Northeast Camp Guide 2018 by Parenting Media

DAY CAMPS • SPORTS CAMPS • ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS • CAMPS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

! E S HOU -1PM

N M A E 1 1 P H O RCH 10T

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

2018 TENNIS

ICE HOCKEY

BASEBALL

BOYS BASKETBALL

Ages 8–15 June 11–15 June 18–22

Ages 6–13 June 25–29 July 9–13

Ages 6–12 June 25–29

FIELD HOCKEY Ages 10–17 June 25–29

BOYS SOCCER

GIRLS LACROSSE Ages 8–17 July 30–August 3

BOYS LACROSSE Ages 8–14 July 23–27

Ages 6–14 July 9–13 July 16–20 July 23–27 Ages 7–17 July 9–13 July 16–20

GIRLS SOCCER Ages 7–17 July 16–20

VOLLEYBALL Ages 7–17 August 6–10

REGISTERNOW!

www.babson.edu/summercamps Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Northeast Camp Guide 2018

Contents What’s Inside 6 A Great Adventure

Explore the many benefits of sending your child to camp.

12 How to Make Sure Camp Is Right for Your Child

Questions to ask perspective camps.

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

24 Medications at Camp

32 15 Steps to Day Camp Success

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

36 Enrichment Programs & Camps

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

40 Special Needs Camps

Fun with campers “just like me.”

45 Camp Listings 60 CIT Programs

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

What to know about camp procedures concerning prescription medication.

26 Kids Being Active….

30 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 sales@bostonparent.com

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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

Celebrating over 60 Years of Excellence in Early Childhood Education!

Join the Fun at

Beacon Hill Nursery School

this Summer!

"Come explore Nature in the City" in our 2 natural playscapes, discovering science and nature, and engaging in water play and outdoor art activities. ★ Discovery Museum ★ Barn Babies ★ Aquarium ★ Yoga ★ Curious Creatures ★ and More! Visit our website for a complete list of summer programming. Registration now open! A one time discount of

$5000

if registered by March 15th

74 Joy St., Boston, MA 02114 www.bhns.net ★ 617-227-0822

Join us in Vermont and share the Windridge experience... Specialized programs in tennis, soccer and horseback riding with a 1:4 counselor to camper ratio. and boys ages 7-15. Share our commitment to hard work, good sportsmanship, and wholesome fun within a supportive and friendly environment.

802-860-2005 www.windridgecamps.com

SLEEPAWAY WATERSPORTS SUMMER CAMP FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 10 - 17

ONE-WEEK SESSIONS IN JUNE, JULY & AUGUST CALL TODAY TO LEARN MORE OR ENROLL FOR THIS SUMMER! MERRYMEETING LAKE | 617-855-WAKE (9253) | WATERMONKEYCAMP.COM Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

A Great Adventure The Benefits of Summer Camp 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 Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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.

Make this Summer MACnificent! Registration opens March 1, 2018

TEN N IS

S WI M M I N G

HIK ING

ZIP LINE

SAILING

BAS KETB A LL

MOUNTA I N B IKING

C A M P S

S WING S HOT

A R CHERY

By far the best summer experience around! MAC Camps offer a diversity of activities for youth ages 3-16. Our programs range from engaging day camps to full week adventure camps â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we even offer Tennis and Sailing camps! Our activities, events, and field trips make each week a new adventure that encourages learning, growth, and FUN! Spend your summer at MAC! Call Jessica to secure your spot today at 978.526.8900 x 257 or email camps@macathletics.com. MAC Athletics 8 Atwater Avenue Manchester, MA 01944

Find us on 978.526.8900 www.macathletics.com

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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

Summer Coding Camps

Minecraft Modding Robotics & Electronics 3D Game Development and much more!

Learn more and register at 8

» Week-long camps for kids 5-18 » Available Full and Half-Day » Locations throughout the Greater Boston Area

CodingWithKids.com/BostonCamps

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

hike into your summer adventure Sure, we have beavers, turtles, birds, squirrels, and deer. Yes, we have miles of winding trails, a private beach and watercraft, a ropes course, archery range, multiple fields, and a modern lodge. And why wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t our four ponds offer campers opportunities to fish, boat, swim, and more? We love classic camp activities. But at Hale, we also believe in choice. It inspires exploration. It promotes growth. And it allows our campers to develop as individuals even as they establish friendships that last a lifetime.

Enroll your camper and see how Hale is naturally different.

HALE DAY CAMP HALE SUMMER CLUB register today at acresofadventure.org or call 781-326-1770 TM

2016

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com TOP 5

DISC VER EN D N E FESS

R E M SU M

ek! the we y b p u Sign

DAY CAMP / SPORTS CAMPS / SPECIALTY CAMPS / SUMMER ELL

Girls and Boys Age 3.5 Through Grade 10 Half Day, Full Day, and Extended Day Programs

fessendensummercamps.org West Newton, MA | 617-630-2373

Outdoor Adventures for Girls

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

Helpful Books

6 DAY CAMPS Bus Stops Throughout Eastern Massachusetts 4 RESIDENT CAMPS Bus Stops in Boston, Braintree, and Woburn

⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨

New Friends Fun Activities Safe, Affordable Challenge Courses, Archery Horseback Riding Sailing, Kayaking, Windsurfing Adventure Travel

Serving girls entering K-12

Learn more and register at hercamp.org Not a Girl Scout, not a problem. Prior Girl Scout membership not required.

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

• 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.

FALMOUTH ACADEMY fun

SUMMER ^ 2018

ART • MUSIC • TECH • SCIENCE SPORTS • NATURE • LEADERSHIP

2017

2016 WINNER

WINNER

CHILDREN • TEEN • ADULT

June 25 - August 17 half and full day progams extended day ages 6+

FALMOUTHACADEMY.ORG/SUMMER-PROGRAMS 7 Highfield Drive, Falmouth MA 02540

HILL HOUSE SUMMER CAMPS

781-320-1320 camp@nobles.edu 10 Campus Drive, Dedham, MA

Summer Camp for Ages 3½ –14

noblesdaycamp.org



Kiddie Kamp (3-5 years old)



Day Camp (5-12 years old)



Sports, Sailing, Theater & Film Options Available



Sessions run June 18August 30 June 18-

Explore all that Boston has to offer OUTDOORS with Hill House Camps this summer!

127 Mount Vernon Street, Boston www.hillhouseboston.org Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Kids at play at Leslie-Ellis Summer Camp

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 Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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

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. Where: Medford, MA Grades: K-12 Cost: $440-$550 Learn more and register at tiny.cc/ceeowksps Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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, 14

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

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

Summer

THE BEST TIME TO ADVANCE IN

Math

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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? 16

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

• 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.

SUMMER STEAM CAMP J U N E 1 1 – AU G U S T 2 4 , 2 0 1 8

161 engaging, hands-on, unique and fun offerings for children ages 5-17!

Curiosity, creativity and innovation come alive at Acera’s Summer Camp! Choose from courses like: • Chemistry: Potions Masters (7-10) • Make Your Own Pinball Machine (8+) • Molecular Biology: Gene Editing (12-17)

• Intro to Programming in Virtual Reality (12-17) • Flying Machines & Drones (9+) • Fairy & Troll House Construction (5-7)

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

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

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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.

Meadowbrook Day Camp

10 Farm Road, Weston, MA aycam daycamp.meadowbrook-ma.org 781-647-0546 Day Camp EnteringK-Entering 7th Daily Swim Lessons Arts & Crafts, Boating, Sports, Drobots, Dance, Free Swim, Ropes Course, Ceramics, Drama & More!

Teen Adventures Entering 8th or 9th Biking, Hiking, Cooking, Glass Blowing, Scuba, F1 Race Cars, River Rafting, Kayaking, Drobots, Leadership Training & More!

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Secrets from a Camp Pro I

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

The Basics This close bond is readily apparent when parents visit camp, especially parents of established campers who have several summers under their belts. What you see is a lot of hugging, thanking and celebrating: 20

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

• 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 ALPHA for BosPP Feb17.qxp_Alpha Martial Arts 2/13/17 4:04 PM 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 Page 1 vary depending on how much time your child will

ALPHA MARTIAL ARTS

40 Vinal Square N. Chelmsford, MA 978-251-1331

www.alphatkd.com

Special

Get $25 off 6 Weeks of Classes! New students only.

Now registering for

Ninja Camp (February vacation & four weeks during the summer)

After School Program (enrollment begins 5/1)

Adult & Parent Classes Teens & Kids Classes Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | 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

SUMMER STAGE For ages 7+ Counselor in Training (CIT) ages 13+

Acting · Comedy · Storytelling Shakespeare · Puppetry June 25 - August 10 2-day, 1-week, and 2-week options

Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 3 PM Extended Day: 3 PM - 5 PM

Questions? Call 617-307-4257 or email kaa@centralsquaretheater.org

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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.

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | 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 24

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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

inspired at ZooCamp Franklin Park Zoo | Boston Ages 6 - 13 June 25 - August 17

Stone Zoo | Stoneham Ages 3 - 13 June 18 - August 24

Sports, field trips, arts, and days packed with exploration and growth…the best place to go to school is also the best place to go to camp.

www.belmontday.org/summer-discoveries 617-484-3078

Learn more at

zoonewengland.org

Revels Summer Theater Workshop for kids ages 7-13 Weekdays July 16 - 27, 2018 9:30 am - 3:30 pm; early drop-off 8:00 - 9:30am Belmont-Watertown UMC, 80 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown MA

∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

Revels Summer Theater Workshop is a complete theater experience including theater games, acting, singing and traditional dance as well as set and props building, creating a mummers’ play, audition techniques and more. Culminating in a performance of A Journey…a Story about Coming to America.

www.revels.org/summer Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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 26

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

ROM CHOOSE FRENT

YOUR CHILD

9 DIFFE AMS

PROGR

BUILDS THIS IN CATAPULT engineering

EDGE SCIENCE on

™

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

create • test • discover Visit edgeonscience.com Call (315) 773-5673

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE ONE SUMMER CAN MAKE!

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 Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Epiic Solutions

www.epiicsolutions.org Boston's Coolest Teen Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Design Summer Programs

AM Workshops: explore Design Thinking, Lean Startup and Business Model Canvas PM Field Trips: meet inspiring founders and startups; explore college/career pathways Culminating Pitch Competition 1-week programs, July 9 - August 17 Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm Open to co-ed, rising 7th - 12th graders Hosted at Boston University Early-bird rates & scholarships available

Learn more: www.epiicsolutions.org Email: hello@epiicsolutions.org

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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 ½ 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!!!

CAMP BIRCH HILL Classic Overnight Summer Summe Camp Experience – Boys & Girls – Ages 6 -16

Land Lan Sports Water Wat Sports Fine Arts Specialty Sports Spe Adventure Advventure Tennis Ten nnis & Golf

2018 Session Dates: June 24 – July 7, 2018 July 8 – July 21, 2018 018 July 22 – August 4, 2018 TM

2017 TOP 5

www.CAMPBIRCHHILL.com | summer@campbirchhill.com

BRADFORD, VERMONT

Outdoor sports, Vermont crafts and Wilderness trips for boys interested in a fun and exciting adventure. Rock Climbing Bouldering Rope Course Kayaking Canoeing Fly-Fishing Fly-Tying Survival Fitness Primitive Woodwork Blacksmith Leatherwork Archery Marksmanship Orienteering Timber Sports Swimming Boys Ages 9-14 2/4/6 Week Sessions

Drs. Thayer & Candice Raines 300 Grove Street #4 Rutland, VT 05701 1-800-832-4295 www.roaringbrookcamp.com Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | 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. 30

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | 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?” 32

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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.

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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.” 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.

19 Day Camps + 1 Overnight Camp Learn about nature • Meet new friends Have fun outside this summer! Sign up for outdoor summer adventure at massaudubon.org/camps.

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 Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

LET KIDS BE KIDS

Visit CAMPINVENTION.ORG by MARCH 23 to secure your spot and

SAVE $25 Promo Code: RegCamp25

A summer camp that trust kids, so that they learn to trust themselves.

N STEM

me Two RO

S-O

ades K–6

Led by local educators 1,500+ Summer Programs Nationwide!

steveandkate.com

In Partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | 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 Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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, mysterydriven book clubs, make-your-own bookmark events, journal writing and more.

Pine Village Summer Program

Vengan y Exploren con nosotros! A bilingual Spanish summer program for children ages 15 mos. to 7 yrs. Un programa bilingue de verano para niños de 15 meses a 7 años.

• Brighton • Jamaica Plain (Revere St.) • Jamaica Plain (South St.) • Kendall Sq.

• Needham • West Newton • Porter Sq. • South End

July 2 - August 24, 2018 Join us on the Pine Village “Avión Imaginario” for the adventure of a lifetime as we explore and discover Spanish-speaking countries of South and Central America and the Caribbean.

2014 WINNER

2015 WINNER

2016 WINNER

2017 WINNER

www.mybilingualpreschool.com enrollmentpvp@gmail.com 617-416-7763 Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

• 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 • Empow Learning director of the Division Field Placement and www.masschallenge.org Professional Partnerships for Lesley’s Graduate School of Education, and Harriet Deane, assistant • Lesley University professor and associate dean of Lesley’s Gradu www.lesley.edu/summer-learning-resources ate School of Education, also suggest that middle • MathPower at Northeastern University school students seek out cross-grade programs, www.mathpower.neu.edu/summer-academy such as a camp counselor in training, mathbased activities or reading to younger children. “Tak• National Summer Learning Association ing on new skills and responsibilities including www.summerlearning.org working with younger children in cross-grade programs is very meaningful and provides selfJoin the Club confidence, responsibility and an opportunity • The Summer Club, a summer learning program to practice their academic skills,” Staman Miller hosted by Boston Children’s Museum, is loaded continues. with brain-busting, mystery-solving activities that For High School Students will challenge mind and body. Recommended for children ages 6 and up. 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 38

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

SUMMER IS THE TIME FOR DISCOVERY! 2018 Summer Archaeology Institute

Participate on a real archaeological dig on the grounds of the historic Wakefield Estate in Milton, MA! • Work closely with archaeologists to conduct survey work and learn how to set up an archaeological dig. • Gain excavation experience and the methods and techniques involved in conducting archaeology. • Also gain experience in identifying artifacts and the behind-the-scenes activities that occur after the fieldwork has been conducted. Program designed for high school-age youth. Cost per session $300. Session 1: July 9-20 Session 2: July 23-August 3 Program runs Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm.

For more information or to obtain an application, call 617-333-0924 or visit www.wakefieldtrust.org

Summer in French French cultural center Our program offers:

at the

With weekly sessions running from June 18 - August 31, give your kids carte blanche this summer to learn and have fun with French! Register by March 31 for 10% off. Register starting January 13, call 617.912.0415

• Half- and full-day options • Native French-speaking teachers • A full immersion experience without ever leaving Boston • Weekly themes and a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities • Engaging material for all levels, from beginners to bilingual children ages 3 to 12 For teens

www.frenchculturalcenter.org | info@frenchculturalcenter.org

We offer 2-week language and culture programs that run from July 9 - 20 and August 6 - 17!

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | 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 40

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 Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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

SUMMER PROGRAM

JULY 8 - AUGUST 10, GRADES 6-12 Riverview School located on beautiful Cape Cod offers an outstanding summer program that nurtures the strengths and embraces the differences of students with complex language, learning and cognitive disabilities. ACADEMIC LIFE – INDEPENDENT LIVING – RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES PERSONAL GROWTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

508-888-0489 | RiverviewSchool.org East Sandwich, Cape Cod, Massachusetts Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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.

A CAMP FOR KIDS WITH HIGH-FUNCTIONING AUTISM OR OTHER SOCIAL COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES. Camp Alsing is a unique place where children can explore, grow and soar. Everyone should experience the magical moments of camp in a fun and accepting environment.

Visit campalsing.com to learn more or call us at 207-805-4155!

The #1 Summer STEM Camp for Ages 7–18 Empower your child to take their STEM skills to the next level. From coding and game development to robotics and design, your child will develop in-demand skills and ignite lifelong passions—all within a fun, inclusive environment. Get ready for the best summer ever!

CAMPS & ACADEMIES

Held at 150 Prestigious Universities MIT | Harvard | Lasell | Bentley Olin College of Engineering Simmons | Eastern Nazarene

Get a brochure and ﬁnd a camp near you! iDTechCamps.com | 1-844-788-1858 Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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

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

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

Brimmer and Brimmer and May May Summer Programs A Wide Variety of Child-Focused Programs for Ages 3-14

Day Camp & Specialty Camps Nature Programs • Soccer • STEAM Got Science? • Eco Adventures Swimming Lessons

OPEN HOUSE March 3, 2018 10-noon

www.brimmerandmaycamp.org 617-278-2350 • Chestnut Hill, MA • camp@brimmer.org

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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

ACERA SUMMER STEAM CAMP (WINCHESTER) 781-729-3489 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-17 The Acera Summer STEAM Camp is a creativity-based arts and sciences day camp where children ages 5-17 can nurture their natural desire to inquire, create, and innovate. https://aceraschool.org/ summer-camp

ALLANDALE FARM OUTDOOR SUMMER PROGRAM (CHESTNUT HILL) 617-524-1531 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-10 Allandale Farm Outdoor Summer Program gives children ages 4-10 a comprehensive exposure to outdoor fun and learning on a working farm in the city. Kids enjoy gardening, composting, bird and plant identification, walking, and farm animals. https://www.allandalefarm.com/ summer-camp/

ALPHA BENCH CODING AND ROBOTICS STEM PROGRAM (WALTHAM)

BELLINGHAM ICAN BIKE CAMP (BELLINGHAM)

978-590-5803 Age or Grade Range: Ages 10-15

Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-18+

STEM focused program in Coding and Robotics based on Python Programming language and Raspberry Pi controlled Robots. http://alphabench.com

Bellingham iCan Bike Camp is a life changing opportunity for children and young adults with disabilities to learn to ride a two-wheeled bicycle. https://icanshine.org/ ican-bike-bellingham-ma/

ALPHA’S NINJA CAMP (CHELMSFORD, MA)

BELMONT DAY SUMMER CAMP (BELMONT)

978-251-1331 Age or Grade Range: Age: 5 - 17

617-484-3078 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15

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..com

Experienced and creative counselors establish a supportive environment for exciting summer adventures with many opportunities for exploration and play. Daily swim lessons. Specialty and sports camps available. https://www.belmontday.org/ summer-discoveries

FARMPROGRAMS SUMMER

Farmwork, F armwork, Friends, Friends, Food, Food, and and Fun! Fun! gust 24 | June 18 - Au 4 -1 4 s e g A ns For Youth ternoon sessio af d an g in rn o Weekly m Learn more and register at

www.natickfarm.org 117 Eliot St. (Route 16) Natick MA Listing information provided by Camps

Flexible and fun summer day camp experiences since 1949 for boys and girls in grades Pre-K through grade 10

www.bbnsummer.com Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

BERKLEE SUMMER PROGRAMS (BOSTON)

BINA FARM CENTER (NATICK)

617-747-2245 Age or Grade Range: Ages 12-18+

617-353-CAMP Horsing Around at BINA Farm Center Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-15 is a fun summer program welcoming Camp Terrier offers campers a children of all abilities and skill variety of options for an exciting levels. Participants will take part summer for ages 5-15. in group horseback riding and http://www.bu.edu/fitrec/camp horsemanship classes daily, as well BRANDEIS PRECOLLEGE as other activities like arts & crafts. PROGRAMS (WALTHAM) http://www.binafarm.org Age or Grade Range: Ages 13+

Each year Berklee presents more than 25 weekend and week-long summer programs. From music production and dance to stage performance and songwriting, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hone your skills in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier learning lab for music and the performing arts. https://www.berklee.edu/ summer/programs?utm_ medium=referral&utm_ source=boston_parents_paper

(508) 651-2462 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-14

BOSTON UNIVERSITY-CAMP TERRIER (BOSTON)

Connect with motivated students from around the globe and learn with professionals in their fields for

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

For more information contact: Jeanette Keller summer@lesleyellis.org | 781.641.5987 46

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

a life changing summer of intensive study, experiential learning and vibrant Jewish community. http://www.brandeis.edu/precollege/

10th grade. Where 98% of our camp families would recommend us to a friend... 98%! http://www.bbns.org/about/ summer-bbn

BRIMMER & MAY SUMMER CAMP CAMP AKEELA (THETFORD (CHESTNUT HILL, MA) CENTER, VT) 617-566-7462 Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 10

Team Field Sports, Nature/ Environmental Studies, Drawing/ Painting, Arts and Crafts www. brimmerandmaycamp.org

BROAD MEADOW BROOK NATURE DAY CAMP (WORCESTER) 508-753-6087 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-16

Co-ed, overnight camp in Vermont where “quirky” kids thrive! We focus on the social growth of campers. http://www.campakeela.com

CAMP ALSING (UNITY, ME) 207-805-4155 Age or Grade Range: Ages 9-17 Camp Alsing is a premier, co-ed sleep away camp in Maine for kids ages 9-17 with high-functioning autism or other social challenges. http://www.campalsing.com

BUCK’S ROCK PERFORMING AND CREATIVE ARTS CAMP (NEW MILFORD, CT)

Camp Arcadia has been teaching 21st Century skills since the early 20th century. We offer 2, 4 and 7 week sessions for girls currently in 2nd grade through 11th grade. We also have 2 different Family Camp weeks in August. http://www.camparcadia.com

Buck’s Rock is a sleep away camp, where young artists ages 9-17 can make their own choices, follow their own passions, and create their own incredible summer experience. There are over 30 fully equipped and professionally staffed studios. http://www.bucksrockcamp.com

BUCKINGHAM BROWNE & NICHOLS SUMMER CAMP (CAMBRIDGE) 617-800-2200 Age or Grade Range: Ages4-16 Established in 1949 and continuing a proud tradition of providing enjoyable and memorable summer learning experiences for both boys and girls from 4 years old to rising

Listing information provided by Camps

CAMP CLARK - OLD COLONY YMCA (PLYMOUTH) 508-888-2290 ext. 204 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-15

866-680-4744 Age or Grade Range: Ages 9-17

We are a nature day camp located minutes from downtown Worcester. Campers spend their days hiking and exploring over 400 acres of wildlife sanctuary - learning about the world around them through hands-on exploration! http://www.massaudubon.org/ broadmeadow

860-354-5030 Age or Grade Range: Ages 9-17

kids have the time of their lives for two, four or six weeks while making lasting friendships and memories. campbirchhill.com

CAMP ARCADIA (CASCO, ME) 203-956-0939 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-17

CAMP BIRCH HILL (NEW DURHAM, NH) 603-859-4525 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 where

Old Colony YMCA Summer Day Camps teach self-reliance, foster a love for nature and the outdoors, and encourage the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership...all amidst a fun and creative learning environment. http://bit.ly/CampClarkBPP

CAMP CODY (FREEDOM, NH) 954-803-8655 We strive to maintain an environment that both encourages personal growth and creates an unforgettable summer experience. Regardless of what age a camper joins us, we work hard to make them feel like part of the Cody family. http://www.campcody.com

CAMP INVENTION (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) 800-968-4332 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-11 A nonprofit program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Camp Invention allows children in kindergarten through 6th grade to experience real-world problem solving, creative thinking, invention, and teamwork – all while having FUN! http://campinvention.org

CAMP KODIAK (MCKELLER, ONTARIO) 877-569-7595 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-18 Looking for an integrated, noncompetitive summer camp for children & teens with & without ADHD, LD & high-functioning ASD? We provide social skills and

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

academic programs along with 50+ activities, 2:1 camper-to-staff ratio, and professional staff. http://www.campkodiak.com

CAMP PINEHURST- A TRADITIONAL COED OVERNIGHT SUMMER CAMP IN MAINE (RAYMOND, ME) 603-880-6287 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-14 Facing the sunset on the sandy shore of Crescent Lake, Camp Pinehurst is a traditional summer camp for boys and girls that emphasizes skill development, outdoor adventure and teamwork. http://www.camppinehurst.com

CAMP QUAIL RIDGE (ACTON) 877-671-2267 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-11 Our camp offers the unique balance of a traditional day camp experience in the convenient and familiar setting of the country club. http://www.kecamps.com/camps/ quail-ridge-country-club

CAMP RAMAPO (RHINEBECK, NY) 845-876-8407 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-16 Residential summer camp for children with social, learning and emotional challenges. http://www.ramapoforchildren.org

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

CAMP STOUGHTON - OLD COLONY YMCA (STOUGHTON) 781-341-2016

CAMP WEKEELA (HARTFORD, ME) 201-612-5125 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-16 Camp Wekeela is a premiere summer camp on a bucolic setting in the beautiful state of Maine. http://www.campwekeela.com

CAMP WINGATE*KIRKLAND (YARMOUTH PORT) 508-362-3798 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-15 Located on Cape Cod, Camp Wingate*Kirkland is a traditional overnight and day camp offering a daily choice program which allows campers to choose their own schedule and design their perfect summer. Camp is completely peanut, tree-nut and sesame free. http://www.campwk.com

CAMP YOMECHAS - OLD COLONY YMCA (MIDDLEBORO) 508-947-1390 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-15 Old Colony YMCA Summer Day Camps teach self-reliance, foster a love for nature and the outdoors, and encourage the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership...all amidst a fun and creative learning environment. http://bit.ly/CampYomechasBPP

CAPE COD SEA CAMPS (BREWSTER) 508-896-3451 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-15

setting. Also, exceptional programs in all other camp activities including Archery, Riflery, Tennis, Arts, Land Sports, Drama, Woodworking, Swim http://www.capecodseacamps.com

CHARLES RIVER CREATIVE ARTS (DOVER) 508-785-8250 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. Two 4-week sessions are offered every summer. Students may enroll in one or both sessions. Creative Starts provides an opportunity for children ages 5 – 8 to begin exploring and developing their artistic talents in an encouraging, stimulating environment. Each two-week session runs 9am – 4pm, Monday through Friday and features a unique theme, tying together creative projects with diverse art forms. We offer an age-appropriate balance of choice and structure to encourage experimentation, independence, and creative confidence. http://www.crcap.org

CHESTNUT HILL CREATIVE ARTS & SPORTS CAMP (CHESTNUT HILL) Age or Grade Range: Age 3 - Grade 8 Summer at Chestnut Hill caters to campers by providing four age group divisions: Lower (ages 3-5), Intermediate (grades 1-3), Upper (grades 4-6), and Senior (grades 7-8), which implement traditional and innovative programming led by experienced adult http://www.tchs.org

CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP, THE (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

Age or Grade Range: Age 0 - 12 SUMMER AT THE BEACH. CCSC is a traditional camp boasting one of Your Summer Adventure starts here. the finest sailing programs in a camp Summer programs for ages 0-12. Flexible schedules and conveninent

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

hours. Engaging summer curriculum. Highly trained and nurturing teachers. Age appropriate activities and playgrounds. Fun and educational field trips. Parent communication smartphone app. We are in Bourne, North Attleboro, Norwood, Seeonk, South Dennis, Waltham, West Bridgewater and Westborough. http://www. childrensworkshop.com

COASTAL DISCOVERIES: MARINE EDUCATION PROGRAM (NEWBURY PORT) 978-462-2017 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-18+ Come aboard the 48’ Erica Lee II out of Newburyport, MA for a week of fishing, whale watching, hauling lobster traps, exploring islands and so much more! Enrollment is limited: sign up today! Ages 8+ Day Camp http://www.coastaldiscoveries.org

CREATIVE ARTS: THEATER, MUSIC & ART VACATION WEEKS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS (READING)

Listing information provided by Camps

781-942-9600 A multi-disciplinary community arts school, based in Reading, MA, that offers private lessons and group classes in Theater, Music and Visual Art all year long for all ages and abilities. http://www.weteachcreativearts.org

http://www.dedhamcommunity house.org

DEBATE CAMP (WEST ROXBURY)

DERBY SUMMER ARTS (HINGHAM)

888-512-8154 Age or Grade Range: Ages 10-16 Debate Camp provides summer training programs in public speaking, debate and Model UN for students in grades 5 to 11 http://www.debatecamp.com/boston

DEDHAM COMMUNITY HOUSE SUMMER CAMP (DEDHAM) 781-329-5740 Age or Grade Range: Ages <3-14 Since the 1920’s, the Dedham Community House Summer Camp has helped create lifelong childhood memories of summers filled with fun in the sun!

DELPHI ACADEMY (MILTON) 617-333-9610 Private day school and summer camp in a beautiful Milton setting. http://delphiboston.org/

781-740-4766 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-15 Summer Arts is a 5 week comprehensive program for ages 8 to 15. Dates are 6/25 to 7/27; hours are 9:00 to 4:00. Campers choose their own schedules from over 100 choices. There are also programs for ages 3 to 7. Campers may attend less weeks.

DIANE K. TRUST CENTER FOR EARLY EDUCATION OF TEMPLE OHABEI SHALOM (BROOKLINE) 617-264-2801

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-17 Join our amazing TCEE staff for a variety of innovative, educational, developmentally appropriate, exciting indoor and outdoor activities for children ages 18 months through 5 years.

DIGITAL MEDIA ACADEMY (CAMBRIDGE) (866) 656-3342 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-17 Digital Media Academy is a STEM summer camp experience designed for kids and teens to get their start as designers, developers, engineers, animators, musicians, and filmmakers. Learn from industry professionals and passionate educators as you complet https://www.digitalmediaacademy. org/massachusetts-tech-camps/ cambridge/

For more than 40 years, EXPLO has brought together bright, curious, and interesting young people from around the globe. EXPLO provides a range of one-, two-, and three-week summer programs for students ages 7 to 17 on the campuses of Yale University. https://www.explo.org

EAGLE HILL SCHOOL (HARDWICK) 413-477-6000 Age or Grade Range: Ages 10-16 Eagle Hill’s Summer Session blends the experience of a classic summer camp with our unique approach to educating diverse learners. The course offerings are designed to help students have a fun-filled summer while building confidence. https://www.eaglehill.school

EDGE ON SCIENCE (PLYMOUTH, EXPLO (NORTON, WELLESLEY, NEW WESTIN) HAVEN, CT) (315) 773-5673 781-762-7400

Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-14

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

Edge on Science offers week-long, project based, day programs in applied science and engineering. A back-to-basics approach is taken where children get to work independently and in teams to problem solve, all while having fun and making new friends! https://edgeonscience.com

EMAGINATION TECH CAMPS (NEWTON CENTER) 781-933-8795 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-17 It’s Technically Fun! For over 30 years kids & teens who are inspired by technology come from near and far to experience two weeks of high quality technology education balanced with fun summer camp activities. Located at BC’s Newton Campus. http://www.computercamps.com

EMPOW STUDIOS TECH & DESIGN AND MINECRAFT CAMPS

(MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) 617-395-7527 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-13 Empow Studios brings technology, arts, and play together to help young learners discover and build on their creative talents. http://www.empow.me

ENERGY FITNESS AND GYMNASTICS (NEWTON) 617-795-7177 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-14 Gymnastics, outdoor play, and creative arts & crafts will make for an action-packed and memorable camp experience for children ages 3 to 14 this summer. http://www.energyfitnessgym.com

EPIIC SOLUTIONS - TEEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP CAMPS (BOSTON) 617-410-8602 Age or Grade Range: Ages 13-17 The coolest way for middle/ high school teens to explore entrepreneurship, innovation and design in Boston! 1-week summer programs for teens to develop their own startup ideas and meet Boston’s most influential and creative business leaders. http://www.epiicsolutions.org

EVERWOOD DAY CAMP (SHARON) 781-694-5829 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-15 An authentic New England Summer Day Camp experience, where summer lasts a lifetime. http://www.EverwoodDayCamp.com

EXXCEL GYMNASTICS & CLIMBING (NEWTON) 617-244-3300 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3+ Gymnastics, climbing, water slides, field trips, swimming, trapeze, bungee, zip line, skits, arts & crafts, games…what more could a kid want? http://www.exxcel.net/

Listing information provided by Camps

FALMOUTH ACADEMY SUMMER 2018 (FALMOUTH)

grades K-12. http://www.grotonwood.org

508-457-9696 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-18+ FA SUMMER has activities for every age and interest (child, teen & adult) half and full day from June 25-Aug 17. Activities include: animation, dark room photography, fencing, ecology, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, French, music, and many more. http://www.falmouthacademy.org/ Summer-Programs

HALE DAY CAMP (WESTWOOD)

FESSENDEN SUMMER CAMPS (WEST NEWTON) 617-630-2373 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15

781-326-1770 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

Whether in the Day Camp, the Summer ELL 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 and creativity. HIDDEN VALLEY CAMP http://www.fessendensummercamps. (FREEDOM, ME) org 800-922-6737 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-14 GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN

MASSACHUSETTS CAMPS (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

617-350-8335 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-17 Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts offers resident and day camps in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Every girl is invited! From our youngest campers in pre-Kindergarten programs, to our 12th graders becoming CIT’s, and every girl in between. http://www.hercamp.org

For over 65 years, Hidden Valley Camp (HVC) has been a leader in progressive international sleepaway camping, featuring the finest in visual and performing arts and exciting outdoor adventures. https://www.hiddenvalleycamp.com/

HILL HOUSE (BOSTON) 617-227-5838 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-12

Hill House summer staff kicks off the organization’s 19th summer of camp for children ages 3 to 12. GROTONWOOD CAMP & Weekly themes, a balance between CONFERENCE CENTER (GROTON) structure and play, field trips, and (978) 448 5763 age-appropriate activities promise a Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-18+ well-rounded experience. 40 minutes from Boston, Grotonwood http://www.hillhouseboston.org has been providing life changing HUNTERS HAVEN FARM experiences for over 60 years. HORSEBACK RIDING CAMP Situated in 250 acres of woodlands (GROVELAND) with a 1.5 mile waterfront & boat 978-373-1300 dock. We are an inclusive Christian Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-18+ sleep-away & Day camp for kids in Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Full Day Weekly Horseback Riding Camp at beautiful Hunters Haven Farm in Groveland MA. http://www.huntershavenfarm.com

Newbury College in Brookline. Full & Half-Day (weekly program) July 2-Aug 17 https://www.kids4coding.com

INCARNATION CAMP (IVORYTON, CT)

KIDSTOCK! CREATIVE THEATER (WINCHESTER)

860-767-0848 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-15

781-729-5543 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-15

Incarnation Camp is the oldest Coed Summer Camp in America! Located on a 700 acre wooded property with a mile-long lake, providing 130 summers of fun to campers from all over the world! Our age range is for campers 7 to 15 years old. https://www.incarnationcamp.org/

Kidstock! Creative Theater offers a performance arts summer camp opportunity for children ages 4-15. http://www.kidstocktheater.com

KIDS 4 CODING | SUMMER TECH PROGRAM-AGES 7-16 (BROOKLINE)

Kroka is a wilderness expedition school based on a year-round organic farm in Marlow, NH. Our summer adventure expeditions include sailing, rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater paddling, wilderness skills, and rites of passage for ages 9-19. http://www.kroka.org

770-642-0004 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-16 KIDS 4 CODING | AFFORDABLE Tech Program for kids and teens. Hosted by Lesley University in Cambridge &

KROKA EXPEDITIONS (KEENE, NH) 603-835-9087 Age or Grade Range: Ages 9-19

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

LETGO YOUR MIND STEM PROGRAMS (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) 603-731-8047 Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 14 LETGO Your Mind programs offer a safe, educationally enriching STEM Program experience that is fun and challenging using LEGO bricks, motors, elements in the areas of simple machines, robotics, stop motion animation and programming Minecraft. The programs focus on the vital STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and challenge the kids to think while having fun. Our programs are for students between the ages of 4 and 14. http://www.letgoyourmind.com

LINX CAMPS (WELLESLEY) 781-235-3210 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-17 LINX Camps offers award-winning

full and half day camps for kids 3 years - 10th grade. We provide a traditional day camp experience that builds community and character while allowing kids to explore their interests.

MAC SUMMER CAMPS (MANCHESTER) 978.526.8900 x 257 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-16 MAC Camps offer a diversity of activities for youth ages 3-16. Our programs range from engaging day camps to full week adventure camps – we even offer Tennis and Sailing camps! All of our camps encourage learning, growth, and FUN - spend your at MAC! http://www.macathletics.com/ summer-camp/

MAINE ARTS CAMP (WATERVILLE, ME) 561-865-4330 Age or Grade Range: Ages 9-16

A small, creative camp community. Located on the campus of Colby College. 2 or 4 weeks during July. Ages 9-16. Extensive offerings in the visual arts, performing arts, culinary arts, photography, film making and more. http://www.maineartscamp.com

MASS AUDUBON SUMMER CAMPS (MULTIPLE CITIES) 781-259-9500 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15 Have fun, make friends, and experience nature this summer! Mass Audubon campers enjoy outdoor exploration, habitat hikes, wildlife observation, hands-on activities, interactive games, imaginative free play, creative crafts, and more. Small group sizes ensure camper safety and engagement with positive role models who are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge of the outdoors. Sign

up for hands-on, outdoor fun this summer. With 19 day camps and one overnight camp, there’s something for everyone. https://www.massaudubon.org/

MEADOWBROOK SUMMER PROGRAMS (WESTON) 781-647-0546 Age or Grade Range: Grades K-8 Meadowbrook Summer Programs all share the philosophy of The Meadowbrook School of Weston: nurturing a child’s personality, encouraging his or her special interests, and embracing the whole child. Meadowbrook campers agree – summer is FUN! . http://daycamp.meadowbrook-ma. org/

MOSESIAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS SUMMER STAGES & STUDIOS (WATERTOWN) 617-923-0100 x8309 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5+ Mosesian Arts Ed and Watertown

Listing information provided by Camps

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Children’s Theatre Summer Stages & Studios provide a variety of affordable, educational programs for students of all ages and abilities in visual and performing arts. http://www.mosesianarts.org/ education

Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-12

NECIR PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER JOURNALISM INSTITUTE (BOSTON)

NICOLE’S ART SPOT -- ART AND CRAFTS CLASSES & SUMMER PROGRAM (NEEDHAM)

617-531-1685 Age or Grade Range: Ages 15-18

(781) 343-1250 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-15

Pre-college summer journalism program for high school students (ages 15-18, graduating seniors included) with little to advance experience. http://www.necir.org/summer

Nicole’s Art Spot Summer Program offers children a hands-on opportunity to delve into week-long intensive arts and crafts classes that interests them the most. In each class children can explore and expand their love of art and craft media. http://www.nicolesartspot.com

NATICK COMMUNITY ORGANIC FARM SUMMER PROGRAMS (NATICK)

The Natick Farm offers 4 day, half day sessions for kids 3-12 to work with animals, grow in the garden, and learn about food and where it comes from. http://www.natickfarm.org

508.655.2204

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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

NOBLES DAY CAMP (DEDHAM) 781-320-1320 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-14 Nobles Day Camp was founded in 1948 by Grandin Wise and George K. Bird III with a staff of five and 48 boys and girls. We have been providing a high quality camp program ever since (63 summers). Although we have grown to a staff of over 275 and 500.

https://www.noblesdaycamp.org/

NORTH COUNTRY CAMPSLINCOLN AND WHIPPOORWILL (KEESVILLE, NY) 518-796-5874 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-15 The North Country camps - Lincoln for boys, Whippoorwill for girls, offer children real adventure in a safe, outdoor environment. http://www.northcountrycamps. com/

NORTH EAST RHYTHMICS SCHOOL OF GYMNASTICS (MIDDLETON) 978-548-7559 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-18 Rhythmic gymnastics and contemporary dance performing and competitive program.Stretching flexibility and conditioning clinics,adult fitness. http://www.northeastrhythmics.com

ONE WEEK THEATRE ARTS CAMPS (WELLESLEY) 781-235-1550 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-18 Wellesley Theatre Project offers a variety of Summer Camps for all ages (4-18)! Please visit our website for information on each camp (From Page to Stage, Fun with Frozen, Heroes and Villains, Improvarama, Discover Disney, & A Roald Dahl Exploration) http://wellesleytheatreproject.org

PASSPORT DAY CAMP (CAMBRIDGE) 617-206-4662 ext 2 Day Camp featuring Sports & Games, Arts & Crafts, Science & Nature, Music & Movement, Swimming and Field Trips. Speciality Clubs for Preschool and Elementary age campers. Outdoor Adventures for our older campers. http://www. cambridgemontessori.org

PCC ASP - RESIDENTIAL SUMMER PROGRAM AT STONEHILL COLLEGE (EASTON) 508-565-5202 Listing information provided by Camps

A 6 week residential Advanced Studies Program at Stonehill College. Stay Monday through Fridays, live on campus, take 2 classes based on interest, academics, sports or the arts! Meet friends from all over and have the “Summer of a Lifetime at PCC”! http://pccasp.org

POMPOSITTICUT FARM DAY CAMP (HUDSON) 978-562-0968 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-15 A summer Day Camp offering adventurous, out of the norm activities that entice, excite, and encourage campers to enjoy outdoor interactions peers ages 4-15! http://www.pompositticutfarm.com

PUDDLESTOMPERS NATURE EXPLORATION (NEWTON) 617-527-2000 Science Camp, Enrichment Classes & Programs, Day Camp https://www.puddlestompers.com/ summer-locations

REVELS SUMMER VAUDEVILLE WORKSHOP (WATERTOWN, MA) 617-972-8300 Age or Grade Range: Age: 8 - 13 A Revels Summer Theater Workshop is a complete theater experience. In the mornings young people will participate in theater games, acting, singing and traditional dance. In the afternoons we will be participating in “Production Time;” making the printed program; designing and building sets, costumes, props; and creating a slide show. Along with creating the show, we will have electives, where young people can choose areas to learn more about theater including; play and song writing, creating a mummers’ play, audition techniques, writing and performing a monologue, clowning, and the art of improv The Revels show we are performing is A Journey...a story about coming to America. Everyone will have a part and auditions for the parts are held on the first day of the workshop.

There will be a performance at the end of the workshop. www.revels. org/summer

RIVER’S EDGE ARTS ALLIANCE / SUMMER DRAMA WORKSHOP (HUDSON, MA) 978-562-1646 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. 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

ROARING BROOK CAMP FOR BOYS (BRADFORD, VT) 800-832-4295 Age or Grade Range: 9-14 For over 50 years, Roaring Brook Camp has specialized in providing instruction in outdoor sports and outdoor skills and, Vermont crafts. http://roaringbrookcamp.com/

SCHOOL’S OUT SUMMER PROGRAM (ANDOVER) 978-857-2687 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15 The School’s Out Summer Program (S.O.S) is a day camp held at the Greater Lawrence Technical School in Andover, MA. S.O.S. is designed for children ages 3 to 15 and runs for 6 theme-based weeks beginning July 2, 2018 and ending August 10, 2018. http://www.getyouthmoving.net

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

STEVE AND KATE’S CAMP (BOSTON, CAMBRIDGE) 617-315-4387 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-16 At Steve & Kate’s, our camp philosophy is pretty simple: We believe that you need to trust kids with the freedom to make their own choices driven by their natural curiosity, to experiment with their own decision-making and develop the confidence to try, fail, and learn on their own. Designed for kids entering Pre-K through 7th graders, we offer a massive choice of activities that cater to pretty much anything. http://steveandkatescamp.com/ locations/boston

Lawrence Academy in Groton, MA, Summer at LA provides the most innovative, creative, challenging and enjoyable summer camp experience for children ages 3-15. http://www.summeratla.com

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

SUMMER AT MFA (BOSTON)

SUMMER IN FRENCH AT THE FRENCH CULTURAL CENTER/ ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE OF BOSTON (BOSTON, MA)

617-369-3295 Age or Grade Range: Ages 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. http://www.mfa.org/programs/ studio-art-classes/catalogue/kids/ summer

SUMMER AT LA (GROTON)

SUMMER AT TOBIN (NATICK)

978-448-1610 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15

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

Located on the beautiful campus of

Our summer program is designed

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

617-912-0400 Age or Grade Range: Age: 3 - 17 Language Studies www. frenchculturalcenter.org

TABOR ACADEMY (MARION) 508-291-8342 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-17 Established in 1917, the Tabor Academy Summer Program gives young people ages 6-17 the opportunity to develop their full potential as individuals, athletes,

and students. http://taborsummer.org/

THE BARTON CENTER FOR DIABETES EDUCATION, INC. (MULTIPLE CITIES) 508-987-2056 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-18 The Barton Center is dedicated to children who live with type 1 diabetes and the people who care for them. Barton programs offer fun, recreation, diabetes education, and support. Please visit our website for a complete list of programs. http://www.bartoncenter.org

THE EXPERIMENTORY AT DEERFIELD ACADEMY (DEERFIELD) 413-774-1436 Age or Grade Range: Ages 11-14 The Experimentory is a projectbased, creative learning middle school summer program. We learn

to collaborate and communicate, foster creativity, and explore new ways of looking at the world. It’s also a chance to experience boarding school life. http://www.deerfield.edu/ experimentory

is staffed by certified coaches, a licensed registered nurse, and coaching assistants from The Skating Club of Boston. Campers take to the ice, make friends, learn new skills and techniques, and have tons of fun!

THE PUTNEY SCHOOL SUMMER ARTS (PUTNEY, VT)

THE ULTIMATE DAY CAMP AT DEDHAM HEALTH & ATHLETIC (DEDHAM)

802-387-6297 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-17

781-326-2900

The Putney School Summer Arts offer students age 14-17 the opportunity for in-depth exploration in the visual arts, performing arts, and creative writing, as well as sustainability through our farm program. http://summer.putneyschool.org/

At the Ultimate Day Camp we aim to make each day the “BEST DAY EVER”. We pack all that DHAC has to offer into every week! Campers love the water park. http://www.dedhamhealthsummer. com/camp/

THE SKATING CLUB OF BOSTON SKATING ACADEMY (WELLESLEY)

TSONGAS INDUSTRIAL HISTORY CENTER SUMMER CAMPS (LOWELL)

617-787-5283 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-17 Summer Camp at Babson College

978-970-5000 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-14

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

The Tsongas Industrial History Center’s summer day camps are your answer to summer fun. Dreamers, doers, movers, and makers - we let them “mill around” with us and explore history http://www.uml.edu/tsongas

TUFTS UNIVERSITY DESIGN AND ENGINEERING WORKSHOPS (MEDFORD, MA) Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 18 Join us as we explore robotics and engineering in fun week-long summer workshops! Kids will learn about the Engineering Design Process through hands-on activities. Grades: K - 12. Cost: $160 - $550. Learn more and register at tiny.cc/ ceeowksps

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE PROJECT SMART SUMMER

INSTITUTE (DURHAM, NH) 603-862-3840 Age or Grade Range: Ages 15+ UNH Project SMART Summer Institute (www.smart.unh.edu) is a 4-week summer program for talented high school sophomores and juniors interested in sciences Biotechnology, nanotechnology, space science, marine and environmental science. http://www.smart.unh.edu

URJ CRANE LAKE CAMP (MULTIPLE CITIES) 201-722-0400 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-15 Located in West Stockbridge, MA, URJ Crane Lake Camp serves the Reform Jewish Community of the Northeast with over 100 acres on an active waterfront in a traditional New England style intimate setting. http://www.urjnortheastcamps.org

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

VALLEY HILL SUMMER CAMP (SOUTH KENT, CT) 508-572-5152 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-15 Valley Hill Summer Camp is a co-ed sleepaway camp that provides the very best of both worlds – elite instruction in the specialized morning academies and traditional camp fun for the rest of the day. http://valleyhillsummercamp.com

W. ALTON JONES CAMP (WEST GREENWICH, RI) 401-874-8127 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-16 W. Alton Jones offers a big backyard for learning, exploration, adventure and fun. Explore our lake, a historical farm, 10 miles of hiking trails, wildflower meadows, streams and ponds. Here you get outdoors, learn new skills and make new friends! https://web.uri.edu/

alton-jones-camp/camp/

WALNUT HILL SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS SUMMER PROGRAMS (NATICK)

https://www.watermonkeycamp. com/

camps in that we incorporate sports-specialty camps within the traditional framework of a rural New England camp setting. http://www.windridgecamps.com

WEST END HOUSE CAMP (PARSONSFIELD, ME)

508-650-5020 Age or Grade Range: Ages 10-17

617-783-2267 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-15

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

West End House Camp is a positive experience that lasts a lifetime! Overnight camp for boys ages 7-15. Selected by the Boston Globe as a “Best Value in New England!” Chosen by Boston Parents Paper as ”One of Top Five Overnight Camps in New England” http://www.westendhousecamp.org

WATER MONKEY SUMMER CAMP (NEW DURHAM, NH) 617-855-9253 Age or Grade Range: Ages 10-17 Water Monkey Camp is the ultimate watersports summer camp! Super small enrollment of 20 campers per week allows each camper unrivaled access to our top notch coaches to improve wakeboarding, waterskiing and wakesurfing skills!

WINDRIDGE TENNIS AND SPORTS CAMPS (ROXBURY, VT) 802-860-2005 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-15

YOUNG COMPANY SUMMER FESTIVAL 2018 (STONEHAM) 781-279-7885 x104 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-18 The Young Company at Greater Boston Stage company offers Summer performance programs for students entering grades 1-12 and 2018 high school graduates. We wonderfully challenge our young actors as they train in acting, dance/ movement, and music. http://www.greaterbostonstage.org/ summer-festival.html

Located in Vermont’s Green Mountains, Windridge Tennis and Sports Camps stand unique among

Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | 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. 60

Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018

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 Northeast Camp Guide 2018 | BostonParentsPaper.com

Saving People Money Since 1936 ... thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s before there were shopping carts. GEICO has been serving up great car insurance and fantastic customer service for more than 75 years. Get a quote and see how much you could save today. JHLFR FRP _ $872 _ ORFDO RIÄ&#x2020; FH

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire 62 Boston Parents Paper Northeast Camp Guide | 2018Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. ÂŠ 2015 GEICO