Boston Camp Guide 2017 by Parenting Media

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

Your Child’s Best Summer EVER Starts Here

CounselorIn-Training Programs

75+

Camp Listings

15 Steps to Day Camp Success March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Northeast Camp Guide 2017

Contents What’s Inside 6 Countdown to Camp

Explore the many benefits of sending your child to camp.

10 How to Make Sure Camp Is Right for Your Child

Questions to ask perspective camps.

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

20 Medications at Camp

28 15 Steps to Day Camp Success

How to make the most of your child’s experience.

32 Enrichment Programs & Camps

Keep your kids engaged in educational activities during the summer months.

36 Special Needs Camps

Fun with campers “just like me.”

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

40 CIT Programs

42 Camp Listings

What to know about camp procedures concerning prescription medication.

22 Kids Being Active….

26 Lean On Me

Kids Participating in Team Sports A camp that helps with grief.

Boston Parent 841 Worcester Street Suite 344 Natick, MA 01760 Tel/Fax 617-522-1515 Visit us online at BostonParentsPaper.com

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

PUBLISHERS Robert and Tracy McKean ART DIRECTOR Debbi Murzyn ADVERTISING SALES Holly Castro, David Morney

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March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

By Deirdre Wilson

UMMER CAMP HAS ALWAYS BEEN A RITE OF PASSAGE. Kids at overnight camp are away from home and their parents – often for the first time. They’re thrown together with kids, counselors and camp staff they’ve never met before. They spend their days on lakes, fields or wooded grounds, playing sports or music, doing crafts, artwork or drama. They spend their nights in dormitories, cabins or tents. And when they come home, they always seem a little changed. More confident, independent and social. Parents of young campers have known this for years. Now the people behind the $20 billion summer camp industry have the research to prove it. The American Camp Association (ACA), which accredits about 2,400 camp programs nationwide, released a study on the benefits of camp in late 2005 and has been promoting the results ever since. The study, dubbed “Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience,” is touted as

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

the first and largest research of its kind in the country. Some 5,000 families, including parents and kids ages 8 to 14, were surveyed before, immediately after and six months after their camp stays in 2002 and 2003. In addition, staff from 80 participating day and residential camps recorded their observations of kids at camp and described their camp programs in detail. The study found that camp helps kids grow significantly in: • self-esteem, independence and leadership; • social skills and friendship-building; • physical and thinking skills; and • positive values and spirituality. About 70 percent of the parents surveyed reported their kids were positively changed by their camp experiences, with most seeing greater self-confidence. Parents also reported their children were more caring toward others, more apt to take on leadership roles and had made many new friends. Camp counselors observed kids becoming more willing to take positive risks by trying activities that were new to them.

The Good Stuff Is Universal Many parents, independent of the survey, echo the findings. “The biggest change we saw, because their experiences were so good, was that they had more self-confidence,” says Don O’Grady, a Sedgwick, Maine, father of two teens who’ve attended different kinds of summer camps over the years. “You could just see it. They were more

willing to take on challenges, leadership roles. They were more confident socially when they were put in situations where they had to introduce themselves to people.” And the benefits are the same whether a child attends a general activities camp or one geared toward a specific interest.

Which Camp Works Best for Your Child? • Traditional camps offer a wide range of activities, from athletics to crafts to confidence-building skills. • Specialty camps are designed to meet a child’s particular interest such as drama, music or sports. • Travel camps take campers on hikes, bikes, horseback or canoe rides in parks or other outdoor sites; some that are particularly popular among teenagers are tour destinations abroad.

• Preschool camps are day programs for children ages 2.9 to 4.5. Since kids this age need more supervision, these usually have a small staff-to-camper ratio. • Special-needs camps are designed to meet the needs of children with physical, mental or learning disabilities. Some camps combine children with and without special needs for all or part of the day, providing extra support to the kids with disabilities. Other camps focus on kids with a specific disability or disorder

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June 26 – July 21 A multidisciplinary arts program for ages 2 – 14 A four week program offering daily classes in music, dance, drama and visual arts. SummerARTS offers multiple performance opportunities, field trips, theme days and more!

COMMUNITY MUSIC CENTER OF BOSTON

www.cmcb.org (617) 482-7494 34 WARREN AVENUE BOSTON, MA 02116

Laura Bell, of Beverly, is the mother of three kids who’ve all attended summer camps. Her youngest, Mary Kate, attended both a general sports camp and a hockey camp in recent years. “But when you evaluate it, deciding which camp she liked better had nothing to do with hockey; it was about how the kids were, the social aspect,” Bell says. Regarding the sports camp, Bell notes, “the focus wasn’t totally on sports. It was all about the camaraderie the kids built. They had different color teams from different dorms who would do fun contests. Mary Kate came home in great physical shape, but the thing she remembered were the campfires and team contests.” Of all the developmental gains kids can get from camp, parents really notice and value the boost in their kids’ social skills. “Going to camp is not necessarily an easy thing to do because you’re away from home and meeting all new people,” O’Grady says. And while homesickness might have been a challenge early in the camp experience, both of his kids got through it, met new friends and had good experiences. “The kids are living in dorms or cabins, so they have to develop good social skills. They have to get along with each other,” Bell says. “And even though the camp is structured, it’s not the same as mom and dad looking out for them individually. If they’ve had a good time, generally it means they’ve gotten along with other people who were new to them.” As you start making your child’s camp plans, you and your child can look forward to planning his future that includes unlimited opportunities for exploration and discovery that arrives with summer camp. Deirdre Wilson is former senior editor of Boston Parents Paper

Camp Bauercrest A Traditional Overnight

Sports Camp for Jewish Boys Where boys have the experiences, learn skills, and make Friends for a lifetime Learn more and register at www.bauercrest.org on Lake Attitash in Amesbury, MA Ken Cotton – Executive Director In-Season 978-388-4732 Off-Season 508-251-9811 17 Old County Road, Amebury MA 01913

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

Helpful Books • The Summer Camp Handbook: Everything You Need to Find, Choose and Get Ready for Overnight Camp – and Skip the Homesickness, by Christopher A. Thurber, Ph.D., Jon C. Malinowski, Ph.D., and Mark Scott, Perspective Books, 2000. • Summer Fun: The Parents’ Complete Guide to Day Camps, Overnight Camps, Specialty Camps, and Teen Tours, by Marian Edelman Borden, Checkmark Books, 1999. • Summer Camp Rules!, by Bob Ditter, Healthy Learning, 2011. • The Night Before Summer Camp, by Natasha Wing, Grosset & Dunlap, 2007.

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March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Questions to Ask and What You Should Look For By Lucy Jackson Norvell

E ALL WANT KIDS WHO ARE “HAPPY CAMPERS.” DOING the necessary summer camp research, asking camp personnel (as well as ourselves) the right questions to determine a good fit for our children and then making the best decision possible about where to send them is how we achieve that goal. But it’s a big task

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

In the article below, Lucy Jackson Norvell, director of public information for the American Camp Association (ACA), New England, shares everything we want to know about narrowing down the search and giving camps a chance to explain their offerings. This information will help you choose a camp that will make your children happy – and you too!

Find out as much as possible before the interview. Filter your search results, narrow down your list of camps and review camp materials before interviewing begins. To narrow down your search, filter camp options by the most important search criteria for your child and family (philosophy, program/ activities, session length, geography, etc.). Once you’ve ruled out camps that don’t meet your

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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.

Prepare for your interviews by reviewing the way each camp on your list presents itself and what it emphasizes. In today’s world, camps have many marketing choices. How does the camp convey who they really are and reflect the world they’ve created exclusively for children’s benefit? Camp seekers can learn so much from a close look at camp websites, brochures, photos, videos, 12

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

FAQs, newsletters, social media to know and provide this and camper or parent testimoniinformation online. You’ll want als. In fact, many camp websites to use interview time to ask are a gateway to most pieces of questions that haven’t already camp information on this list, been answered – questions from video content to downloadthat explore the fit for your able brochures and forms, all child. reflecting the camp’s culture. • Learn from existing interCamps are much more than lists views, which may be posted of activities they offer; they are on the camp website or on vibrant educational communities social media in video or Q&A – and no two are exactly alike. format. Look for an interview There is probably not just one with the director, owner or key perfect camp for your child. More administrator. What they have than one camp may turn out to to say is important! You may be a great fit, given your search also discover interviews with criteria, so the interviewing stage campers, staff and alumni. will most likely factor into your • Base some of your interview final decision and help you to questions on what you see, or pinpoint the camp. So, how do don’t see, in camp materials. you decide between two (or a few For example, you might see camps) with comparable activiphotos on the website or on ties, location, schedules, ameniFacebook showing the salad ties and price? bar or a cabin group sitting • Expect to find answers to some around the table with food of your questions without served having to ask. Camps try to anticipate what families need

Questions to Ask Yourself • What is driving your camp search? Fun and learning? New experiences and skills? A need for child care? Family tradition? Encouragement from friends? • What are your leading camp search criteria? Which ones are “non-negotiable” and which are “preferences”? • Which of your family’s values should be reflected in the camp philosophy? How religious should it be? How competitive? How diverse? How much camper choice should be given? • What activities or programs interest you and your child? What level of intensity are you looking for? Are you looking for opportunities for your child to try new activities, to play, to advance current skills, to practice, to compete or to specialize?

• What kind of facilities will your camper consider? Discuss electricity, bathrooms and dining. • What session length, from eight weeks to a few days, is comfortable for you, for your child, and for your family’s summer schedule? The most common session lengths are: full season (seven to eight weeks), half season (three to four), two weeks and one week. • What camp clientele do you want to consider? There are camps for boys only, girls only, coed, brother/sister, religious groups, underserved populations and children with special needs. See www.acanewengland.org/families-public/ advice#sthash.HB1ORsyn.dpuf for more information.

March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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 parents 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 some insight into the camp’s philosophy and culture. Base other interview questions on your child’s needs and interests. You’re the expert on your child! What aspects of his personality might affect the camp fit? (The child is shy and cautious in new situations, for instance. Or the child needs to have a certain amount of time to practice music, sports or academics.)

There are many ways to conduct interviews with a perspective camp, especially when the camp location or

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

your schedule prevent you from attending an open house. Your options include: • In-person, one to one or with a small group. Chat face to face with camp reps at camp fairs, at gatherings hosted by campers’ families, during camp open houses, at camp-sponsored events on or off camp, at a home visit or interview you’ve set up. If it’s a small group, several people can benefit from the questions asked and answers given; another parent may pose a question that you haven’t even thought of! • Over the phone and by email. Some folks don’t answer phones or emails any more these days. Camps do! Camp people are ready and willing to take your calls and answer your emailed questions. • Via Skype. Campers come to New England camps from around the corner, around the region and around the world. For folks who live far away, and for whom open houses

and camp fairs are not an option, Skyping can provide a face-to-face interview. Many camp administrators are using Skype to interview prospective members of their staff , too. • Live chat. Shorter questions with shorter answers lend themselves to live chat; and, like Skype, these can be answered in real time.

Interview a few different people about the same camp. It’s important to get as many different perspectives as possible before you make your final decision. • Interview the director, owner, key administrator or camp personnel charged with recruitment. • Ask for a reference list – a list including more than one family if possible – who sent a firsttime camper around your child’s age to the camp last summer. Conduct an interview about the camp on a parentto-parent basis.

• Look for opportunities to observe and speak with camp staff during open houses or other events and watch carefully as they interact with your child or others. • Interview people you know who have a connection to camps that interest you – neighbors, friends and co-workers. Ask them if they know others you should speak with. Word of mouth is still a key way for families to discover a best-fit camp. You’ll find that people love to talk about camp! The success of your conversation hinges on asking questions that really matter. Look for honesty and authenticity in the answers to your questions. Families choose camps they feel they can trust – camps where they believe their children will thrive. ■ Lucy Jackson Norvell is director of public information for the American Camp Association, New England.

Questions to Ask Camp Representatives • Is your camp accredited by the American Camp Association? What other regulations does your camp follow? • What training does the staff receive on safety, supervision, counseling, problem solving and other issues unique to working with children? • What sets your camp apart? Tell me about your philosophy and camp culture. • What’s the best part of working at your camp? • What brings people back summer after summer? • Tell me about the staff. When not at camp, where do they work and/or study? • How does your camp work inspire you or influence your life during noncamp months? • What’s the most important thing for parents to know about your camp community? • Tell me about your campers from last summer. Is there a story that comes to mind? • Is the price all-inclusive or are there extra charges for things like registration, uniforms, meals, activities such as horseback riding or waterskiing, t-shirts, group photos and field trips? • Is transportation available and if so, is there an additional cost? What are the specifics? • How will the camp meet a child’s special dietary or physical needs? • How does bad weather affect the daily schedule? • Are there family visiting days? • At a day camp, is before and after care available? If so, who cares for the children and what activities are offered? What is the additional cost? • What else should I know?

– Lucy Jackson Norvell

March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Secrets from a Camp Pro By Lucy Jackson Norvell

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

The Basics This close bond is readily apparent when parents visit camp, especially parents of established campers who have several summers under their belts. What you see is a lot of hugging, thanking and celebrating: 16

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• hugging because adults grow close after years of working together to help raise a child; • thanking because camp people are truly grateful to have the trust of families and because families are equally grateful for what camps provide; and • celebrating because camp is finally happening –and camp is a special, unique and fun part of each child’s life. Camps frequently succeed in inspiring campers to accomplish what families and schools can’t or don’t. It happens because camps offer problemsolving, collaboration and support through campers’ growing pains that are inevitable in the

journey through childhood and adolescence. For families, having this kind of an ally is invaluable, especially in today’s world where it sometimes seems like there’s more judgment and criticism of parents than ever before. It’s well worth it to establish and cultivate relationships with your child’s camp. But, what’s the best way to go about that – with a day or overnight camp – when the entire point is for a child to be independent at camp for a certain period of time? What’s the appropriate role for families to play? The whole point of camp is to provide children with a safe and fun learning opportunity that they can navigate by themselves and with the guidance of camp personnel. However, this cannot happen without mutual trust and respect or a fundamental understanding between the adults at home and the adults at camp. Campers often don’t realize that parents and guardians have an enormous responsibility in setting children up for success before they go to camp, while they’re there and after they return home. Trust me, camp professionals realize this! Camps have an equally vast responsibility to communicate clearly with families as they function in loco parentis, which is Latin for “in the place of a parent.” The reality is that while camps are functioning in the place of parents, they are

reinforcing many family values and lessons while also mentoring, teaching and helping children grow in amazing new ways that complement what home and school environments provide. Parents and guardians definitely need to forge their own separate relationship with the camp while they let the child’s experience unfold independently. This can get a little tricky; and it’s not uncommon for well-meaning moms and dads to interfere. By “interfere,” I mean by stepping on the toes of either the child or the camp people – or worse, both! Forging a successful adult relationship with a camp is not unlike initiating and nurturing other important, healthy relationships in your personal and professional life. It involves: • communicating clearly and honestly; • listening carefully, striving to understand and accept; • spending time together when needed; • taking appropriate risks; and appreciating what’s possible with collaboration and mutual trust and respect. Don’t worry! It’s easier than it may seem. My point is that it’s worth it to coordinate efforts on the team of adults helping your child to grow up. How much time and energy you invest will vary depending on how much time your child will

10 Unique Camps on One Beautiful Campus

For more information and online registration: www.dextersouthfield.org/summer March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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

Pointers for Partnering with a New Camp You know quite a bit about this camp – enough to entrust the care and education of your child for a certain number of weeks. Focus on why you chose it. Think about the things you really like. As an insider now and a member of the camp community, expect to take an active role in the partnership.

The camp will likely send you many messages about what’s next. They are probably ramping up for camp in some fun ways, and they’ll invite you to join the excitement via social media, their website or an open house. Read and respond to what they send! This will help you better understand the camp and their way of doing things. Whether they

are counting down the number of days until camp or explaining the nuances of traffic patterns or bus logistics for day camp drop-off, pay attention to their suggestions. Camps are great at breaking down large projects to a manageable size for their campers, and they do it well for camp families, too. Camps excel at being prepared and ready for what’s next. Don’t wait until the last minute to get ready for camp. Follow the camp’s lead.

The camp will request a lot of information from you. They are not trying to torture you! In fact, they spend tremendous time and energy in the off -season culling through survey results and streamlining their systems to minimize what they have to request from families. Two pieces of paperwork to return promptly are health forms and camper questionnaires, which you should complete thoroughly and honestly. If you don’t share important details about your child, the camp cannot serve their new camper properly.

Remember that camps have their own ways of doing things. Sometimes parents try to treat a camp like a sitter and dictate schedules and procedures. Camps are in the position to meet children’s

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Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

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needs – but they often cannot do things exactly as families do at home. This, by the way, can be an excellent learning opportunity for children to realize that other adults can respond to their needs but may do so differently from their parents and teachers.

4 5

You may be invited to attend an event for parents/guardians of first-time campers. If so, participate! Or you may receive a welcoming phone call. You’ll likely receive a parent handbook of some sort (or a link to it). Read and refer to it; learn everything you can ahead of time. Learn what systems are set up for communicating with the camp. Every camp has preferences for the critical communicating that needs to happen before, during and after camp. There’s a lot of parent communication – incoming and outgoing. Familiarize yourself with the camp’s practices and procedures so none come as a surprise during the course of solving a problem. For instance, it’s not good to hear for the first time that the camp discourages or doesn’t allow camper phone calls at the very moment you try to call your

camper! Due to schedules and staff availability, some camps might request that parents phone camp administrators or staff at certain times of the day. Following their requests saves everyone a lot of time.

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

March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Medications at Camp What Parents Should Know By Jim Castrataro

ANY PARENTS STRUGGLE WITH THE QUESTION OF WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN’S MEDICATIONS, specifically ADD and ADHD medications, during the summer months. Although I am not a doctor or medical expert, I can give you my perspective as a camp director and some simple steps to take to ensure your child has a fun-filled camp experience. First, speak with the camp director to clarify the daily schedule and possibly identify the counselor who will be in direct contact with your child. Although many full-time camp directors have plenty of experience with children with ADD and ADHD, the camp counselor may only be 18 or 19 years old and sometimes even struggling with the same issues your 8- to 10-year-old may be having. This is not to say your child is not safe, but the level of experience can vary greatly from counselor to counselor. Next, take into account the duration of the camp. Is it just a three- or four-day camp or a multi-week overnight camp? To put this in perspective, think about how long you worked with teachers, doctors and consultants to properly diagnose, work through issues and begin to process and create a workable solution for your child. The relatively short amount of time a counselor is in contact with campers makes it not only difficult for the counselors to learn the group’s dynamics, but individual issues, as well. After speaking with the camp director there is still yet another level of expertise you can go to. By law, each camp in the state of Massachusetts must have a health care consultant on staff to help the camp directors manage the many physical forms and immunization documents. Although the health care consultant may not have immediate knowledge of your particular situation during your first call, he or she is there to help manage the medications and implement protocols. Furthermore, by HIPAA Privacy Act guidelines, the camp counselor 20

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will most likely not be aware of any of the medical issues of your child unless authorized by you, the parent or guardian. This granting of permission can be achieved through the health care consultant, and it is important that you are comfortable and in full knowledge of the camp’s written plan for your child. From my perspective, parents of children with ADD and ADHD sometimes feel the physical activity offered in a summer camp setting may allow them to be a little more lenient with medications that reduce hyperactivity. I urge all parents to also understand the timespan and experience of those in direct contact is significantly reduced and it is important to look at both sides of the equation while implementing the appropriate plan of action. Jim Castrataro is the director of summer programs at Babson College. His experience spans 16 years directing and consulting a variety of camp programs for thousands of children and young adults ranging from 5 to 18 years of age.

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

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

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Kids Being Active….

Kids Participating in Team Sports By Jim Castrataro

hen I was growing up we had a stack of 3 x 5 cards in the kitchen cabinet. The rule was that if you were going to a friend’s house you had to write down on the card where you were going so my parents knew where you were. Typically the note read something like, “at Tommy’s house” or “up at the school playing stickball.” The second rule came into play on the weekends. This was more of an unwritten rule, however, and my three older sisters and I all knew, and, followed it. We needed to be out of the house before 10:00 a.m. or you were brought into Dad’s world of house chores. This seemingly endless list of items to get accomplished was in my father’s head and you could be trapped all day! As you can tell I grew up in a very active house, where sitting still was not recommended,

naps… forget it, lounging and watching TV was a bad idea. Trips to the beach during weekends were all day affairs and if we were not on the beach eating breakfast by 8:30 a.m. it was considered that we were behind schedule. (Only my family could have a schedule on a beach day.) This active childhood has transferred to my adult life. I have remained active on a daily basis, eat as well as I can and am still moving by 10:00 a.m. at the latest. I will admit the 10:00 a.m. rule does not exist in my house and keeping the girls active can be a challenge except for one area. My wife and I were fortunate enough to get them involved in camp life at a young age. They think about camp all year long, sing the songs of the camp day and are always wondering what will change for the upcoming summer. They have transferred many 22

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

Explore a summer by the sea, filled with exploration, growth, connection, and fun!

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From swim camps and lessons to academic programs, all will keep your son or daughter engaged and active in a way that is best for them. of the activities of the camp day to the winter and it is great to see them outside and active, even when it involves food coloring. The smart phones are here to stay and the days of 3 x 5 cards are long gone, but the spirit does not also need to fade. There are so many options to keep kids active we can sometimes feel overwhelmed. I encourage you to look at all your options. From swim camps and lessons to academic programs, all will keep your son or daughter engaged and active in a way that is best for them. There are many price ranges and lucky for us, the state of Massachusetts has strict guidelines in place to keep your kids safe! Camps are a great way to experience new ideas in a setting that is different from school. If everybody is frog bogging, well, they are probably going to jump in the mud too!! It

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Day & Resident Opportunities for boys and girls in grades 1 thru 8 Program activities include: swimming, boating, fishing, crafts, nature, sports, archery and more.

For more information and to sign-up www.campresolute.org March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

is just one event, but may open new doors. Sure the archery stand is always a big draw, but I always hear the best stories from arts and crafts and music class. I was even surprised to hear my youngest, excited one day this past summer when it was raining. I was ready for the complaints, but was completely surprised when she popped out of bed excited because the rain means movies, board games, fun speakers and she would get to see her big sister!! While the world is moving at a snappy pace, I am happy to no longer live with the 10:00 a.m. rule and will reluctantly admit to some of the benefits of getting a text from my daughter, camps continue to be the constant in our lives. Active happy kids, learning about their environment and taking calculated risks to explore their boundaries. I encourage you to look at your options and expose your children to a Â˝ day, week or overnight camp if you can. The experiences will stick with them and help encourage an active lifestyle into their adult years! Time to go play lunch public hockey!!!

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

BRADFORD, VERMONT

Outdoor sports, Vermont crafts and Wilderness trips for boys interested in a fun and exciting adventure.

Camp Birch Hill

Falmouth academy

SUMMER 2017 Rock Climbing Land Sports children Bouldering Water Sports teens Fine Arts Rope Specialty Course Sports adults Adventure Tennis & Golf Kayaking Canoeing Fly-Fishing Fly-Tying Survival Learn more about 2016 FASUMMER Fitness activities at falmouthacademy.org/Summer-Programs Primitive Woodwork www.CAMPBIRCHHILL.com | summer@campbirchhill.com 25 Blacksmith Classic Overnight Summer Camp Experience â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Boys & Girls â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ages 6 -16

Your home away from home! Camp Birch Hill is a classic New England summer camp for boys and girls ages 6-16. Nestled on 100 acres of private, lakeside land in the lakes region of New Hampshire campers can choose from 50 diverse activities throughout their two, four, or six week stay.

TOP 5

March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

A Summer Camp that Helps with Grief By Cathy Spear

HEN A YOUNG GIRL’S PARENT DIES, HER CHILDHOOD IS FOREVER ALTERED. Huge challenges lie ahead of her as she confronts a life that is suddenly very different from what it used to be Circle Camps for Grieving Children opened its first program, Circle of Tapawingo, in southwestern Maine in 2002 to help young girls feel less alone in their grief. This summer, the organization is planning to serve almost 300 girls at its camps in Maine, New Hampshire, West Virginia and California. Each camp offers six days of traditional overnight camp activities, including swimming, canoeing, ropes courses, basketball, arts and crafts, archery, dance and talent shows. Campers live together in cabins and share in all of the summertime fun that make overnight camp experiences meaningful. Campers return year after year, so they can experience Circle as an ongoing piece of their childhood. 26

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

Throughout the week, grief activities are woven into the schedule. On the second day, under the guidance of a licensed professional, each bunk comes together for “Circle Time.” This time offers the girls a chance to share memories of their deceased parents with their cabin-mates. Craft projects allow girls to memorialize their parents. Other grief activities encourage girls to think about the changes that have occurred in their lives and to address the many feelings that arise; and coping strategies are offered. Late in the week, there is an evening campfire that focuses gently on the theme of endings. A service held on the final morning of camp is especially meaningful as all campers and counselors place a personally inscribed rock in a memory garden. And throughout the week, there are spontaneous conversations – in the cabins, on walks down to the lake, during rest hour – that help campers feel supported and connected to each other.

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

Despite the challenges that may confront campers in their lives, the days at Circle Camps are typically filled with smiles and laughter. Circle offers its campers a time to really play – and to play hard! The dining room is filled with sounds of songs and cheers that lift spirits and remind us all of the potential for fun in childhood summers. When older campers look back on their time at Circle, they talk about “making friendships that will last a lifetime” and “finally being with other girls who get it.” Circle of Tapawingo not only offers a Camper Program for girls ages 9 to12 and a Teen Program for girls ages 13 to 14, but graduates may apply to a Counselor-In- Training program that provides them with the opportunity to work with younger campers, as well as to participate in their own

activities that encourage more sharing and exploration of their grief. And last year’s newest program for alumnae, CircleSummit, was a five-day, outdoor leadership experience that included hiking in the White Mountains. The participants glowed with pride when they talked about stretching their limits and summiting Mt. Washington. Circle Camps aim to reach out to more girls for whom life has not always been easy. All the programs are entirely free to campers, and transportation is provided from central points. To inquire about the camp or to register a prospective camper, please contact Cathy Spear at cathyspear@ circlecamps.org. Cathy Spear, LICSW, is director of camper services

March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

By Denise Morrison Yearian

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

Find the right program.

“Day camps offer a variety of options that include everything from concentration in one activity to a variety of traditional camp experiences,” says Jacki Walsh, a camp director. “Talk with your child and consider what he wants. Would he enjoy an assortment of activities or does he want to focus on just one skill, such as science, theater or art?” 28

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

Consider program length.

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

Consider camp location.

divorce or has experienced a recent death, as this may affect your child’s personality or temperament.

“If you need a camp because both parents work, it would be convenient to find one in the path to your job,” says Judy Connelly, a private Read camp policies. school day camp director. “But if your child has a Before camp begins, read over the policies specific interest and there isn’t a program along and procedures with your child so you both the way, it may be worth driving a few extra miles know what to expect. In recent years, many orgato get what you’re looking for.” nizations have developed strict policies regarding technology and other valuable items. “This is to Request information. protect the children and their property; we can’t Once you have found a potential camp, be responsible for things that are lost or stolen,” request more information. Ask about the says Walsh. “If restricted items are brought in, we counselors’ training, experience, how they are selected and if background checks are performed. ask kids to put them away and send a note home reminding parents they are not allowed.” What is the camp-to-counselor ratio? If your

child has health concerns, can they accommodate conditions such as asthma or allergies? Are they willing to dispense medicine?

Find out about the facility.

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

Ask how the program is structured.

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

Consider cost.

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

Fill out forms.

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

A girl takes a break from the hands-on farming and nature experiences offered at Drumlin Farm Day Camp in Lincoln, Mass.

March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

BELMONT HILL SCHOOL

SUMMER PROGRAMS

ACADEMICS AND SPORTS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 6-17

10 11

Label all items with your child's name.

Pack water.

Apply sunscreen.

Apply bug spray as needed.

Keep lines of communication open.

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

Supervise appropriate attire.

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

Math ♦ Science ♦ English ♦ Test Prep ♦ Art Workshops ♦ Languages ♦ Baseball ♦ Basketball ♦ Field Hockey ♦ Flag Football ♦ Multi-Sports ♦ Lacrosse ♦ Soccer ♦ Strength & Conditioning www.belmonthill.org/summer-programs

Each night before your child goes to camp, place one plastic water bottle in the freezer and one in the refrigerator. The next day send both bottles to camp. The refrigerated one can be used in the morning and the frozen one will melt and provide cool refreshment in the afternoon heat. “Spray bottles are a great idea, too, as are frozen washcloths and sponges; they keep the face, neck and body cool in the hot sun,” says Connelly. Before leaving for camp, apply sunscreen to your child’s skin and send along the tube for later reapplication. Avoid tanning lotions with little or no SPF, or sunscreens that contain glitter as it can reflect light and cause sunburn. If your child will be outside most of the day, send along a hat or visor for extra protection. If your child is venturing into the natural environment, protect against mosquitos and ticks and follow up with a tick check when he comes home.

Talk with your child about camp before it even starts. Reassure her of the positive experience she will have. At the end of each camp day, find a block of time to listen as your child shares her adventures. “It’s really important to validate what your kids do,” says Walsh. “Ask what his favorite part of the day was and share in his excitement. Remind him to be safe, follow the rules, be friendly and have fun. If he does all this, he will have a great time.” Denise Morrison Yearian is a former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

Summer at BAA

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KINGSLEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Experience a Creative Summer in the City Art in Action Design Academy Storytime Exploration Acoustical Engineers Yoga and Mindfulness June 26 through August 25 Each program runs from 1 to 6 weeks Designed for boys and girls Ages 3-11

Learn more at kingsley.org March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Enrichment Programs

&Camps

How to Prevent Summer Learning Slide By Maureen McCarthy

ITH SUMMER UNDER WAY, CHILDREN OF ALL AGES ARE basking in the carefree essence of school break, diving into summer camps, family vacations, beach outings or even part-time jobs. But local and national educators say that to ward off the summer learning slide (a term used to describe academic or knowledge loss in children during summer vacation), it is critical to keep youngsters, tweens and teens engaged in educational activities during the summer months.

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

According to the National Summer Learning Association, an organization founded at Johns Hopkins University dedicated to providing resources, guidance and expertise to the summer learning community, many students lose approximately two months of grade-level equivalency in mathematical computation skills due to lack of academic engagement during summer months. Research also shows that students who do not participate in summer learning activities tend to post lower scores on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do at the end of the previous school year. There are two important tools necessary to combat the summer learning slide: parental involvement and engagement in learning activities. “The single biggest factor in continued learning is engagement,” says Acton’s McCarthy-Towne and Merriam Elementary Schools’ Assistant Principal Matthew McDowell. “Parents need to be actively involved, taking over the role of facilitator for July and August from the teacher. If done well, students will be ready for the new school year,” he says.

For Elementary Students According to experts at Lesley University in

Cambridge, many fun and educationally focused activities are available to families and youngsters. The trick for parents is to do the research and put these activities in motion. • Recreation for the Mind – Look to your town recreation department for weeklong or multiweek summer enrichment programs. These programs are academically focused and typically reasonably priced. Courses may focus on robotics, journalism writing, music, photography and more. • Hit the Books – Most elementary schools post required summer reading lists but educators also encourage children to seek out and dive into books of their choice and share their impressions. “When children choose their own books and have to share their thoughts, this is where we see the best benefits,” says Margery Staman Miller, Ph.D., professor of education and director of the Language and Literacy Division of Lesley’s Graduate School of Education. Public libraries are a wonderful, free resource that host a variety of age-specific reading programs including weekly story time or “pajama” story time programs, mystery-driven book clubs, make-your-own bookmark events, journal writing and more.

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• Master the Math – Parents can informally inject math into a child’s daily routine by simply using it in a practical sense. While traveling the aisles at the grocery store, for example, talk about pricing, comparison packaging and quantity with your tots. These skills also apply to the kitchen. Measuring, reading directions and discussing cooking time add some zip to a basic math lesson. Flash cards, summer math worksheets and mathematics specific websites are also a great way to keep a child’s math skills sharp. • Museum Mastery – Local and Boston-based museums are an explosion of fun and interactive learning. Check out your local library for free or discounted tickets. • Board Game Challenge – Host weekly family game nights. Popular board games such as Clue, Scrabble, Boggle and Monopoly, to name a few, will sharpen your child’s math and literacy skills.

the best lines of defense against the summer learning slide for teenagers. It is important for teenagers to engage in continuous learning as it is a lifelong endeavor and not just slated for the school year, says Hanover High School Principal Thomas R. Raab. “It goes beyond the classroom For Middle School Students and summer. Continued learning is preparation As they do for school-aged children, educators recommend that middle school students engage in for college, a job and life,” Raab says. ■ Maureen McCarthy is a freelance writer and mother of two in lots of reading, participate in enrichment proHanover. grams, visit local museums and more. But warning: Parents may experience a bit more resistance from middle schoolers compared to their younger counterparts, experts say. “The key is to identify Summer Learning Resources where they have interest or passion and match it,” explains Staman Miller. • Boston Children’s Museum Staman Miller and her Lesley University col www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org leagues Marcia Bromfield, Ph.D., professor and • Dexter Southfield Summer Camps director of the Division Field Placement and www.dextersouthfield.org/Page/SUMMER Professional Partnerships for Lesley’s Graduate School of Education, and Harriet Deane, assistant • Empow Learning professor and associate dean of Lesley’s Gradu www.masschallenge.org ate School of Education, also suggest that middle • Lesley University school students seek out cross-grade programs, www.lesley.edu/summer-learning-resources such as a camp counselor in training, mathbased activities or reading to younger children. “Tak• MathPower at Northeastern University ing on new skills and responsibilities including www.mathpower.neu.edu/summer-academy working with younger children in cross-grade • National Summer Learning Association programs is very meaningful and provides self www.summerlearning.org confidence, responsibility and an opportunity to practice their academic skills,” Staman Miller Join the Club continues.

For High School Students During the high school years, educators say the summer learning slide is still a possibility yet equally avoidable. Reading a favorite novel, newspaper or magazine and participating in thoughtprovoking activities, such as museum visits, are 34

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

• The Summer Club, a summer learning program hosted by Boston Children’s Museum, is loaded with brain-busting, mystery-solving activities that will challenge mind and body. Recommended for children ages 6 and up.

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March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Benefits of

Special Needs

Summer Camps

T AGE 6, KIM KELLY PAID HER FIRST VISIT TO A SPECIAL NEEDS RESIDENTIAL CAMP. It was an experience she and her family will never forget. Up to this point, Kim had lived a pretty sheltered life, her mother Ruth Kelly explains. “Because she has a hearing loss and an orthopedic problem, it was natural for me to want to hold her close.” By bringing Kim to camp, her mother realized two things: “My daughter needed 36

to learn to do things on her own, and I needed to let go a little.” For the Kellys, it was a positive experience. There’s a host of benefits children derive from attending camp, but for kids with special needs, those benefits are amplified, says Amy Van Huss, administrator and director of Club Kodiak (a program for young adults) at Camp Kodiak in Ontario, Canada, a therapeutic, residential summer camp for children and teens with and without diagnoses

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

like Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Asperger Syndrome. “ Our goal is to provide all the fun of a traditional camp, but in a safe, supported setting,” Van Huss says. “Campers with special needs typically thrive in a structured, predictable environment with as few changes in schedule as possible.” Heidi Haldeen, summer program specialist for an Easter Seals Camp, agrees. “At a special needs camp,

By Denise Yearian

kids have the same opportunities they have at traditional camps. The only difference is the activities are modified according to the campers’ needs. This gives them a chance to shine.” That’s what 9-yearold Tiffany Wells found as a camper. During the school year, Tiffany, who has cerebral palsy and asthma, played on a softball team and in a community bowling league; but because none of the children she played with were disabled, the competition

wasn’t always equal. “Attending a special needs camp allowed Tiffany to compete on more even ground because all the other kids were playing with some kind of disability,” reports her mother Linda Wells. The result? “Tiffany saw that she could actually win and come out on top.” According to Van Huss, “Camp Kodiak is a place where you are accepted and supported, and where you have the chance to grow. We offer as many different activities as we possibly can, everything from sailing to high ropes to waterskiing to the

theater arts, with the hopes that they will find an activity they can continue at home. Seeing the growth in a camper socially, academically and functionally, as well as the growth in confidence – from the time they arrive at camp to the time they board the bus or climb into their parent’s car to go home – is truly amazing.” Such was the case with Kim. When she first attended camp, she was afraid of the water. “She cried just getting her face wet,” her mother says, but “by summer’s end, she was jumping in the deep

end and had received her first American Red Cross swimming certificate.” While some parents and caregivers choose a summer camp for their children’s fun and recreation, others use it to continue education and therapy goals, and teach life skills. This is accomplished one step at a time. “It may mean being 10 minutes late for breakfast so Timmy can learn to tie his shoes by himself,” says Haldeen. Developing new skills isn’t the only thing kids glean at a special needs camp. They learn about friendships, too. Last

year when Tiffany went to camp, there was a girl in her cabin with a more severe case of cerebral palsy than Tiffany. Because Tiffany had spent her whole life with people helping her, she naturally wanted a chance to help others. “When we went to the dance, I got to push my new friend around in her chair,” says Tiffany. “I also got to help her eat.” Van Huss notes, “Many of our campers have trouble making friends and maintaining friendships in their home environments. Just knowing there are other kids out there, just like them, is comforting.

March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

With our focus on social skill-building and with our specialized staff helping to guide social interactions, many of our campers leave having made lifelong friendships.” When camp is over, what do the children take with them? For some, new skills. For others, new friends. And for many more, simply a

fond memory of having had a break from their routine at home. “Our campers look forward to returning year after year,” says Haldeen. “For many, we are their summer vacation. The minute they drive away, they are making plans to return next year.” Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

Inclusion Camps

Hale Day Camp Traditional camp experience with unique, adventurous elements. Specialty Camps available: Outdoor Adventures and Mountain Bikers. Some Activities Include: •Swim Lessons •Arts & Crafts •Fishing •Sports/Games •Nature •Outdoor Survival Skills •Archery •Rock Climbing •Boating •Ropes Program

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2016 TOP 5

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

Camps designed for specific needs offer very specialized care, but some families make inclusion their goal, preferring a traditional camp that caters to all children. Before enrolling your children in a camp, visit the facility and make sure it meets your expectations and needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind before choosing a traditional camp or special needs camp: • Is the camp accredited by the American Camping Association (www.acacamps.org) or the National Camp Association (www.summercamp.org)? Does it meet the organization’s standards for kids with special needs, including facility and staffing requirements? • What training and experience do the directors and counselors have in working with kids with needs similar to your child’s? • Ask for the names of families whose children have attended the camp who might be willing to discuss their experiences with you. • What is the ratio of counselors to campers? For children with severe disabilities, the ratio should be at least one counselor for every three campers. What are the camp’s health and safety procedures? Who is the health care consultant? What emergency arrangements been made with a local hospital? • Can I visit the camp to see the program firsthand? Do they have sessions year-round? If it’s a regular camp, are special efforts or programs in place to integrate a child with special needs? Is it accessible for children with limited mobility? • What about the camp’s registration fee? Keep in mind that expense and quality may not go hand-inhand because many specialized camps charge only a fraction of actual costs. Find out if scholarships are available. – Denise Yearian

Summer Enrichment Institute For Children with ADHD and Behavioral Challenges A therapeutic alternative to traditional summer camp Evidence-based Summer Treatment Program provided by highly trained counselors and staff Children learn to increase pro-social behavior and decrease disruptive behavior through praise, positive reinforcement, and reward systems Parents participate in a weekly parenting support group to extend the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new skills to the home Activities include practicing and playing sports, art class, academic instruction, and weekly field trips sei@jbcc.harvard.edu

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617-278-4286 March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Too Young for a Job? Too Old for Camp? CIT Programs to the Rescue!

OUR TEEN IS TOO YOUNG TO GET A SUMMER JOB AT A LOCAL RETAIL STORE, yet she considers herself too mature to spend the summer frolicking in the pool, playing games and making crafts. With a roll of the eyes, she has declared, quite to your dismay, that she’s too old to attend camp this summer You, on the other hand, have a different idea. Summer camp still seems very much a worthwhile venture considering the alternative – just hanging out all day. There is a solution to this dilemma: Young teens can participate in a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. CIT programs offer a perfect happy medium for those kids who feel they’ve “outgrown” summer camp but aren’t yet old enough for employment. And, for many kids, they offer a chance to extend the summer camp experience a few more years. 40

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

What Are CIT Programs? CIT programs are for young teens who are serious about assuming some of the responsibility and effort it takes to work with younger children in a camp setting. There are usually a limited number of openings, and some camps only consider teens who have been “campers” in previous years. CIT programs are intended to train teens to become future counselors, leaders and mentors. There are a variety of responsibilities given to these trainees, and the scope of their duties can vary enormously from camp to camp. Some of their assigned tasks might include organizing and planning activities, leading teams in various projects, helping out with camp maintenance, assisting counselors with office work and assisting at various athletic activities. At most camps, CITs are usually still considered “campers,” but they assume more

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

Benefits for Teens Teens who participate in CIT programs reap many benefits. They gain confidence in themselves and their special abilities and talents. Most camp directors expect that CITs will learn leadership skills, develop responsibility and competency, acquire a strong work ethic, gain decision-making skills and learn to be part of a team working toward a common goal. Teens also learn the value of being a positive role model and mentor for younger kids. These programs serve as a release from the academic pressures teens are faced with during the school year, yet they still provide an excellent learning experience. The completion of a CIT program looks great on college applications. Participation in these programs shows a willingness to work hard and take on the responsibility necessary to work with young children. In addition, camp program directors often provide great references because they can write about a trainee’s strengths and accomplishments in detail.

years. Therefore, it is important to call the camp you have in mind to discuss their guidelines prior to applying. Camps are looking for teens who are excited about becoming mentors to younger kids. So it’s imperative that your teen lists experiences in this area, such as babysitting, tutoring or community service that might involve children, such as reading to youngsters at a local library. Teens should also list skills or sports they are good at on the application. For instance, if a teen has lots of experience with tennis, a camp director might foresee using the applicant as an assistant coach in a tennis program.

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

The Application Process The application process to become a CIT can vary from camp to camp. It may involve simply filling out an application or also going on interviews and supplying references. Some camps only accept applications from teens who have been campers at their camp in previous March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

NOTE: The specific information and write-ups about camps listed here and some of the photographs were provided by the organizations themselves. Please be sure to contact camps for prices, and to verify dates and locations. Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - Any

ALPHA’S NINJA CAMP (CHELMSFORD, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 17 Alpha’s Ninja Camp is a Martial-Arts themed day camp for girls and boys ages 5 to 17. Everyday is filled with activities, games, projects, friends, and fun! At Alpha we provide each camper with a unique, memorable experience, set apart from other camps because campers will learn real values -- respect, discipline and confidence -- things that will last your child a lifetime. http:// alphatkd.wixsite.com/mobile

APPLEWILD SUMMER PROGRAMS (FITCHBURG, MA) Day Camp

The Applewild Summer Programs have been expanded and reformatted to be bigger and better than ever! Applewild Summer Programs now run from June 19th – August 25th as ten consecutive one-week sessions. Students will have a wide variety of options and choices each week, enabling an experience tailored to each child’s interests and passions. Each week you will be able to create a program from a wide range of offerings that include engineering, games, science, cooking, robotics, arts and crafts, dance, basketball and many more! Some of the programs are full day, others are just morning or just afternoon. If it is a typical camp experience you want, there are programs that offer that as well and,

of course, swimming is still offered. For more information, please visit the Summer Programs web site at www.applewild.org/summer, or send an email to summerprograms@ applewild.org. We hope to see you this summer! www.applewild.org/ summer

ARLINGTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS - VACATION ARTS CAMPS (ARLINGTON, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - Any Art Camps, Music Camps, Performing Arts Camps, Photography Camps, Theater Camps www.acarts.org

BEGINNER FENCING PROGRAM (NATICK, MA)

Greater Quincy

The journey is as important as the destination. Preschool - Grade 8

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Kindergarten Summer Enrichment Program June 26th – September 1st 2017 • Register for one, or all three, of our 3-week sessions (2, 3, & 5 day spots – 7:30am - 6pm) • Hot lunches and Music & Movement Program • 16 children with our Kindergarten and After School Teachers

Serving ages 2.9 through Grade 8. Full day and half day options availabe. Weekly themes. Fun, engaging activities! Swimming lessons!

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For more information contact: Jeanette Keller summer@lesleyellis.org | 781.641.5987

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

Session 1: “Waves and Wonders” Session 2: “Me and My Amazing World” Session 3: “Learning to be Scientists” We are celebrating 31 years of quality care & education.

For Early Childhood Program

617-773-8386 e-mail: gqccc@aol.com www.greaterquincychildcare.com

Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 8 - 12 Zeta Fencing is a premier fencing club in downtown Natick. Our coaches are highly qualified and experienced in teaching all levels of fencing. We are easy to reach from I-90, Routes 9 and 27. The beginner summer program is for new students without fencing experience and for current students of our beginner classes, ages 8-12. Participants will master the basic skills of Olympic fencing: footwork, blade moves, and tactics of modern fencing. They will also learn about the history and traditions of one of the oldest sports in the world and experience the values of true sportsmanship. On the last day, students will fence a tournament on fully equipped fencing strips with Olympic-standard electric scoring equipment. http:// zetafencing.com

BELMONT DAY SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM (BELMONT, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 14 Summer programs at Belmont Day School are designed to provide safe and positive experiences that encourage and bolster the social, emotional, and physical growth of participants at every level. We provide well-rounded, fun-filled, and exciting summer adventures with many opportunities for exploration and play for children ages three to fourteen. Swimming is an essential component of the general camp program. Children receive a swim lesson as well as a recreational swim period each day. Our head swim instructor is assisted by experienced Water Safety Instructors and Red Cross-certified lifeguards. Our specialty programs allow children to

Infants • Toddlers • Preschool Full Time

Part Time

deeply explore a particular interest. Qualified professional teachers lead participants on one- or two-week explorations of topics from visual and performing arts to science, math, and engineering. http://www. belmontday.org/summer-discoveries

BELMONT HILL SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS (BELMONT, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 18 The Belmont Hill Summer Programs provide one-week sport camps in baseball, basketball, field hockey, flag football, multi-sports, lacrosse, soccer, and strength and conditioning for boys and girls from ages 6 to 17. The Summer School offers a wide range of three and six week

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(855) MATH-855 www.summermath.info March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

ALPHA for BosPP Feb17.qxp_Alpha Martial Arts 2/13/17 4:04 PM Page 1

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Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

Now registering for

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Adult & Parent Classes Teens & Kids Classes

classes in science, math, writing and literature, technology, test prep, and tennis for students from grades 6 to 12. For more information, see our website at www.belmonthill. org/summer-programs http://www. belmonthill.org

CAMP BAUERCREST (AMESBURY, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camps Age or Grade Range: Age: 7 - 16, Boys

Fishing Camps, Multisport Camps, Tennis Camps, Volleyball Camps, BLUE LOTUS KIDS YOGA CAMPS Wakeboarding Camps, Waterskiing (NEEDHAM, MA) Camps, Day Camps, Overnight Camps Camp Activity: Swimming, Day Camp Golf, General Sports, Boating, Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 13 Archery, Aquatic Activities www. Drawing/Painting, Aerobics/Exercise, bauercrest.org Active Learning Games http:// www.bluelotushealingarts.com/ CAMP BIRCH HILL kids-yoga-camps WW(NEW DURHAM, NH)

BRIMMER & MAY SUMMER CAMP (CHESTNUT HILL, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 10 Team Field Sports, Nature/ Environmental Studies, Drawing/ Painting, Arts and Crafts www.brimmerandmaycamp.org

CAMBRIDGE-ELLIS SCHOOL SUMMER 2017 (CAMBRIDGE, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: Any - 7 Toddler program: Ages 1.9 to 2.8 Preschool & Language programs: 2.9 to 7 Our Young Explorers Toddler and Preschool programs both explore a variety of topics, including arts, music and movement, nature and science. They include CES traditions such as weekly cooking projects and lots of outdoor play. Our Globetrotters programs – Summer Language Immersion (Ages 2.9 to 6) – offers language immersion programs in French, Mandarin, or Spanish, for children who are completely new to the languages, fluent, or anywhere in between www.cambridge-ellis.org

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

CAMP CHICKAMI (WAYLAND, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camps Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 15 Camp Chickami’s campers and counselors call it the best place on earth, better than Disney Land, and a place where you can discover yourself. Established in Wayland, MA in 1955, Camp Chickami is open to campers of all backgrounds, ability, and personalities! All summer, campers ages 6 to 15 spend their days with enthusiastic counselors and friends in the great outdoors. Campers participate

daily in traditional day camp activities like soccer, basketball, swimming lessons, and the low- and high-ropes challenge courses. But it is the notso-traditional activities and events that campers talk about for years. Ever heard of Mud Soccer or Ultimate Sneaker? Ever witnessed Battle of the Twins or a Sleuthing Parade? There’s only one place you can. Join us at Camp Chickami this summer! (Bus transportation available from 18 stops in Newton, MA.) http://www. campchickami.org

CAMP EVERGREEN (ANDOVER, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camps Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 14 Camp Evergreen is a traditional summer day camp located in a natural forest setting in Andover Ma. We offer outdoor structured fun for boys and girls 4.5 to 14. We have two pools, playing fields, an outdoor theater, boating, hiking, drama, arts and crafts, horse back riding, nature, camp- craft, just to name a few of our activities. We have a five to one ratio. There is a schedule for each group in the morning, and free choice in the afternoon. We offer door to door transportation and extended day. There is a minimum two week registration. We feel camp is a place to make good friends, try new things, and learn how to make choices and grow. Please check out our Facebook page. http://campevergreen.com

CAMP KODIAK (MCKELLER, ONTARIO) Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 18 Camp Kodiak is an integrated, noncompetitive camp serving children and teens with and without LD, ADHD, and high-functioning ASD. Our campers range in age from 6 to 18. Our program includes a SOCIAL SKILLS PROGRAM, an ACADEMIC PROGRAM and over 50 sports & March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

activities. We build confidence and self-esteem by structuring all activities - athletic, artistic and social - to ensure success. Our staff includes teachers, psychologists, social workers, child & youth workers and recreation specialists. Our camperto-staff ratio is 2-to-1 and our cabin groups are small. http://campkodiak. com

CAMP NDA (TYNGSBORO, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 14 Camp NDA offers a variety of weekly programming for campers ages 3-14. These camps range from drama to dat trip, wilderness and much much more! Our 9+ week day camp program begins the day as early as 7:00am with our before care option and as late a 6:00pm for our after care campers! Whether you want to brush up on soccer skills, spend an afternoon riding your bike, work on computer coding, or build a shelter in our well maintain woods.... there is something for everyone! http:// www.ndatyngsboro.org

CAMP PIKATI (NEWTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 15 Camp Pikati, held at the West Suburban YMCA, welcomes kids between the ages of 3-15 years with a half day option for our youngest campers ( ages 3 & 4). At Traditional Camp, campers enjoy weekly themes featuring lots of traditional camp activities including arts & crafts, sports, gaga ball, rock climbing and archery! At Sports Camp, campers learn skills and practice techniques associated with the week’s featured sport. Through drills and games, our counselors help develop a strong sense of healthy competition in every camper. Both camp programs include swim lessons and free swim time. Financial Aid available upon inquiry.

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

http://www.wsymca.org/child-carecamp/camps/day-camp-at-they/camp-pikati

a tree nut, peanut, and sesame safe campus. Two 4-week sessions are offered every summer. Students may enroll in one or both sessions. CARDIGAN MOUNTAIN SCHOOL Session 1: June 26 - July 22 (no camp SUMMER PROGRAM July 3rd or 4th) Session 2: July 24 (CANAAN, NH) August 20 Creative Starts provides an opportunity for children ages 5 – 8 Overnight Camp to begin exploring and developing Age or Grade Range: Age: 8 - 14 their artistic talents in an encouragCardigan Mountain School Summer ing, stimulating environment. Each Session combines academic review two-week session runs 9am – 4pm, and enrichment with all of the Monday through Friday and features recreation and fun of traditional a unique theme, tying together cresummer camp for boys and girls in ative projects with diverse art forms. grades 3-9. http://www.cardigan.org/ We offer an age-appropriate balance Home/Home of choice and structure to encourage experimentation, independence, and CHARLES RIVER CREATIVE ARTS creative confidence. Sessions begin (DOVER, MA) June 26th. http://www.crcap.org Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 15 Charles River Creative Arts Program, located in Dover, MA, has been a pioneer in multi-arts education since 1970. Here, young people take risks, learn new skills, and discover new talents within a nurturing and diverse community of experienced and dedicated artists. This year we are delighted to introduce our new Technology Department, offering engaging classes in 3D Printing, engineering, and electronics. We offer over 130 classes in art, dance, theater, music, video, animation, photo, technology, textiles, writing, and sports. Our professionally accomplished staff inspires young people from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and explore their creativity. Each day the Noontime Show celebrates the talents and creativity of the entire community. Campers perform for an engaged and supportive audience. Guest artists like James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, Tracy Chapman, Matt & Kim and William Hurt bring their insight and talent, collaborating with campers and sharing their experience. Lunch is provided on campus; we maintain

COASTAL OCEAN SCIENCE ACADEMY (NAHANT, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 12 - 18 The Coastal Ocean Science Academy connects youth to local coastal habitats and the factors that shape them through authentic research experiences. Based at the Northeastern University Marine Science Center, the one-week middle school and two-week high school programs include trips to field sites around the North Shore, both on and off the water. Scholarships are available. SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE: May 22nd. For more information and to sign up, contact Val Perini at 781581-7370 x373, or v.perini@northeastern.edu, or visit: www.tinyurl. com/nucosa2017

CONCORD ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP (CONCORD, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 15 Concord Academy Summer Camp, set in beautiful and historic Concord, Massachusetts, offers summer programs for ages 3 to 15. We offer

specialized camps in various sports, arts, and educational focuses as well as a general camp where kids can choose the activities they participate in every day. Our mission is to create a child-centered environment where campers can learn life skills, participate in stimulating activities, interact with other children their age, and be guided by caring adults. The Concord Academy Summer Camp is an accredited member of the American Camp Association (ACA). http://www.concordacademysummercamp.org

CREATE A COOK (NEWTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 7 - 16 Week long summer camps for ages 7-11 (AM or PM sessions) or ages 11-16 (9:30-3:30). Fully hands-on cooking classes. Bring home dinner every night! http://www.createacook.com/

DEBATE CAMP (WEST ROXBURY, MA) Day Camps, Overnight Camps Age or Grade Range: Age: 10 - 17 Debate Camp is built for everyone - from the skilled speaker to the sometimes-nervous or reluctant first time debater. We welcome students; grades 5 to 11 - who seek to develop an empowering set of skills in debate, public speaking and Model United Nations. All camps retain a 8:1 instructor to student ratio. Day camps operate from 8:30 - 4:30. Since 2002 we have helped thousands of young people become better advocates for their ideas, develop strong persuasion and public speaking skills and ultimately feel empowered to speak well to a variety of audiences. In 2017 we have 12 site locations across North America. It is our 15th amazing summer season - join us! www.debatecamp.com

DEDHAM COMMUNITY HOUSE DAY CAMP (DEDHAM, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 13 Swimming, Science, Other Arts, Music, General Sports, Field Trips, Drama, Arts and Crafts, Archery http://www.dedhamcommunityhouse.org

DEDHAM COUNTRY DAY CAMP (DEDHAM, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 15 At Dedham Country Day Camp, we believe that summer time should reinforce the wonders of being a child, and the enduring joy of friendship. While we offer a broad range of activities from archery to woodworking, we also allow time in each day for the simple enjoyment of catching frogs in the stream, climbing trees and building forts in the pine grove. If you have a child between the ages of 3.5 and 12, and you believe that summer is a time to explore, play, laugh, and learn, then DCD Camp is just the place. Our small size allows for each camper to get the individual attention we all want for our children. Come find out for yourself. http://dedhamcountryday.org/camp

“E” INC. SUMMER SCIENCE DISCOVERY PROGRAM (BOSTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 12 “e” inc.’s Summer Science Discovery Program is back for its 3rd summer with all new topics and activities! Based out of the “e” inc. Discovery & Action Center in the Charlestown Navy Yard, the program is open to children ages 6-12. Comprised of two 1-week sessions with a different

theme each week (Week 1: Monkeyin’ Around; Week 2: BUGS!). Each day will have a hands-on science lesson, exploration of the Harborwalk, and an art project related to the day’s theme. Special events throughout the week include field trips, guest speakers and science-related games, like Animal Olympics. Kids from past Summer Science Programs have left knowing more about the environment, motivated to do their part to help our planet, and with a new group of friends. We are excited to welcome new and returning Planet Protectors this summer! Week 1 (Aug 21-25): Monkeyin’ Around. How many ways can a monkey use its tail? What do you call a group of gorillas? Join “e” inc. as we swing into the wonderful world of primates! Discover all the different types of primates, where they live and how much they have in common with us, humans! Week 2 (Aug 28-Sep 1): Luv Bugs! Of all the different animal species living on Earth, 80% of them are insects! Explore the world from a bug’s view and learn about how and where bugs live, some of the world’s weirdest insects, and how the world would be if we didn’t have any bugs! http://www. einc-action.org/summercamp2017. html

EMPOW STUDIOS TECH & DESIGN CAMP (BOSTON’S BACK BAY, BELMONT, BROOKLINE, CAPE COD, LEXINGTON, NEWTON-NEEDHAM, AND WESTFORD, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 7 - 13 Empow Studios brings technology, arts, and play together to help young learners discover and build on their creative talents. Empow’s Tech & Design Camp is the one camp to rule them all: Video Game Design, Robotics, Animation, 3D Modeling & Printing, DJing, and other exciting projects are all fair game. Whether it’s building a working guitar made March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

of LEGO MINDSTORMS, designing an action-packed video game to challenge friends with, or creating an animated mini-movie, the options are limitless and the learning doesn’t stop! We teach the nuts & bolts behind these subjects, and campers use their imagination to make their project come alive. Empow’s Minecraft Camp is the ultimate week-long learning adventure! Our camps are tailored to all skill levels, whether you’re just starting out your explorations or you already know you’re way around creepers. We start by introducing campers to Redstone, a special kind of element that mimics electricity almost perfectly. Campers of nearly any skill level can have fun building circuit boards, and even making a very simple computer inside Minecraft. As they master Redstone skills, we offer challenges that teach key concepts in programming, design, electrical engineering, and architecture, all while using teamwork and social skills. It’s the perfect blend of fun, learning, and creativity. Both of these camps are either in your town or right around the corner! Empow will be running camps in Boston’s Back Bay, Belmont, Brookline, Cape Cod, Lexington, Newton-Needham, and Westford. http://empow.me/camp

EVERWOOD DAY CAMP (SHARON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 15 Situated along the glistening shores of Lake Massapoag in Sharon, MA, Everwood Day Camp offers campers from ages 4 to 15 a summer of sports, arts and outdoor activities in an environment that’s uniquely suited to encourage their growth. Because here at Everwood, our campers experience all the fun

and friendship of camp life, plus the support of a community that’s committed to providing skills for life. This is the way summer is supposed to be. Transportation to and from the greater Boston area INCLUDED in our tuition! http:// www.EverwoodDayCamp.com

FA SUMMER (FALMOUTH, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 15 If you and your children are heading to Cape Cod this summer, or if you’re already down on the Cape, check out the array of summer programs at Falmouth Academy. Falmouth Academy sits on 34 acres in the heart of the Upper Cape’s vibrant artistic community and at the doorstep of the world-renowned scientific hub of Woods Hole, enriching academic programs throughout the school year and summer program. Fullday summer camp programs for children ages 5-12 feature arts and crafts, theatre and improv, water and field games, and exploration of the seacoast, the woods, and nearby ponds. There is also a full-day sports camp to learn the fundamentals of tennis, basketball, and soccer while having fun. Specialty programs include fort building, computer programming, robotics, photography, fine arts, circus arts and performance, and a wide range of field trips. Special skill-building sessions for basketball, lacrosse and soccer are held in August. For teens ages 13-15, the Leadership in Training program provides instruction, guidance, and experience in becoming a future camp or recreation counselor. Sports camps are led by college coaches, players, and Falmouth Academy coaching staff. Weeklong camps and specialty programs begin on June 27. http://falmouthacademy.org/ Summer-Programs

FESSENDEN SPORTS CAMPS (NEWTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 15 Whether children are looking to sharpen their skills, train for the upcoming season, or try a sport for the first time, Fessenden provides a place where campers focus on building confidence and teamwork, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our Sports Camps offer a great way for campers to develop core skills in their favorite sport and develop game strategy and tactics, all while recognizing the value of sportsmanship. Fessenden Sports Camps set themselves apart with their focus on fun and teamwork, because ultimately, we aim to grow children’s love for sports and healthy physical activity. http://fessendensummercamps.org

FESSENDEN SUMMER CAMPS (NEWTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 15 Whether in the Day Camp, the English Explorers program, or one of the many Sports or Specialty Camps, campers participate in fun and exciting activities, build their selfconfidence, and learn core life skills such as collaboration, creativity, and communication. Our goal is to provide children with a joyful experience that stays with them not just for the summer, but for a lifetime – an experience that builds character and provides skills that benefit them in our programs and beyond. http:// fessendensummercamps.org

FLEUR DE LIS CAMP (FITZWILLIAM, NH) Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 8 - 15 Waterskiing, Water sports, Volleyball, Trips, Theater, Tennis,

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

Team Field Sports, Team Building, Swimming, Surfing, Sailing, Riflery, Recreational Swimming, Performing Arts, Painting, Other Arts, Other, Nature/Environmental Studies, Leadership Development, Kayaking, Instructional Swimming, Horseback Riding (English), Hiking, General Sports, Drawing/Painting, Drama, Counselor Training (CIT), Community Service, Ceramics/Pottery, Canoeing, Camping Skills/Outdoor Living, Boating, Arts and Crafts, Art, Archery, Acting http://www.fleurdeliscamp.org

GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BOSTON BILINGUAL SUMMER CAMP (BOSTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 12 Language Studies, General Sports, Field Trips, Arts and Crafts http:// www.gisbos.org/

GREENAPPLE® CAMPUS (BOSTON & NEEDHAM, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 14 Hey Robotics, Coding, Virtual Reality, Mobile Games & Apps, 3D Print Maker and GirlsTech enthusiasts! We want kids to be the creators not just the consumers of technology. GreenApple = STEM + Innovation + Entrepreneurship. We are coming into our 15th year. Our mission is to inspire the innovators of the future through creative, challenging STEM, Innovation and Entrepreneurial programs for kids. Our StartUp Lab and InnovationLab Entrepreneurship initiative develops the entrepreneurial spirit bringing innovation to life. Can we help? 857.574.0567 or GreenAppleCampus.org

HALE DAY CAMP (WESTWOOD, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 13

Hale offers a wide variety of summer camp experiences. From our Traditional Camp to our Specialty Camps, including Outdoor Adventures, Mountain Biking, and our Leaders in Training (LIT) program for teens, Hale has a summer of fun waiting for you! We believe in continuing camping traditions such as being outdoors with your friends all day, getting plenty of exercise and swimming in our natural ponds. Here at Hale Day Camp we also provide a hands-on experience that recognizes the campers’ need for a nurturing environment where they can mature socially, emotionally and intellectually. www.halereservation. org

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL’S DAY CAMP (RUTLAND, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 7 - 13 Campers age 7 – 13 enjoy the unique opportunities springtime and summer on the farm offers! Camp activities include: time with baby goats and lambs, help feed the bunnies and other farm animals. vegetable seed planting, scavenger hunts, international cooking, composting and recycling activities, global citizen exploration, and plenty of good ole fashioned fun and games. For dates and to register, download the 2017 Day Camp Registration Packet, complete it, mail it in with full payment to address on the form. Summer Camps begin June 26 and run through August 14. Don’ miss our April School Vacation Week: April 17-21, 2017 | Morning & Afternoon Care Options | $275 per week https:// www.heifer.org

HOLA SPANISH IMMERSION (BOSTON, MA, & TOLEDA, SPAIN) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 12 - 17 Sending your kids to study abroad can be daunting so at HSI we want

to make sure that it is the right decision for you and your child. Let us tell you that it will be an experience incomparable with any other language learning that you child has been exposed to. Learning languages can be one of the most important yet frustrating parts of our kids’ education but they seem to spend hours and hours learning grammar, improving pronunciation, memorizing vocabulary etc. Even using a private tutor or being part of an immersion school back home, can’t compare to the impact of living in the country where the language is spoken. Becoming bilingual is our goal and huge advantage to compete in the modern global marketplace. In addition to the benefits of bilingualism, learning a second language activates different parts of the brain and students who participate in language immersion programs get a cognitive boost. At HSI we offer a unique approach to learning languages where we combine formal lessons, a sports program, and foster leadership so that our students leave the program feeling confident and prepared for their future. www. holaspanishimmersion.com

HUNTERS HAVEN FARM HORSEBACK RIDING SUMMER CAMP (ANDOVER, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - Any English Riding Camps, Equestrian Camps, Monday-Friday 9am-3pm http://www.huntershavenfarm.com

IRONSTONE FARM SUMMER CAMP (ANDOVER, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 7 - 16 For over 20 years, our camp has provided students with a fun, safe and educational environment in which to learn basic horsemanship skills and enjoy a camp experience with new March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

friends from many different communities. A staff of knowledgeable, licensed, professional instructors and experienced counselors provide the tools and skills needed to create a positive experience for all students. http://ironstonefarm.org/camp/

IS183 SUMMER ART CAMPS OF THE BERKSHIRES! (STOCKBRIDGE, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 13

KIDS AT THE FARM: SUMMER PROGRAMS 2017 (NEWTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 14 Experience the beauty and bounty of Newton Community Farm and give summer a whole new meaning! Dig, plant, weed and water. Harvest farm fresh produce and prepare delicious snacks. Feed the chickens, collect eggs and explore the world through the lens of farming and food. With programs for kids 2.5yr - high school we have something for everyone. http://newtoncommunityfarm.org

IS183 Art Camps for 3 to 14 year olds include a wide range of media, encouragement of creative thinking, and time outdoors in all our explorations! Every camp is led by a faculty KIDSTOCK! CREATIVE THEATER artist with the aid of a teaching CAMP (WINCHESTER, MA) assistant and, for ages 6 and up, the Day Camp addition of a visiting artist to further Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 15 enrich the experience. http://is183. org/ KIDSTOCK! Creative Theater offers unique and challenging programs KIDDIE KAMP (BOSTON, MA) for all ages in one week summer sessions. Each week has its own Day Camp theme and explores musical theater, Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 5 art, dance, acting and music in Kiddie Kamp at Hill House is the preparation for a fully staged Friday perfect combination of new and production. Younger students have a exciting experiences and a safe, half day morning option, while older familiar environment. Join our staff students spend the entire day workof beloved counselors for a suming on their creative goal. Supportive, mer full of games, crafts, stories, fun, creative environment for those songs, age-appropriate athletics and new to theater as well as those who outdoor fun. Your child will build are more experienced. kidstocktheconfidence, independence and friend- ater.com ships. Each week, campers explore playful themes through crafts and KREATIVE KIDZ THEATRE SUMMER songs that allow their imaginations CAMPS (PLYMOUTH, MA) and creativity to flourish. http:// Day Camp www.hillhouseboston.org/Camps/ Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - Any Summer_Kiddie_Kamp.htm July 10-14 – The Jungle Book 2 KIDS 4 CODING (BROOKLINE, MA) Mowgli has been living in the manvillage with his stepbrother Ranjan Day Camp and his best friend Shanti. But the Age or Grade Range: Age: 7 - 15 man-cub still has that jungle rhythm Animation Camps, Digital Media in his heart, and he misses his old Camps, Gaming Camps, Robotics buddies Baloo and Bagheera. When Camps, Science Camps, Video Game Mowgli wanders back to the wild Design Camps Kids4Coding.com for some swingin’ fun, he soon finds the man-eating tiger Shere Khan is

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

lurking in the shadows and planning his revenge. July 17-21 – Broadway This week we’ll be working on past and current Broadway musicals. With skits, songs and dances from popular shows. July 24-28 – Laugh Out Loud Get ready to laugh the week away, with hilarious and outrageous skits written by the students themselves. It’s sure to be a week full of fun. July 31 - Aug 4 – Transyl-Mania Cue the lightning! Cue the thunder! It’s monster mayhem in this frightfully fun comedy! At Transylvania High there are vampires, mummies, werewolves, zombies, and witches. When a group of human student’s bus breaks down and they stumble upon the monster school, utter mayhem ensues. Aug 7-11 – Pop Star Studio Spend the week feeling like a pop star! Students will perform solos, duets and group numbers. They will also learn choreography to some of their favorite songs. This camp is a chance for students of all talent levels to have time in the spotlight. Aug 14-18 – Trolls After the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy, the happiest Troll ever born, and the very grumpy Branch set off on a journey to rescue her friends. Please call or email the theatre to confirm availability first, when we receive your registration and payment that will hold your spot in the camp. http:// www.kreativekidztheatre.com

LAND’S SAKE SUMMER PROGRAMS (WESTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 14 Get outside and get your hands dirty this summer at Land’s Sake! Try new foods, make new friends, and care for our adorable and friendly animals! Our summer programs are led by experienced educators who are committed to giving every program participant a fun, engaging, and safe educational experience.

http://landssake.org/education/ summer-programs/

LAUREL DAY CAMP (BREWSTER, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 14 Laurel Day Camp (LDC) families return summer after summer to enjoy a wonderful camp experience in a nurturing atmosphere full of play and discovery. In our 35th year, we continue to create and continuously develop thoughtful activities which appeal to all age groups. Our campers come from all over the United States and many other countries, to enjoy a wonderful Cape Cod family summer experience. http:// www.laurelschoolcapecod.org

LAWRENCE ACADEMY SUMMER PROGRAMS (GROTON, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 13 - 18 Foreign Language Camps, ESL Camps, Language Camps, www. lacademy.edu/summers

LESLEY ELLIS SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM (ARLINGTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 12 Lesley Ellis School Summer Program is designed around popular weekly themes for Young Adventurers (Entering Preschool & Prekindergarten), Junior Discoverers (Entering TK, Kindergarten, Grade 1), and Senior Explorers (Grades 2-6). Each session has approximately 25 children and is led by experienced early childhood and elementary educators from Lesley Ellis School. Throughout the summer, children are immersed in hands on explorations and experiences. There are also a number of special guests and visitors who are introduced to enhance

weekly themes. For program details so much more than just supervision visit the Lesley Ellis School website until 6:00pm! • The camp operates http://www.lesleyellis.org under Town of Lincoln’s Parks and Recreation Department allowing us LETGO YOUR MIND STEM to offer both traditional and creative PROGRAMS (MULTIPLY LOCATIONS camp programming at an effective IN MA, NH & VT) price. • Our special events and activities are second to none: giant Day Camp waterslides, talent shows, water Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 14 balloon battles, and of course weekly field trips to the areas best attracLEtGO Your Mind programs offer a tions are just a few of our favorites! safe, educationally enriching STEM • Our middle school program offers Program experience that is fun and a unique and unforgettable experichallenging using LEGO bricks, ence for young teens: 3 weekly trips, motors, elements in the areas of overnight camp outs, a customizable simple machines, robotics, stop motion animation and programming schedule, and many opportunities for increased responsibility Minecraft. The programs focus on and challenging oneself. http:// the vital STEM subjects (Science, www,lincolnsummercamp.com Technology, Engineering and Math) and challenge the kids to think while having fun. Our program are for LINX CAMPS (WELLESLEY, MA) students between the ages of 4 and Day Camp 14. http://www.letgoyourmind.com Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 15

LINCOLN SUMMER CAMP (LINCOLN, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 13 Who Are We? Lincoln Summer Camp is a public day camp for campers entering grades K through 8, serving Lincoln, MA and its surrounding towns. Where Are We? Lincoln Summer Camp is located on the 55-acre Ballfield Road Campus in Lincoln, MA. The site features a pool, numerous fields, trails, courts, playgrounds and gymnasiums as well as host of indoor spaces to cool off. What Makes Us Special? • We have a dedicated and caring staff who go above and beyond each day to ensure camper safety and fun. • We offer a wide range of programming from sports to the arts, to S.T.E.M. and archery; there is something for everyone! • All campers entering grades K-5 receive American Red Cross certified swim lessons as part of their camp day. • We offer an Extended Day program that features specially designed activities: it is

LINX Camps proudly serves Metrowest MA with over 40 premier camps, including Junior, General, Adventure, Fine Arts, Leadership, Performing Arts, Quest, STEAM and Sports. At LINX Camps, we are focused on building a community, one camper at a time. Our awardwinning camps, for kids age 3 years – 10th grade, provide a traditional day camp experience (like a sleepaway camp) that builds community and character while allowing kids to explore their interests. Theme Fridays, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and camp-wide spirit cheers are just a few of the community-building aspects of LINX Camps that all our camp families have the chance to enjoy and share with each other for a lifetime. Come see why we are an award-winning camp 4 years in a row! LINX bus transportation is available from 17 metrowest towns. http://www.linxcamps.com/

March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

MAPLEWOOD COUNTRY DAY CAMP (SOUTH EASTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 14 Family-owned, Maplewood Country Day Camp & Enrichment Center in Easton MA has been a fun and exciting place for children ages 3 to 14 for over 50 years. We teach children the fundamental concepts of discovery, community, teamwork, and fitness so they can enjoy a more creative and fulfilling childhood. Summer Day Camp & School Year Programs. Maplewood Country Day Camp and Enrichment Center is open year round and offers quality programs - children’s classes, a preschool with individualized attention, exciting after-school activities, academic tutoring, vacation programs, birthday parties, and summer camp. ACA accredited and EEC licensed. We promise one thing above all else: the moment you drive through our gates and roll down the hill, you become family. Since 1965 thousands of campers, students, and staff members have become part of our Maplewood tradition. We hope you will join us. http://www. maplewoodyearround.com/

MEADOWBROOK SUMMER PROGRAMS (WESTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 13 Open to children in pre-K through age 12 , this coeducational camp offers a group-centered approach and a multitude of fun and educational activities. The camp was founded in 1950 and is accredited by the American Camping Association. Meadowbrook’s planned program is designed to provide campers with a variety of activities each day in a safe, nurturing and fun atmosphere. The camper’s day is balanced with activities that emphasize social, physical, and emotional growth and learning. The program’s design

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

varies according to age level and scheduling is kept flexible. Each day, campers are offered some degree of choice and are encouraged to participate in all areas of the program. All activities are presented with an eye toward encouraging and supporting each camper’s feeling of personal satisfaction. Teen Adventures was created especially for teenagers who have completed the 7th or 8th grade, offering well-supervised day trips in week-long increments. Some weeks include an overnight camping trip. Teen Adventures is the perfect solution for kids who have outgrown traditional camp but still need adventure and guidance. Teen Adventurers get to choose a week of exploration that appeals to their interests. In groups of no more than 13, teens have fun while learning leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Past day trips have included sea kayaking on the North or South Shore, canoeing on the Charles River, scuba diving in a pool, indoor skydiving, mountain climbing, ropes course and fly fishing. Mazemakers is a small, dynamic learning community for children in 2nd through 8th grades. In contrast to traditional summer programs, Mazemakers emphasizes choice, challenges and communitybuilding. The Mazemakers program embraces innovation and creativity, problem-solving and trust. Campers get to choose from a wide range of courses such as: art, architecture, athletics games, creative writing, computer game design, dance, digital photography, digital music, drama, Mazematics, robotics, science, video, and Web design. There is a daily swimming option as well as tennis two or three times per week. http:// daycamp.meadowbrook-ma.org

METROROCK EVERETT CLIMBING CAMP (EVERETT, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 17 Metrorock is proud to offer youth

camps for the next generation of climbers. Our programs provide climbing, challenge-based activities, and fun for all ability levels. Our Indoor Camps take place at one of the largest indoor climbing centers in New England, featuring a variety of climbing terrain and adventure ropes courses. The Outdoor Camps provide a controlled setting at some of the finest climbing spots the region has to offer. Our days are a blend of instruction, games, and fun. Kids will learn to climb, to belay, and to work together. Our strict attention to detail, and our professionally trained counselors foster a fun, exciting, and challenging day for children ages 5-17. https://www. metrorock.com/boston/programs/ camps?programs_tab=kids

NEMPAC MUSIC THEATRE WORKSHOP (BOSTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 11 Children’s Music Theatre Workshops – 3 Weeks / 3 Different Productions! Our Full Day Week Offerings this year include the following: Week One: July 10 -14, 2017 – Ages 5 – 11 Week Two: July 17 – 21, 2017 – Ages 5 – 11 Week Three: July 31 – 4, 2016 – Ages 5 – 11 Productions: Each week, students produce and perform in a production. http://www.nempacboston.org/class-offerings-by-age/ summer-pr ograms

NEW SCHOOL OF MUSIC (CAMBRIDGE, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 14 Performing Arts, Music Camp http://newschoolofmusic.org/ vacation-programs/

NOBLES DAY CAMP (DEDHAM, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 14 A safe and supportive environment is at the forefront of our philosophy for our campers. Nobles is accredited by the American Camp Association and takes every precaution to be sure that all of our campers are safe during their time at camp. Through involvement with positive role models in our many different activities, campers learn to enjoy recreation in a non-competitive atmosphere, respect the rights of others, take positive risks, and learn to make choices in a fun and caring environment. At the same time they are gaining positive self-esteem and long lasting friendships with peers and adults. The Nobles Day Camp is fortunate to have access to incredible facilities. It is located on the campus of the Noble and Greenough School in Dedham and our 187 acre campus abuts the Charles River. Experienced Staff Like many of our campers, the Nobles Day Camp staff considers the camp a second home. Many of our staff have been at the camp for over ten years and take pride in providing a tremendous growth opportunity for the campers. Nobles is known for the balance of staffing between adults, college students and high school students. http://www.noblesdaycamp.org

Children will build confidence, selfesteem, and leaderships skills that last a lifetime. www.palmerriver.com

https://www.puddlestompers.com/

PASSPORT@CAMBRIDGE MONTESSORI (CAMBRIDGE, MA)

Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 8 - 13

Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: Any - 14 Nature/Environmental Studies, Music, Instructional Swimming, General Sports, Field Trips, Counselor Training (CIT), Art, Acting, Academics http://www. cambridgemontessori.org/passport/ summer-programs

PLANET GYMNASTICS SWIM & GYM DAY PROGRAM (NATICK, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 12 Make your child’s Summer 2017 the BEST EVER by choosing the SWIM & GYM Summer Day program! Come join the fun and excitement at the best local activity based movement education facility specifically designed for children. It’s clean; it’s safe, and perfect for parents looking for flexible programs. Whether you are looking for gym activities, swim activities or a combination of both, you can have it. Register for an individual day, half day or attend a full week. http://www.planetgym.com

PSC SUMMER FUNZONE (PLYMOUTH, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 14

PALMER RIVER EQUESTRIAN CENTER HORSEMANSHIP CAMP Adventure Camps,Kayaking Camps, (REHOBOTH, MA) Rock Climbing Camps,Wilderness, Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 14 Horsemanship Camp is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 16. Campers do not need to have prior riding experience to participate. Activities will include grooming, tacking, riding, basic stable management, and most important safe horsemanship.

Swimming, Riflery, Kayaking, Hiking, General Sports, Fishing, Canoeing, Camping Skills/Outdoor Living, Archery http://pscfunzone.com

PUDDLESTOMPERS NATURE EXPLORATION (NEWTON, MA)

REVELS SUMMER VAUDEVILLE WORKSHOP (WATERTOWN, MA)

Have fun creating live entertainment with us in our annual Summer Vaudeville Workshop in Watertown - this year with a Pirate theme! Participants will learn circus arts, magic tricks, acting techniques, stage combat and more! Led by Revels Education Director Emily Williams and a brilliant young staff, the workshop culminates with a private performance for family and friends. www.revels.org/vaudeville

RIVER’S EDGE ARTS ALLIANCE / SUMMER DRAMA WORKSHOP (HUDSON, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 16 River’s Edge Arts Alliance (Hudson, MA) will be taking registrations for their annual Summer Drama Workshop. The multi-level program runs the weeks of July 3rd-July 28th. Program lengths vary depending on age of child. The Summer Drama Workshop has been continuously running for nearly 30 years. We are truly a team and support each other in all aspects of our workshops including lending curriculum advice, help backstage during other performances, and making sure ALL of our campers feel they’re in a safe and FUN environment. We are process-oriented keeping in mind the thought that working and improving a theatre piece is never truly over until the last time you get to perform it. Making our kids comfortable and confident on stage and guiding them to love the theatre (as much as we do) is far more important than a final product. www.upwitharts.org

Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 8 Environmental Science Camps March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

ROARING BROOK CAMP FOR BOYS (BRADFORD, VT)

2017 STARTALK CHINESE LANGAUGE them in the driver’s seat of their AND CULTURE PROGRAM learning experience, rather than an

Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 9 - 14

(PROVIDENCE, RI)

Wilderness, Swimming, Riflery, Kayaking, Hiking, General Sports, Fishing, Canoeing, Camping Skills/ Outdoor Living, Archery http://www. roaringbrookcamp.com

SEASHOALS: MARINE SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR FAMILIES (KITTERY, ME) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 7 - Any Roll-up your sleeves and register for a SeaSHOALS adventure to the Isles of Shoals, one of the Maine/NH Seacoast’s most intriguing destinations! This introductory program, designed for first-time Shoalers, includes family-friendly activities based at the world-renowned Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island. SeaSHOALS is an amazing opportunity for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and the special children in their lives, to immerse themselves in marine science! www. shoalsmarinelaboratory.org/event/ seashoals

SET SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM (ASHLAND, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 14 At SET School Summer Program kids learn while having fun! We have morning classes in hands-on science, robotics, engineering and technology. The afternoon is busy with fun activities like Physics of Star Wars, Pokemania, Vet School, Ancient Arts, and many more http:// www.setschoolmw.com/

Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 12 - 18 The U.S.-China Institute and Confucius Institute at Bryant University is proud to offer the STARTALK Chinese Language and Culture Student Program to middle school and high school students for the summer of 2017. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in an intensive two-week Chinese language training and cultural immersion program on Bryant campus. Dates: July 12-25 (No activities on weekends) Time: 9:00am-3:00pm Location: Bryant University, Smithfield, RI Cost: $100 program fee. Complimentary lunch will be provided daily. MAJOR FEATURES: Customized lessons based on National Standards of Foreign Language Education, taught by experienced Chinese language instructors. Small class size, accommodating multiple levels of Chinese proficiency and different learning styles. Well-designed cultural workshops and a field trip associated with language learning and cultural appreciation. Option to travel to China and participate in “Chinese Bridge Summer Camp” following STARTALK (high school students only). The program application opens at http://china.bryant.edu. For more information, please contact Ms. Kun Xie at kxie@bryant.edu.

STEVE & KATE’S CAMP (BOSTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 17 At Steve & Kate’s, our camp philosophy is pretty simple: when you trust kids to take charge of their own learning, they will learn and grow in ways we can’t imagine. By putting

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

adult telling them what they should learn, kids have the freedom to make their own choices, explore their passions, and trust their own judgment. With activities galore, you’ll see campers sewing everything from clothing to accessories, making animated movies complete with characters and sets, coding their own programs, building robots, playing chess, getting soaked during outdoor water games, and creating their own musical masterpieces. www.steveandkatescamp.com

STEVE & KATE’S CAMP (CAMBRIDGE, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 17 At Steve & Kate’s, our camp philosophy is pretty simple: when you trust kids to take charge of their own learning, they will learn and grow in ways we can’t imagine. By putting them in the driver’s seat of their learning experience, rather than an adult telling them what they should learn, kids have the freedom to make their own choices, explore their passions, and trust their own judgment. With activities galore, you’ll see campers sewing everything from clothing to accessories, making animated movies complete with characters and sets, coding their own programs, building robots, playing chess, getting soaked during outdoor water games, and creating their own musical masterpieces. www.steveandkatescamp.com

SUMMER ART CLASSES AT THE MFA (BOSTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 11 Register your young artist for fun weekly summer art classes at the Museum of Fine Arts. Half and whole days available, with

supervised lunches for children taking both morning and afternoon classes. Age groups: 5–7, 6–8, 8-10, 9–11, 12-14, 15-18. Visual Arts, Sculpture, Photography, Painting, Other Arts, Drawing/Painting, Ceramics/Pottery, Art http://www. mfa.org/studio

SUMMER AT BAA (BOSTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 12 - 17 Summer at BAA offers three distinct arts summer programs in Dance, Film and STEAM for teens between the ages of 12 - 18. Our dedicated faculty is committed to offering each and every student a personalized experience that fosters creativity while enhancing technical skills. Be challenged and inspired to create with distinguished artists and educators at Boston Arts Academy in Summer 2017! http://www.summeratbaa.org

SUMMER IN FRENCH AT THE FRENCH CULTURAL CENTER/ ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE OF BOSTON (BOSTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 17 Language Studies www.frenchculturalcenter.org

TABOR ACADEMY SUMMER PROGRAM (MARION, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 17 Join us for an unforgettable summer by the sea full of friends, sports, adventures, and learning! Established in 1917, the Tabor Academy Summer Program allows young people ages 6-17 the opportunity to develop their full potential as individuals. Under the guidance

of highly qualified and energetic counselors, coaches, and teachers, the program encourages young people to have fun and take pride in their personal achievement in our optional enrichment courses, on the playing fields, and on the waterfront. The program provides a variety of engaging and enjoyable activities on the beautiful 85-acre seaside campus of Tabor Academy. http://www. taborsummer.org

THE CONCORD REVIEW SUMMER PROGRAM (WESTON, MA)

THE GODDARD SCHOOL MIDDLETON, MA (MIDDLETON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: Any - 7 Our summer program runs from June 26, 2017 to August 31, 2017. We also feature a one week soccer camp facilitated by the British School of Soccer with players and coaches from the UK. In addition to our Chess camp, Lego camp, Drama camp & more!. http://www.goddardschool.com

Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 13 - 18

THE HIVE AT DECORDOVA SCULPTURE PARK AND MUSEUM (LINCOLN, MA)

College bound high school students can now learn from one of the best sources in the country. The Concord Review [tcr.org] is offering several two-week intensive expository writing workshops. The workshops will be held on the campus of Regis College, just west of Boston in Weston, Massachusetts and — for the first time — in Seoul, South Korea. This will be the fourth year of their Summer Program writing and research workshops, but they are greatly expanded over previous years. There will be two sessions in Boston, in early and late June with 24 seats in each session. Each session runs for two weeks and includes both boarding students and day students. tcr.org/summer

Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 12

THE EXPERIMENTORY AT DEERFIELD ACADEMY (DEERFIELD, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 11 - 14 A residential middle school summer program, the Experimentory at Deerfield Academy allows students to delve into project-based, interdisciplinary learning. We focus on the intersection of subjects, honing observation skills, fostering creativity, and developing ways of looking at the world. www.deerfield.edu/ experimentory

Contemporary art in deCordova’s 30-acre Sculpture Park and Museum galleries connects the hive’s weekly themes to real world ideas, unbounded creativity, and inspiring innovation. Each camper’s personal interests and unique abilities are welcomed and complement those of new friends while everyone learns from each other. http://www.decordova.org/camp

THE MATH CLUB (LEXINGTON, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 14 Math Camps, General Academics Camps, Gifted Camps, Science Camps http://www.TheMathClub. com

TUFTS UNIVERSITY DESIGN AND ENGINEERING WORKSHOPS (MEDFORD, MA) Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 18 Join us as we explore robotics and engineering in fun week-long summer workshops! Kids will learn about the Engineering Design Process through hands-on activities. Grades: K - 12. Cost: $160 - $550. March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Learn more and register at tiny.cc/ ceeowksps

UK ELITE - INTERNATIONAL SPORTS AND GAMES (KINGSTON, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 16 UK Elite, who is the leading soccer provider in Massachusetts, is using their international background to bring international sports to local players. Each day will have a fun balance of instruction and play. A taste of sports that will be played at camp include, but are not limited to: touch rugby, cricket, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, handball, basketball, floor hockey, capture the flag, volleyball, badminton, etc. All UKE staff are licensed professionals that are trained and have a passion to coaching the youth player. http://ukelite. com

Boston Parents Paper | March 2017

ULTIMATE DAY CAMP @ DEDHAM HEALTH & ATHLETIC (DEDHAM, MA)

in two ways: First, campers can choose two (2) of their favorite activities each day, in the categories of Art, Day Camp Science and Sport. Second, campers Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 14 can choose to participate in one Dedham Health & Athletic Complex block of “Skill Building” activity time is committed to teaching the imporeach day—building up their skills tance of exercise , physical fitness , and knowledge in that specialty health and well being as an essential throughout the week. Don’t Forget part of life. While at The Ultimate FUN FRIDAYS! At The Ultimate Day Day Camp , children and parents Camp we celebrate Fridays with a enjoy our non-competitive approach fun theme, special activities and a to fitness. We highlight the imporpizza party! Some of the themes are: tance of developing skills, practicing, Carnival, Superhero, Pajama Party, team work, respect for others, as Olympics, Red Sox and much more! well as the value of positive decision Which Camp Is Right For Me? My making. These are key elements to First Camp (3-5) Lower Camp (6-7) building camper self-esteem. “As Middle Camp (8-10) Upper Camp (11an American Camping Association 14) Regular hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 accredited program, it is our mission pm • Extended hours: 7:30 am - 6:00 to combine safety, support & a posi- pm • Ages 3-5 years: Full or Half tive environment for our campers to Day Programs • Ages 6 - 14 Full Day learn & grow.” Increased enthusiPrograms • Weekly Enrollment • 12 asm, individuality and confidence are Weeks Available • Lunch & Snack just some of the benefits of allowing Provided http://www.dedhamhealth. campers to choose their own activicom/ultimatedaycamp.html ties and “design their day.” Campers can customize their camp experience

WILSON COLLEGIATE TENNIS CAMPS WORCESTER ACADEMY SUMMER (PROVIDENCE, RI) PROGRAMS (WORCESTER, MA) Day Camp, Overnight Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: 8 - 18

Day Camp Age or Grade Range: Age: Any

Under the guidance of Brown University women’s tennis coach, Paul Wardlaw, a 25 year veteran of some of the nations best tennis camps, the Elite Training Camps place an emphasis on advanced strategies and point building patterns in a fun and competitive environment. The Wardlaw Elite Coed Training camp and Elite Prospects camps are designed for top junior boys and girls ages 12-18 that play USTA tournaments or high-level high school tennis. http://www.wilsontenniscamps.com/

Try something new. Make new friends. Have fun! If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your summer vacation, we have a camp that’s right for you! Worcester Academy’s Summer Programs offer a wide range of opportunities that meet all types and levels of interests for a variety of ages. Our programs are drawn from WA’s rigorous academics, strong leadership, competitive athletics, and inspiring arts programs. We are focused on helping children become the best versions of themselves. All of our summer program directors and staff are talented teachers or

coaches from the Worcester Academy faculty. They are committed to creating an engaging, constructive, and safe place for your child. Combine that with our camper-to-staff ratio of 8:1 and you have a day that is educational, with individualized attention, and, most important – fun! www. worcesteracademy.org/summer

March 2017 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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