progression through a variety of opportunities for beginner, racing or cruising-minded sailors. ■ EAST BAY SAILING FOUNDATION Bristol Yacht Club, 101 Poppasquash Road, Bristol; 401/253-0775; www.eastbaysailingfoundation.org Classes for ages 6-18, taught in Bristol Harbor. Novice, beginner, intermediate and advanced racing classes offered. ■ HERRESHOFF SEAMANSHIP PROGRAM Herreshoff Marine Museum, 1 Burnside St., Bristol; 401-253-5000; www.herreshoff.org Youth sailing camp on classic Herreshoff sloops; Full day and mornings; All levels of experience welcome; Family and adult See CAMP GUIDE Page 14
DISCOVER SUMMER FUN at SANDYWOODS CAMP 2016 Theme weeks, archery, water activities, library visits, lego curriculum, 3 field trips, arts and crafts, and much more. Come to our Open House May 22, 3-5pm at Sandywoods REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Scholarships available. Go to newportymca.org to download a 2016 Camp Brochure.
Page 14 Summer Program & Camp Guide March 23-24, 2016
CAMP GUIDE From Page 13 classes and boat rentals available on weeknights and weekends. ■ BRISTOL SUMMER CAMP ERNIE’S AMERICAN MARTIAL ARTS 576 Metacom Ave., Bristol, RI; 401/2536409; bristolsummercamp.com Accepting a limited number of new children ages 5-12 to join us this summer! Our summer camp is open every day from 7:30am to 6pm. Fun and safe activities include: Martial Arts, Tumbling, cheerleading, dance, Zumba, Outdoor Sports, Arts & Crafts, Educations time, Reading time, and limited Video Game and Movie Time. ■ KARATE CAMP
Self Defense Training Center, 1235 Wampanoag Trail Riverside; 401/437-9223; SelfDefenseRI.com Karate Camp is more than just Karate — the main focus is to make sure every camper has a great time. Campers will have the chance to take part in their favorite games, sports and other activities in a safe, supervised and fun setting. Children in camp have a great opportunity to improve strength, endurance and flexibility. ■ NEWPORT GULLS SUMMER BASEBALL CAMP P.O. Box 777, Newport, RI 02840; 401/8565644; www.newportgulls.com; camps held in Portsmouth, Middletown and Newport. Camps are for boys and girls ages 6-12 of all skill levels, grouped based on age and ability. There’s a strong emphasis on teaching the fundamentals of the game. ■ PRESTIGE FITNESS & GYMNASTICS 1735 Grand Army Hwy, Swansea, MA 02777 Phone:(508) 379-1019 • prestigeFitGym.com Full and half day. Options available. Pro-
grams for ages 3.5+ ■ RHODE ISLAND FENCING ACADEMY 14 Almeida Ave East Providence; 401/4342404; RIFAC.com Do something extraordinary this summer — fencing camp! Fencing is a fun, safe sport that hones mind and body through a disciplined blend of determination, skill and competitiveness. RIFAC offers one of the most rewarding fencing camp experiences in the nation. ■ ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC CAMPS Roger Williams University, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol; 401/254-3050; www.rwu.edu Hit the field with RWU’s basketball, lacrosse and soccer camps. Campers will get tips from college coaches and players, improve their skills and meet new people.
opportunities specifically for children with physical, developmental or emotional disabilities, as well as those with special health care needs. A good source is the R.I. Developmental Disabilities Council, which puts together an annual summer guide every year; you can find it at www.riddc.org. ■ CAMP SUREFIRE
University of Rhode Island W. Alton Jones Campus, 401 Victory Highway, West Greenwich; 401/474-1606; www.campsurefire.org This one-week overnight camp provides an opportunity for kids aged 6 to 16 with type one diabetes to meet and learn from older campers, counselors and staff. Open house will be held on Saturday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alton Jones Campus. Camp registration is available online. Financial aid available.
E.P.Bradley Sleep Lab • 401-421-9440 Looking for healthy weight and overweight volunteers ages 12-15 for a summer sleep study. ■ TENNIS RHODE ISLAND, INC.
70 Boyd Ave., East Providence; 401/4345550; www.tennisrhodeisland.com A wide variety of programs are offered for children at varying skill levels. ■ WINDSWEPT FARM
106 Birch Swamp Rd., Warren; 401/2452290; www.windsweptfarmri.com Weekly summer camp riding programs for ages 6 and up provide an all-encompassing equestrian experience in a safe, supervised environment.
Special Needs/Health Needs There are many summer recreational
■ SAIL TO PREVAIL’S CONFIDENCE
IS COOL SUMMER CAMP Located in Newport; 401/849-8898; www.sailtoprevail.org This recreational day camp is for children and teens with disabilities, ages 7-17. Campers participate in recreational and art and craft activities designed to meet their needs and abilities, including sailing, swimming, arts and crafts, mobility games and sports, field trips and other creative activities.
Bereavement ■ CAMP ANGEL WINGS
■ HASBRO CHILDREN’S ■ SLEEP FOR SCIENCE RESEARCH LAB
This camp, for children ages 5 to 19 who have an autism spectrum diagnosis, is rich with visual supports, structured teaching methods, sensory-based activities and traditional camp activities like swimming, arts and crafts and nature walks.
HOSPITAL ASTHMA CAMP Canonicus Camp and Conference Center, 54 Exeter Road, Exeter; 401/444-8340; malsina@lifespan.org Camp provides children with asthma, ages 9-13, an opportunity to learn self-reliance and share ideas, problems and concerns about asthma.
Camp Welch, North Main Street, Assonet, MA; 508/973-3426; www.southcoast.org/vna/events.html This annual, free, two-day bereavement camp is for children and teens, ages 6-15, who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, team building, sharing of loss and activities that memorialize loved ones.
■ THE JACK RUA CAMP
■ CAMP BRAVEHEART
FOR CHILDREN WITH DIABETES Camp Buxton, 90 Pond St., Rehoboth; 508/679-5233; peopleinc-fr.org Camp is for children ages 5 to 14 with type one diabetes who are served by Diabetes Association Incorporated. Its mission is to foster friendships among children with diabetes, their siblings and friends through a safe, active program. ■ CAMP WANNAGOAGAIN
Cub World Camp, Buck Hill Boy Scout Reservation, 704 Buck Hill Road, Pascoag; 401/785-2666; www.theautismproject.org
Camp Aldergate, 1043 Snake Hill Rd, North Scituate, RI 02857; 401/415-4610; www.hhcri.org/CampBraveHeart This two-day bereavement camp is for children ages 4-17 who have lost a loved one. Programming combines traditional camp activities like swimming, kayaking, archery, rock climbing and ropes challenge courses, with grief support, including art therapy, music, theatre workshops, drum circles and storytelling. A butterfly release ceremony concludes the event. Staffed by HHCRI grief support staff and volunteers.
Sleep for Science this Summer! The E. P. Bradley Sleep Lab is looking for healthy weight and overweight volunteers ages 12-15 who are in general good health for a summer sleep study looking at sleep and biological rhythms and how they affect behavior, performance, eating, smelling, and tasting.
Participants will be compensated for their time and effort. For more information, call Cindy at (401) 421-9440 Monday – Friday, 9AM-5PM or visit www.sleepforscience.org
The Sleep for Science Research Lab is affiliated with Bradley Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.