Boston Parent April 2020 by Parenting Media

APRIL 2020

Pitch Perfect Family-Friendly Campgrounds 6 THINGS

I Learned At

Universal Orlando Resort

2020 DIGITAL EDITION OF THE NORTHEAST CAMP GUIDE IS NOW AVAILABLE HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS HOW TO PREVENT MOST COMMON CHILDHOOD INJURIES

SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS

Your Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Summer Ever Starts Here

(pg. 18)

Experience dance in a creative environment under the direction of expert faculty at three convenient locations Ages 3–18 • July & August • Beginners welcome

Boston Parents Paper | February 2020

Contents

April 2020

Playground at Normandy Farms

6 Things I Learned

At Universal Orlando Resort

Volume 35 • Number 7

Pitch Perfect

Family-Friendly Campgrounds PLUS...

4 A Note From the Publisher 6 Family F.Y.I.

Summer Camp Listings Boston Parent 841 Worcester Street Suite 344 Natick, MA 01760 • 617-522-1515 info@BostonParentsPaper.com Visit us online at BostonParentsPaper.com

• VOTE for Family Favorites 2020

• Northeast Camp Guide Online

• Google Arts & Culture

9 How to Prevent the Most Common Childhood Injuries

PUBLISHER Parenting Media, Inc

10 How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus Boston Parents Paper is published monthly by Parenting Media Inc. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Jean Abernathy

Copies of Boston Parents Paper are distributed to locations throughout Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. Past issues are available on our website, www.BostonParentsPaper.com

ADVERTISING SALES Holly Castro, David Morney

Send letters to the editor or article submissions to editor@bostonparent.com. Submit events to our Family Friendly Calendar at bostonparentspaper.com/event/

ART DIRECTOR | Debbi Murzyn

April 2020 | Boston Parents Paper

A Note from our Publisher

irst off, we hope that you and your family are healthy and safe during these challenging times! Now, let’s take a breath! The focus on our day-to-day lives has been uprooted, but the message remains, we are a community, and we will get through these trying times. Here at Boston Parent, we are working hard to provide you with content and tips that will help get you through this coronavirus quarantine. With the ever-changing climate of our world today, we have elected to make some important changes in the content we provide in our monthly magazine. We will suspend the calendar section and any coverage on upcoming events until the situation has returned to when we can be out and enjoy each other’s company again. Hopefully, that will be sooner than later. Please look for our weekly enewsletters for tips on how to sanely balance parenting, working and existing from home during life in time of quarantine. We are working with our partners to provide at home educational tips, STEAM activities from materials you already have at home, accessible online learning resources, and tips to manage all of this togetherness. If you are not already receiving the enewsletter, please go to www. BostonParentsPaper.com to register. We are adding daily content to these resources. This series of events has happened. We can’t change that. We can’t change the inconvenience, the financial hits, nor the missed celebrations of life of dear friends

and far away family members. But, we can look for the unique opportunities this situation is giving us. This one on one time with our family, minus the distractions of rushing here and there that our normal daily lives require. This situation is providing the ultimate time to be present with each other in a way that I have never before experienced. I’m enjoying reading books I loved from my childhood to my tween and teenager. I’m enjoying the opportunity to discuss these books with them, something during normal times, I don’t know if they would tolerate. Kids are journaling about their experience. My husband and I take time each day to discuss what’s going on in the world, what everything means in a short and long term perspective and talk with our children about their concerns, answer their questions and tell them when we don’t know the answer. Plus, I’m seeing a new side to my children. For the first time ever, they are taking responsibility for their learning. We worked together to set a daily schedule, and they are sticking to it. They are faithfully logging onto to their respective school’s website and platforms of communication, asking questions of their teachers, and doing their work with little nagging from me. This is very different from when they came home from school and had homework to do prior to this new reality. They are amazing me everyday! I encourage you to look for these little golden opportunities with your time with family. We will do our best to help you navigate life in the time of coronavirus. Stay healthy and safe! Tracy McKean

Lagoon at Boston Public Garden 4

Boston Parents Paper | April 2020

DOMESTIC PLACEMENTS Live In or Out

Nannies • Housekeepers House Managers • Estate Managers Couples • Mother’s Helpers Special Needs • Chefs/Cooks

Get Ahead in School!

If you or your child struggles with: ADHD • Autism • Executive Function Learning Issues • Anxiety • Depression Behavioral Problems • School Refusal

We Can Help! Safe, effective, and drug free. Starting with a QEEG Brain Map, we create an individualized wellness plan that corrects brain imbalances and promotes sustained We host free improvement. educational workshops: visit us online for details!

ow Call N ree for a Fsult Con

Jolene Ross, Ph.D., Director

Licensed Psychologist | Over 30 Years of Experience

781.444.9115 • Needham

www.AdvancedNeurotherapy.com

Eldercare • Drivers TM

Personal Assistants

2019 TOP 5

1-888-453-2277 www.casscompany.com placement@casscompany.com

Personal & Professional Service

Art by Dominic Killiany, an artist living with autism

A Commitment that Lasts a Lifetime

Whether your loved one with special needs is an adult or a child, we can help with: Special Needs Planning • Guardianship & Alternatives Advocacy • Transition Planning & Adult Services

Meredith H. Greene, Esq.

508.532.3515 | mgreene@fletchertilton.com

WORCESTER | FRAMINGHAM | BOSTON | CAPE COD

508.459.8000 | FletcherTilton.com

2019 2018 TOP TOP 55

April 2020 | Boston Parents Paper

Family F.Y.I. The Nominations are In!

pril is the time to vote for the top nominations for this year’s Family Favorite Awards. Each year, we poll our readers for their top picks of places to shop, dine and play and we need your input! Head online to BostonParentsPaper.com to vote for your favorites today. We’ll publish the winners in our annual Best of the Best publication this July.

ENTER TO WIN A FAMILY 4 PACK Trolls LIVE! AT WANG THEATRE G

et ready for another hair-raising adventure when Poppy, Branch and their friends come to life on-stage in Trolls LIVE!, their first ever live tour! The journey begins when the Trolls’ Hug Time is unexpectedly put at risk. Knowing that the only way to save it is by doing what the Trolls do best, Poppy hosts a toe-tapping, Trolls-tastic show, jam-packed with all the epic music, glitter, humor Trolls LIVE! will take the Boch Center Wang and happiness only the Trolls can create. This Theatre stage on May 9 & 10 for 5 Performances. is one Trolls party you Get your tickets at bochcenter.org won’t want to miss!

Two lucky winners will win a family 4 pack. Enter to win here: https:// bostonparentspaper. com/contest-entry.html by April 20th.

NORTHEAST CAMP GUIDE

s Special Need • Camps for nt Programs ps • Enrichme • Sports Cam Day Camps

Your Child’s Best Summer EVER Starts Here

CounselorIn-Training Programs

75+

Camp Listings

sons 5 Life Lesat Learned Camp er.com

Northeast Camp

Guide 2019

| BostonParentsPap

Boston Parents Paper | April 2020

So many summer camp options, so little time! The 2020 digital edition of the Northeast Camp Guide is now available. Read it on BostonParentsPaper.com – just click on the Magazine tab then on the image of the Northeast Camp Guide.

BE COUNTED in the 2020 Census

HE 2020 CENSUS, HAPPEING NOW, will help decide how billions of dollars will reach our families. Your answers will help determine funding for dozens of programs that provide essential resources to Bay Staters. Census data determines funding allocations for schools, child care programs, road maintenance projects and social assistance programs. During the month of April it is time to fill out your household census questionnaire. Children should be included on your 2020 Census form—and not just children related to you, but any kids that live at your address. Babies count, too! Even if they’re still in the hospital, as long as they were born on or before April 1, 2020. Make sure the person completing the Census for your address includes them on the form. All Census forms are due April 30, 2020. For more information about the 2020 Census, visit Census.gov

Creating meaningful change for students with autism and neurobehavioral disorders. Nationally recognized year-round day and residential schools in Massachusetts. MAY CENTER SCHOOLS FOR AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES NEW—Early Learning Program for children with autism ages 3–12! MAY CENTER SCHOOL FOR BRAIN INJURY AND NEUROBEHAVIORAL DISORDERS TM

800.778.7601 | mayinstitute.org

2019 TOP 5

April 2020 | Boston Parents Paper

Family F.Y.I. Google Arts & Culture Allows You to Take Your Kids on a Virtual Tour from Your Couch!

ow that we are homebound we can use the time to get a little culture into our kids. Thanks to Google Arts & Culture, discover the inspirational moments, iconic people, and artistic wonders that are available at the tip of your fingers. Google Arts & Culture allows Vatican Museum spiral staircase. you to immerse yourself in culture with 360 views, zoom in to reveal the secrets of a masterpiece, take behind the scenes tours of palaces and museums, watch kids explain famous paintings to art experts, and so much more. You can even take a selfie and see if you resemble anyone in the thousands of artworks in their library. Visit artsandculture.google.com

Hand Washing and Wedding Rings

Boston Parents Paper | April 2020

Yippee, the weather is nice outside! Yikes, we need to think about ticks! • Wear light-colored clothing covering exposed areas. • Tuck pants into socks or boots and be sure wrist cuffs are snug. • Put clothes in the dryer for one hour on high after being out in the woods.

YES,

we know, wash away those hands and fingers for 20 seconds multiple times a day. But, after so much hand washing, my ring finger became irritated around my wedding rings. Is it the irritation from moisture and soap trapped under the rings? Should I take them off? Can my rings carry the coronavirus? What about my watch? In an email to USA TODAY, Rochelle Walensky, chief of the division of infectious diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital wrote, “In a situation where we are in extraordinary measures to limit COVID-19 transmission, I think removal of rings/ jewelry when washing hands – or perhaps limiting their wear altogether right now – represents a wise move forward” Now, I need to figure out how to pry off my rings after wearing them for

AVOID TICK TROUBLES

over 20 years. Handcare.org suggests these 3 steps to remove a ring from a swollen finger. • Squirt some Windex – yes, Windex - on the finger and ring. Or, use any lubricant such as soap or oil. • Elevate the hand overhead for 5-10 minutes with ice around the ring and finger. • Use dental floss or a thread to compress the swollen finger. If all else fails, cut the ring off with a ring cutter found in jewelry stores (might be hard to find one open right now), fire departments and emergency rooms.

• Shower after coming inside and check under arms, in and around ears, inside the belly button, the back of knees, and around the waist and hairline. • For kids, use repellents with 10-14 percent DEET. Apply to clothing not skin.

Family F.Y.I. Most Common Injuries Seen in the ER and How to Prevent Them By Deirdre Farrelly Practice Administrator, Boston Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital

hildren are curious and sometimes that curiosity can lead to injury. There are many different reasons to visit the emergency room with your child but injury is at the top of the list. Given that avoiding the emergency room at all costs is currently top of mind, below are some of the most common injuries seen in the emergency room and tips on how to prevent them.

Falls

About 8,000 children visit the emergency room (ER) every day due to injuries related to falls. In the home, installing gates at the top and bottom steps will prevent falls down the stairs. A child can fall from a window that is open as little as 4 inches and a screen is not strong enough to keep them in. Keep furniture away from windows and install window guards or locks to prevent falls. When using a highchair, swing or carrier always ensure your child is strapped in and always place a baby carrier on the floor, not on top of the table or furniture. Furniture and TVs should be securely fastened to the wall to prevent them from falling onto your child. If you are taking your child to the playground, look for one with a soft, shock absorbing surface such as wood chips, pea gravel, mulch, rubber or synthetic turf.

Poisoning

Every day, 2 children die from poisoning and another 300 go to the ER. The most common sources of poisoning are medication, household cleaners and chemicals. To children, medications, dishwasher and laundry pods look like candy. Storing these items up and away or locked in a cabinet is an easy way to reduce the likelihood of an accidental ingestion in your home.

Motor Vehicle Crashes

Motor Vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children. Properly securing your child in the correct child passenger safety seat or safety restraint based on their age/weight/height can greatly reduce the risk of injury if you are involved in motor vehicle crash. Local childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospitals or police stations can recommend someone to install or check your car seat. Remain distraction free and hands free. A good rule of thumb is: phone down, eyes up!

Burns

Every day, 300 children are treated in the ER for a burn-related injury. Use back burners on the stove whenever possible and always make sure pot handles are turned away from the edge. Do not let your children play in the kitchen or near the stove, especially when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re cooking. Check bathwater before on your wrist, it should feel warm to the touch, not hot.

Drowning

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1-4 years old. Never leave your child unattended around water. Empty buckets and kiddie pools when not in use; keep toilet seats down at all times; and always close the door to the bathroom and laundry room when not in use.

April 2020 | Boston Parents Paper

EXPERT ADVICE ON

How to Talk to Your Kids About the Coronavirus By Cheryl Maguire

Will I get sick?

I’m scared.

How long will school be closed? I’m upset that I can’t go to ballet class.

hese are some of the questions and comments I’ve heard from my three kids over the past week. Given the recent school closures, lack of toilet paper and bombarding messages about handwashing, it is understandable why kids may feel confused or scared. Most parents are fielding similar concerns and are wondering how to respond.

Recognize Your Feelings Before you discuss the Coronavirus with your kids, acknowledge your own feelings about the situation. “It is important to recognize your own anxiety before talking to your child. If I am feeling anxious, I choose not to

Boston Parents Paper | April 2020

talk to my child. Instead, I allow myself to calm down and then approach the topic,” says Dr. Soma Mandal, internist and partner at Summit Medical Group in Berkeley Heights, NJ.

Remain Calm Even though you may feel anxious you should try to refrain from showing these feelings to your child. Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a Northwestern University professor, clinical psychologist and author of Loving Bravely says, “In the therapy world, we stress the importance of ‘regulating the regulator.’ In order to be able to provide regulation, parents need to feel regulated.”

She recommends that parents practice self-care by staying informed but also unplugging. She also suggests that parents shore up their foundation by eating healthy food, getting adequate sleep, and exercise. She stresses limiting alcohol and drug use and taking breaks before becoming irritable or impatient.

Validate Their Feelings

When you recognize and accept your child’s feelings as being valid then it can help them to feel calm and understood. Dr. Solomon says, “Our goal as parents is to validate their stress and encourage them to practice healthy coping strategies like distraction, focusing on what’s going well, exercise, and radical

When you recognize and accept your child’s feelings as being valid then it can help them to feel calm and understood. acceptance (radical acceptance means reminding ourselves that this is beyond our control).”

Assess What They Already Know Kids have heard about Coronavirus from their friends, the Internet, and on TV. Before providing any information ask them what they know about the pandemic. Dr. Damon Korb, a behavioral and developmental pediatrician at The Center of Developing Minds and author of Raising An Organized Child says, “Children need information, just like adults. Start by finding out what they already know. Clear up any misconceptions and explain the concern at a developmentally appropriate level.”

Be Honest and Reassure It is okay to let your child know you don’t have all the answers. You can also explain the reasons for the school closures are to try to prevent the spread of the virus. Dr. Solomon explains that living through this pandemic is challenging because of the uncertainty. She says, “We don’t know when life is going to return to normal, but we also don’t want to lie to our kids. We can tell kids the essential truth and reassure them that you will be together every step of the way.”

“When you are reassuring children it is always important to be honest. We talk about how one can get sick, but how you can protect yourself the best way you can. Washing hands with soap and water, covering a cough and sneeze, staying away from other sick people, eating healthy food and getting plenty of sleep is what I call ways to overpower the germs,” says Dr. Madal. Dr. Korb explains that when children are anxious parents should be patient, tolerant, and provide reassurance. He says, “Reassure your child by explaining the steps that your family is taking to remain safe such as social distancing, hand washing, and contacting a doctor if feeling sick.”

Create and Maintain Routines Routines provide comfort, security and predictability for children, so it is important to create and continue these practices. Dr. Lea Lis, adult and child psychiatrist, a clinical professor at NYU and author of the book Shame-less: Talking to your kids about sexuality, self-confidence, and healthy relationships says, “Stick to familiar routines. Wake them up the same time every day. Go to bed at the same time every day, and make sure to get plenty of exercise, even if all of their sports and activities are canceled.”

She also recommends prioritizing education since kids love to learn and learning provides a distraction from their worries. Amazing Educational Resources provides a list of websites offering free educational materials for kids. Travel and Leisure offers links to museums you can visit virtually. Dr. Korb says, “Parents can emphasize the things that are not going to change like the routines and rules and expectations. Bedtimes will be the same. Rules on electronics will still exist. Kids can still chat with friends and relatives through the phone, games, and the Internet.” Kids are resilient. When we provide a safe, comforting environment for them, it will help them to preserve through this pandemic. For more online learning resources, go to www.bostonparentspaper.com

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. You can find her at Twitter @ CherylMaguire05.

CLASSES AND ENRICHMENT Lessons at your school! We bring the

instrument and the instructor for ages 3-14 Now offering in-home private lessons Fun • Creative • Small Group Lessons

Contact Molly at

617-999-8794 www.pianoplaytime.com

GET THE BEST REPORT CARD YET! GET AHEAD IN MATH & READING. Join us as we play math games, read books and apply our studies to our daily lives. Call in today to reserve a slot! TM

2018 TOP 5

32 South Fairview St., Roslindale, MA

617-323-2566 SPACE AVAILABLE

April 2020 | Boston Parents Paper

at Universal Orlando Resort

NBC UNIVERSAL, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

6 Things I Learned By Calvin Hennick hen I was a kid, I wanted nothing more than to visit Universal Orlando Resort – mostly because it was where Double Dare, the slime-fueled kids game show, was filmed. As an adult, I’d mostly forgotten about my childhood dream. But then my own kids became obsessed with Harry Potter, and we were drawn in by the parks’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But other than Hogwarts, I didn’t really know what to expect.

Here’s what I learned in three days in Orlando.

My Kids Love the Oldies

E.T. Adventure, based on the 1982 film and opened in 1990, is the only original ride still operating at Universal Studios Florida. (The Orlando resort is composed of three parks. Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are adjacent theme

Boston Parents Paper | April 2020

parks, while nearby Volcano Bay is a water park.) The E.T. ride still holds up 30 years later, offering up nearly psychedelic animatronic scenes as you fly by on your bike. My kids loved it, and rode it three times. In fact, many of their favorite rides turned out to be based on TV shows and movies that debuted decades before they were born, including The Simpsons Ride, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and Men in Black: Alien Attack.

There’s Fun For All Ages

My kids are 8 and 5, and I was surprised at how much they could handle. My son rode Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure twice (once was enough for me, as the ride really does feel like you’re being driven around on a motorcycle by a dangerous maniac!). And my daughter was big enough for the smaller coasters, such as Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster and Flight of the Hippogriff, which

It’s Not All About the Rides

I’m a little embarrassed at how excited I got when we entered Springfield, the Simpsons-

themed area of Universal Studios. I quickly enlisted my son to take a photo of my wife and me in front of the Kwik-E-Mart, and when I saw that they were selling Flaming Moes next door, I just had to have one. My son was excited to explore “New York City” (just steps away from both “London” and “San Francisco”), he blushed taking photos with a Marilyn Monroe impersonator, and we all had fun checking out the Delorean from Back to the Future.

You Don’t Have to Do Everything to Have a Great Time

My stomach never quite felt ready for The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and my wife was the only one of us to brave the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. And amidst all the excitement, we only got a couple of hours to explore Volcano Bay. But it never felt like we were

Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster

BIELLALL, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

provided plenty of excitement despite their meager height requirements. She also loved the screenbased rides like the silly, banana-scented Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. My daughter even rode Skull Island: Reign of Kong, although she kept her hands over her eyes most of the time. (I admit that I shut my own eyes when the worms and the bugs showed up.) But the first ride she ran toward when we entered Islands of Adventure was the Caro-Seuss-el, a merry-go-round populated not by horses but rather by wonderfully weird Dr. Seuss characters. And we all had fun on the delightfully bonkers Cat in the Hat ride.

missing out on anything. If you experience even close to half of what’s on offer at Universal, you’ll have done plenty.

3D Has Made the Rides Just Completely Nuts

Holy mother of God! I’m apparently pretty late to this particular game (The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride opened in 1999), but I was blown away by what’s possible with the combination of an indoor coaster ride, some 3D glasses, and a little bit of movie magic. Both the Spider-Man ride and Transformers: The Ride 3-D had me grinning from ear-to-ear (and also occasionally clutching my weak stomach.) continued >>>

CARLOS CRUZ, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Castle

April 2020 | Boston Parents Paper

Slinging up to the top of skyscrapers with Spidey as he fights off a battalion of comic book villains is an experience you just can’t get anywhere else.

Harry Potter Really Is Magical

I confess: I’ve only read the first of the books, and the movies don’t do much for me. But my five-year-old daughter almost literally lost her mind when Hogwarts came into view. And then again when we went inside the castle and saw the magical talking portraits. And then again when she had her first taste of butter beer. And again, and again, and again. For three days, we kept coming back to Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade (the two areas are in separate parks, connected by the Hogwarts Express). My kids’ eyes grew wide with every new sight: The goblins of Gringotts, the colorful boxes of treats in the windows of Honeydukes, the rows and rows of wands on offer at Ollivanders. I’ve been lucky to be able to take my children plenty of places so far in their young lives. But standing in the world of Harry Potter, watching dragons breathe fire and wizards take flight, there was nowhere on earth they’d have rather been.

Visit bostonparentspaper.com for a deeper dive into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

CityWalk

STAY

Cabana Bay Beach Resort, connected to the parks via a five-minute shuttle ride, has a fun retro theme, with classic cars parked out front, two big pools, and even a bowling alley. Plus, as a guest, you can access the parks an hour earlier than the rest of the public!

EAT SCHOOLS AND PRESCHOOLS

Welcoming Future Leaders • Toddlers through Grade 5 • Outstanding academic achievements • Flexible Early Childhood schedules • Before school care available • After school enrichment • Summer and vacation programs

3 McGinnis Dr, Burlington www.mounthopeschool.org | 781-272-1014 Our mission is to create an early childhood program that fulfills the cognitive, emotional, social and physical needs of what is known to be the most significant period of human development. Friends Childcare offers an exciting, creative curriculum, as well as fun and stimulating learning activities for all age groups. Tailor-made schedule 7AM-6PM, 5 days a week. Regular in-house enrichment programs such as nature exploration, music, gross motor program, and baby massage are included in the tuition.

• Infants

(Birth to 15 Months)

• Toddlers

(15 Months to 33 Months)

• Preschool/ Pre-Kindergarten (33 Months to 5 Years)

Brookline • 617-731-1008 • 617-739-0854

Call or email us to schedule a tour • friendschildcare.brookline@gmail.com www.friendschildcare.net

Boston Parents Paper | April 2020

Universal CityWalk, just outside the entrance gates to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, is home to a number of dining options, including NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, and the recently opened Bigfire.

Dance, laugh, and dodge paint splatters at Blue Man Group, which has its own theatre at CityWalk.

Little People’s Playhouse

Educating and caring for your child like their own!

15 mos. to 6 yrs. • Pre K • Kindergarten Before & After School Ages 6-12 • 7am - 6pm Part-time Preschool • 7am - 1pm ♦ Literacy based academic program focusing on the whole child ♦ Tutoring available ♦ Catered hot meals included

ONGOING ENROLLMENT

www.peopleplayhouse.net 32 South Fairview Street ♦ W. Roxbury/Roslindale Line ♦ 617-323-2566 4019 Washington Street ♦ Roslindale/Jamaica Plain ♦ 617-323-6144

Pitch Perfect:

Favorite Family Campgrounds By Alyson Young Gregory

ent? No tent? Yurt? Cabin? RV? Camping these days comes as individually tailored as you’d like—you can even dial your wilderness experience up or down depending on how close you prefer to sleep to nature—but whatever you choose, it all comes to down to

the same thing: sleeping under the stars and making memories with your family! Check out these top campgrounds near Boston where you can escape summer in the city and spend a night or two in the great outdoors with your favorite people (and animals too!). continued >>>

April 2020 | Boston Parents Paper

PHOTO COURTESY SWEETWATER FOREST

When you take a break from bird watching with the fam, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep everyone busy till your next campfire! Sweetwater Forest

amily owned and operated since 1958, this fourth generation campground located in the heart of Cape Cod (perfect for exploring in any direction) has 250 wooded campsites designed for reconnecting to nature, and the wildlife of the Cape’s wetlands. When you take a break from bird watching with the fam, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep everyone busy till your next campfire! The kids fishing dock and Catch & Release derbies on Griffith’s Pond are a thrill for all, and canoe rentals anytime of day are pure relaxation. An old-school arcade, six playgrounds, and horseshoe pits round out on-site recreation, and a lit basketball court and brand new 18-hole mini golf course keep the family fun going after dark. Check the website for special weekend celebrations, and don’t forget to grab a souvenir from the wellstocked Camp Store. Brewster, MA sweetwaterforest.com

Boston Parents Paper | April 2020

Boston Minuteman Campground

f nearby undisturbed relaxation among the pines is what you’re looking for, this is your place. 30 miles northwest of Boston, woodsy tent campsites and one and two-room rustic cabin rentals make communing with nature easy. Quiet hours, no late-night activities, and a peaceful family atmosphere to sit around the campfire, toast some marshmallows, and enjoy being on vacation is what has been attracting people here since 1973. Challenge family members to a game of Bocce, tetherball, ladder ball, basketball, or cornhole in the sports area, followed by a refreshing dip in the pool. You’ll find a playground for the kids, a game-filled Rec Hall, and a store full of goodies. Want to do a little sightseeing? Revolutionary towns Lexington and Concord are both a short drive away. Bonus: Four-legged friends are welcome in the top-rated dog park! Littleton, MA minutemancampground.com

Normandy Farms

ust 30 miles from Boston, and voted among the top 13 campgrounds in the world by the Travel Channel,

this luxury camping resort has the convenience of being nearby and is loaded with amenities and activities. The staff of 15 dedicated solely to your entertainment provide a daily schedule of

Normandy Farms

PHOTO COURTESY NORMANDY FARMS

Sweetwater Forest

Myles Standish State Forest

recreation from breakfast until after dark featuring everything from Zumba and Tai Chi to candy obert Frost would have bar bingo. Toddler time, loved this place! Forest parachute play, and trails you can hike for miles family softball games with ponds, lakes, and guarantee everyone’s crystal clear water (visit smiling, and the four the favorite Curlew Pond) swimming pools and promise a peaceful camping fishing pond offer plenty experience at required. any of this the Tanglewood Marionettes. Reservations FREE. of water play. With 400 617-514-1644; jfklibrary.org.massive park’s spacious travel trailer campsites, sites. Heaven for swimmers Winter Backyard cabin, yurt, and safari Birding, 10:30am, Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. Learn to use available and cyclists, yurts tent rentals (glamping binoculars, go on ais bird hike create some seed andthe onand a limited basis, and still camping), it’sthe hard fruit art for birds to enjoy. Registration required. ideal place to start that Youth, $7. was 617-983-8500; massaudubon.org. to believe there family meditation practice! room for the phenomenal Matias Latelier, 10:30am, Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Plymouth County, Arlington. An for hour of magic and surprises fromMA, a Chilean bike park! Huevos 508-866-2526 magician and mentalist. Adults, $10; youth, $8. breakfast anyone? The 781-646-4849; regenttheatre.com. “snack bar” even delivers to yourSOUTH campsite if you’re STARGAZING Tracking the Winter enjoying some quiet time Wild Thing, 9am, Francis William Bird Park, 251 Washington St., Got Walpole. darkness?See No Jan. need14tolisting. take with the family! Winter Warm Up, 2-6pm, World’s End, Hingham. Get a crash course in astronomy! Foxboro, MA normandyoutdoors for hiking, sledding, snowshoeing, owl prowls farms.com one of the many free and tales around the campfiDownload re. Adults, $10; youth, free.

✼

calendar

(and entry-level) apps designed for child-friendly Owl Prowl, 7pm, Blue Hills Trailsidenighttime Museum,sky CapeFamily Ann 1904 Canton Ave., Milton. Practice calls and viewing owl to identify andmeet learn some of the museum’s resident owls before going on a Camp Site about constellations, far-off night hike to search for them. Registration required. $10. galaxies and even satellite massaudon.org. ent617-983-8500; camping near the beach? Yes, please! is better when it Stargazing: Jewels of thefly-bys! Night,Bigger 7pm, North River Wildlife Sanctuary, St., Marshfi eld. Join This family-run, tree- 2000 Main comes to the screen here as you enthusiast Peter Reed as he guides you coveredastronomy campground live-touchrequired. any object in view through the constellations. can Registration $13. offers 200 campsites and get a real-time info pop-up! 781-837-9400; massaudubon.org. 781-740-7233; ttor.org.

and the best of both worlds when it comes to summer fun with the scent of pine in the air mixed with salt from the ocean just down the road. Explore local tide pools and history in and around the fishing village of Gloucester, and maybe evenRosalita's schedule aPuppets whale www.rosalitaspuppets.com watching expedition or 617-633-2832 side trip to Salem before heading back to your J & J Pony Rentals quiet, wooded campsite Quiet, gentle, unplug. lovable ponies; to• completely large and small available for Wood and ice available any occasion. to• buy the small Pony in parties at your camp place or at the farm. store. • Customized packages at Gloucester, MA reasonable rates capeanncampsite.com

PHOTO DAVIDALANC, WIKIMEDIA

Forest trails you can hike for miles with ponds, lakes, and crystal clear water promise a peaceful camping experience at any of Myles Standish State Forest spacious sites.

WEST Valentine Card Making Party, 10am, The Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst. Pop in to make special valentines for your family, friends or classmates. Registration recommended. $12 per pair or trio. 413-658-1100; carlemuseum.org.

29 Sunday Myles Standish State Forest

The Enchanted Forest, 10:30am, Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Gregory Harvard is St., Brookline. a youth Alyson Young a native New Artbarn, Yorker, and Boston-based community theater company, presents the tale of a specializing in freelance writer, mother, and Holistic Health Educator family vacation gone wrong.for Adults, $13; youth, Ayurveda. She has a passion maximizing vitality$10. through nutrition 617-734-2501; coolidge.org. based on environment and individual body constitution for all ages, supporting NORTH children’s wellness policies, and finding inspiring local activities for families. Ward Winter Fest, noon to 3pm, Ward Reservation, Andover. Explore the property on a guided hike, or bring your snowshoes and sled toAND play. Then warm up ENTERTAINMENT PARTY NEEDS with refreshments by the fire. $10 per car. 978-886-5297; ttor.org. Parents Children’s Musician & Instructor Choice Award er ner nne Win Wiinn W Birthday Parties, WEST Schools, Concerts, Backwards Storytime, 10am, The Discovery Museums, Libraries 177 Main St., Acton. Celebrate National Backwards Day Preschool & Elementary with silly stories and activities. Free with admission. Music Specialist 978-264-4200; discoverymuseums.org.

31 Tuesday

Fran Friedman

Lots of Participation & Fun for All! 508-358-1614 • www.franfriedman.com

ENTERTAINMENT & PARTY NEEDS J & JCelebrate Pony Rentals

everything in • Pony parties for all occasions at your place or at the at farm. 2017

• Riding lessons for all ages and abilities • Summer Camp

Online Ordering Available

Host your next party in our new Decorating Kitchen

Fran Friedman BIRTHDAY PARTIES THEMED PARTIES AT DEDHAM HEALTH & ATHLETIC COMPLEX Parents Choice Award er ner nne nn LASER PARTIES iTAG Win Wi W

Children’s Musician & Instructor

781.326.2900 Birthday Parties,

LASER TAG PARTIES

★ POP Schools, Concerts, PRINCESS ★ PIRATE ★ SUPER HERO STAR DANCE PARTIES SPORTS PARTIES ★ POOLLibraries Preschool & Elementary Music Specialist Lots of Participation & Fun for All! D e d h a m H e a l t h K i d s . c o m / B i r t h d a y - Pa r t i e s 508-358-1614 • www.franfriedman.com

BIG JOE the Storyteller

Original & classic stories Props, puppets, & surprises HUNTERS HAVEN FARM

Birthday Parties Schools Libraries Special Events

104 King St., Groveland, MA

978-373-1300

HuntersHavenFarm.com TM

2016 WINNER

www.bigjoe.com

617-713-4349

April 2020 | Boston Parents Paper

Summer Camp Listings Your Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best summer ever starts here

18 18

Boston Parents Paper | March 2020

Boston Parents Paper | April 2020

ACERA SUMMER STEAM CAMP (WINCHESTER)

BELMONT HILL SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS (BELMONT)

BROOKLINE ARTS CENTER (BROOKLINE)

781-729-3489 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-17

617-993-5215 Age or Grade Range: Grades 6-12

617-566-5715 Age or Grade Range: Ages <4-Adult

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

At Belmont Hill Summer School, students from grades 6-12 can explore new subjects, hone skills, and gain valuable academic experience from expert faculty. Whether it is a six-week credit course or a three-week academic workshop, our curriculum is designed to position students for success in their upcoming school year. https://www.belmonthill.org/about/ summer-programs/summer-school

Summer starts here. June - August. ArtVentures, jewelry and metals, painting, drawing, pottery, mixed media, comics, and more! Classes and workshops for children, teens and adults! https://brooklineartscenter.com/ summer-classes/

BC HIGH SUMMER PROGRAMS (BOSTON) 617-474-5181 Age or Grade Range: Grades 5-12 Explore new interests. Build your confidence. Challenge yourself! Choose from over 30 programs in our Sports Camps, Academic Courses, Middle School Enrichment Courses or Specialty Programs. Registration is ongoing until a program is full. https://www.bchigh.edu/summer

BOSTON UNIVERSITY-CAMP TERRIER (BOSTON) 617-353-CAMP Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-15 Camp Terrier offers campers a variety of options for an exciting summer for ages 5-15. http://www.bu.edu/fitrec/camp

CAMP AKEELA (THETFORD CENTER, VT) 866-680-4744 Age or Grade Range: Ages 9-17 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

THE #1

TECH CAMP

FOR AGES 7-19 Coding. Game dev. Robotics. Digital arts. This isn’t just a camp. It’s an experience unlike any other. Here, you push past the boundaries of school, ﬁnding your squad and bonding over the latest tech. Led by expert instructors, you will build the skills needed to forge a brilliant future.

Request your brochure today! iDTechCamps.com | 1-888-709-8324 April 2020 | Boston Parents Paper

with high-functioning autism or other social challenges. http://www.campalsing.com

land where kids can come for two, four or six weeks of their summer. It is a home away from home where kids have the time of their lives for two, four or six weeks while making lasting friendships and memories. campbirchhill.com

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

CAMP BIRCH HILL (NEW DURHAM, NH) 603-859-4525 Age or Grade Range: Age: 6 - 16

508-888-2290 ext. 204 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-15 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/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

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 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

FREE B USES |

DISCO

UNTS A TH

ALE191

8.ORG

/BPP

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

CAMP CLARK - OLD COLONY YMCA (PLYMOUTH)

them feel like part of the Cody family. http://www.campcody.com

Ad (HDC+HSC Mar 2020 Apr 2020.indd 20BPP Boston Parents 6.75x4.687in) Paper | April

2019 WINNER

2/21/2020 12:59:51 PM

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

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 SUMMER AT THE BEACH. CCSC is a traditional camp boasting one of the finest sailing programs in a camp setting.

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

CENTRAL ROCK GYM SUMMER CAMP (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) 617-744-0081 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-13 Week long programs all summer long. Indoor rock climbing, games, obstacle courses, challenges, crafts, and more. Prices and dates vary by location https://centralrockgym.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

Summer Youth Learn to Row Early Registration Special!! Register by April 30th and save $25

MY FIRST CAMP

ULTIMATE DAY CAMP

JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP

The Ultimate DAY CAMP

1-Week Sessions begin June 15th Sessions offered throughout the summer!

www.communityrowing.org/summer

WATER PARK LUNCH PROVIDED

Help your kids become global citizens.

TABOR SUMMER CAMP Explore an engaging summer by the sea filled with learning, growth, connections, and fun!

ROPES COURSE

781-326-2900

DedhamHealth.com DHAC_1/4_Camp_BostonParents_1219.indd 1

12/18/18 4:12 PM

Day, Residential, LIT ~ Coed ~ Ages 6-17 Marion, MA ~ www.taborsummer.org

April 2020 | Boston Parents Paper

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

CHINESE SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUTH (SMITHFIELD, RI) 401-232-6883 Age or Grade Range: Ages 11-18 This two-week program is designed for local middle and high school students to learn Chinese language and experience its culture in a university campus. There is No previous Chinese learning experience required. https://china.bryant.edu

DEBATE CAMP (WEST ROXBURY) 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! http://www.dedhamcommunity house.org

DEDHAM COUNTRY DAY CAMP (DEDHAM) 781-320-1832 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15 At Dedham Country Day Camp, we believe that summer time should reinforce the wonders of being a child, and the enduring joy of friendship. While we offer a broad range of activities from archery to woodworking, we also allow time in each day for the simple enjoyment of catching frogs in the stream, climbing trees and building forts in the pine grove. https://www.dedhamcountryday.org/ community/summer-camp

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

DERBY SUMMER ARTS (HINGHAM) 781-740-4766 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-15 Summer Arts is a 5 week comprehensive program for ages 8 to 15. Campers choose their own schedules from over 100 choices. There are also programs for ages 3 to 7. Campers may attend less weeks. https://www.derbyacademy.org/ summer

ACT UP all KIDSTOCK! summer long! CREATIVE THEATER

creative summer programs for ages 4-14 single days - mornings - full day weeks

June 15 - August 28 kidstocktheater.com

Boston Parents Paper | April 2020

781-762-7400 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-17 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

EDGE ON SCIENCE (PLYMOUTH, WESTIN) (315) 773-5673 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-14 Edge on Science offers week-long, project based, day programs in applied science and engineering. A back-tobasics 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

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/

FALMOUTH ACADEMY SUMMER 2020 (FALMOUTH) 508-457-9696 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-18+ FA SUMMER has activities for every age and interest (child, teen & adult). Half,

Where KIDS can

EXPLO (NORTON, WELLESLEY, NEW HAVEN, CT)

full and extended day options available from June 29-Aug 21. Robotics, marine science, fort building, ceramics, biking, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, tennis, Spanish, French, drama, painting, sketching, animation, and cooking–are just some of the great programs. FA SUMMER, there’s nothing like it! https://www.falmouthacademy.org/ summer

FRENCH CULTURAL CENTER SUMMER IN FRENCH (BACK BAY) 617-912-0400 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-18

native French-speaking and bilingual teachers, varied and engaging curriculum, and a convenient location in the heart of Back Bay, our Summer in French program is the perfect way to improve your child’s skills and confidence in French, no matter their age or level. Each week focuses on a theme with a variety of special activities geared for children to increase their vocabulary and stimulate their conversation skills. Outdoor activities take place at a nearby playground and at the Boston Common. https://frenchculturalcenter.org/ summer-in-french/

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

Give your child a full immersion experience of summer fun and learning! With

BELMONT HILL SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS

ACADEMICS AND SPORTS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 6-17

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

Exxcel Gymnastics and Climbing

Exxcel would like to thank all the brave medical and military personnel, police officers, firefighters, first responders and people who work in disaster and emergency response for putting their lives on the line on a daily basis to protect, help and rescue the rest of us. Thank you for all you do to keep us safe!

Where kids matter most! TM

2019 WINNER

88 Wells Avenue • Newton 617-244-3300 • www.exxcel.net

Summer fun for campers 3 to 15 years old

• Traditional Camp and Sports Option Available • Half-Day & Full-Day Programs • LIT and CIT Programs

www.dedhamcountryday.org/camp

www.LetGoYourMind.com April 2020 | Boston Parents Paper

GREATER BOSTON STAGE SUMMER FESTIVAL (STONEHAM)

HILL HOUSE (BOSTON)

781-279-7885 Age or Grade Range: Grades 1-12

Hill House summer staff kicks off the organization’s 21st summer of camp for children ages 3 to 12. Weekly themes, a balance between structure and play, field trips, and age-appropriate activities promise a well-rounded experience. http://www.hillhouseboston.org

Whether you’re new to theatre or looking to deepen your experience, the Summer Festival at Greater Boston Stage Company has something engaging and exciting for you! https://www.greaterbostonstage.org/ summer-festival.html

GROTONWOOD CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER (GROTON) (978) 448 5763 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-18+ 40 minutes from Boston, Grotonwood has been providing life changing experiences for over 60 years. Situated in 250 acres of woodlands with a 1.5 mile waterfront & boat dock. We are an inclusive Christian sleep-away & Day camp for kids in grades K-12. http://www.grotonwood.org

HALE DAY CAMP (WESTWOOD) 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.hale1918.org/bpp

HIDDEN VALLEY CAMP (FREEDOM, ME) 800-922-6737 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-14 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/

Boston Parents Paper | April 2020

617-227-5838 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-12

HUNTERS HAVEN FARM HORSEBACK RIDING CAMP (GROVELAND) 978-373-1300 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-18+ Full Day Weekly Horseback Riding Camp at beautiful Hunters Haven Farm in Groveland MA. http://www.huntershavenfarm.com

ICODE OF WELLESLEY (WELLESLEY) 781-291-3131 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-18 iCode of Wellesley is a STEAM summer camp and after-school program to engage children in a STEAM learning experience using AGILE teaching methodologies on a dynamic technology curriculum. https://icodeschool.com/wellesley107/

INCARNATION CAMP (IVORYTON, CT) 860-767-0848 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-15 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/

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BOSTON SUMMER CAMP (CAMBRIDGE) 617-499-1451 Age or Grade Range: Grades PK-5 Get ready for a summer to remember at the ISB Summer Camp! Under the guidance of bilingual (French & English) teachers and counselors, children take part in recreational, creative, educational and academic activities. Previous exposure to French and English

languages is not required. https://www.isbos.org/campus-life/ summer-camp

KIDS 4 CODING | SUMMER TECH PROGRAM-AGES 7-16 (CAMBRIDGE & WALTHAM) 770-642-0004 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-16 Nationally Recognized KIDS 4 CODING Two area locations: CAMBRIDGE at Lesley University & WALTHAM at Bentley University. Quality tech programs at an affordable price. https://www.kids4coding.com

KIDSTOCK! CREATIVE THEATER (WINCHESTER) 781-729-5543 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-15 Kidstock! Creative Theater offers a performance arts summer camp opportunity for children ages 4-15. http://www.kidstocktheater.com

KINGSLEY SUMMER IN THE CITY (BACK BAY) 617-226-4927 Age or Grade Range: Grades Toddler - 6 Come join Kingsley Montessori School for a fun-filled summer of learning and hands-on experiences! Uniquely nestled in the heart of Back Bay, Kingsley Montessori School offers studentdriven, experiential programming yearround. Summer in the City at Kingsley provides students with an opportunity to pursue their interests throughout the summer, while exploring and utilizing all of the opportunities that Boston has to offer! https://info.kingsley.org/summer-2020

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

Meadowbrook campers agree – summer is FUN! . http://daycamp.meadowbrook-ma.org/

SESSION (LEXINGTON)

LINX CAMPS (WELLESLEY)

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

Penguin Coding believes in the joy of creation as the motivation for learning. Students build games and animation in Scratch for 2-4th graders, website/ ANUARY games using HTML/CSS/Javascript for 4-8th graders, and apps with Java/ OOP IDS Python for 6-12th graders. SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 http://www.penguincodingschool.com/ at 11:00 AM

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. https://www.linxcamps.com/

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/

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.

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

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

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

PCC ASP - RESIDENTIAL SUMMER PROGRAM AT STONEHILL COLLEGE (EASTON) 508-565-5202 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

hkcHarvardCoopSociety1701.eps

J C

BIRD STORIES AND CRAFT

REVELS SUMMER VAUDEVILLE SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 at 11:00 AM MA) WORKSHOP (WATERTOWN, CELEBRATE PETS WITH

617-972-8300STORIES AND A CRAFT Age or GradeSATURDAY, Range: Age: 7 - 1421 JANUARY

at 11:00 AM A Revels Summer Workshop SNOWTheater DAY WITH STORIES is a complete theater experience. AND CRAFT In the mornings young people will participate SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 in theater games, acting, singing and at 11:00 AM GUNG FAT CHOY traditional dance. In HAY the afternoons CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW we will be participating “Production YEAR WITH in STORIES AND CRAFT Time;” making the printed program; designing andEVERY building sets, costumes, TUESDAY at 11 AM STORYTIME Children ages 1 to 6 and their caregivers are welcome to join us for stories and snacks. All events are free and open to the public. THE

781-235-3210 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15

781-277-2755 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-18

COOP H A R VA R D

April Coop Kids

1400 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 617-499-2000 www.TheCoop.com SATURDAY, APRIL 11 at 11:00 AM www.facebook.com/TheHarvardCoop STORYTIME & CRAFT Books and crafts about colors

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 at 11:00 AM STORYTIME & CRAFT Earth Day Stories and Related Craft!

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 at 11:00 AM STORYTIME & CRAFT Science Saturday fun crafts and exciting stories Every Tuesday - Storytime @ 11am. Children ages 1 to 6 and their caregivers are welcome to join us for stories and snacks. All events are free and open to the public.

Please check online event calendar to confirm events and times

PENGUIN CODING SUMMER 1400 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 617-499-2000 www.TheCoop.com www.facebook.com/TheHarvardCoop

April 2020 | Boston Parents Paper

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. 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

SUMMER AT TOBIN (NATICK) 508-650-1561 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-10

THE ULTIMATE DAY CAMP AT DEDHAM HEALTH & ATHLETIC (DEDHAM) 781-326-2900 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/

TUFTS UNIVERSITY DESIGN AND ENGINEERING WORKSHOPS (MEDFORD, MA) Age or Grade Range: Age: 4 - 18

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

Join us as we explore robotics and engineering in fun week-long summer workshops! Kids will learn about the Engineering Design Process through hands-on activities. Grades: K - 12. Learn more and register at http://outreach.tuftsceeo.org/

SUMMER AT TOBIN BEAUDET (NEEDHAM)

W. ALTON JONES CAMP (WEST GREENWICH, RI)

781-444-5444 Age or Grade Range: Ages 2.9 - 8th Grade

401-874-8127 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-16

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

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

Boston Parents Paper | April 2020

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/

Mixed-age groups provide a welcome chance for new and lasting friendships across the grades. https://thewaldorfschool.org/summer

WALNUT HILL SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS SUMMER PROGRAMS (NATICK) 508-650-5020 Age or Grade Range: Ages 10-17 Walnut Hill School for the Arts offers dynamic summer programs for creative middle and high school students passionate about music, theater, dance, visual arts and film making. Each summer, we welcome hundreds of talented students from across the country and around the world to our Natick, Massachusetts, campus. Students enhance their skills and work with expert faculty and peers who share their exceptional abilities and love for the arts. The perfect blend of serious study and summer fun, Walnut Hill’s programs offer intensive training within a supportive, creative environment. https://www.walnuthillarts.org/ communityacademy

WELLESLEY THEATRE PROJECT SUMMER CAMP (WELLESLEY) 781-235-1550 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4 - Grade 12

Wellesley Theatre Project offers a variety of Summer camps including full scale production camps and weekly camps for students 4 years old through 12th grade. Sessions include three production camps geared for students between 2nd WALDORF SCHOOL OF and 12th grade in addition to one week LEXINGTON SUMMER PROGRAMS Theatre Arts camps for Pre K- 12th (WELLESLEY) grade. The production camps are: Annie, KIDS! (Grades 2-8), Newsies (Grades 781-863-1062 Age or Grade Range: Nursery - Grade 2-12), and Footloose (Grades 8-12). https://www.wellesleytheatreproject. 5 org/summer-camps Consistent with the mission of WSL, the program aims to cultivate in each child a sense of wonder and curiosity for the natural world, creativity, collaboration with others, and confidence to engage in new experiences. The program offers crafts, group games, hiking, and naturebased play on campus and in the nearby meadows and forest. To this we’ve added an essential ingredient for summer fun—water play with sprinklers and a shallow pool in our nursery play yard.

✺ ✺ ✺

Specialty Programs GRADES 5–8

Sports Clinics GRADES 6–12

Academic Courses GRADES 6–12

SUMMER PROGRAMS

FOR GIRLS & BOYS GRADES 5-12

CHINESE SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUTH 2020

Learn about the Chinese culture and language with classes and group activities

July 6 - July 17 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Bryant University For students from upcoming 6th to 12th Grade $180 per student Application opens at

china.bryant.edu/k-12-chinese-programs

For more questions and information,

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER:

contact Mrs. Kun Xie at

bchigh.edu/summer

(401)232-6883 or kxie@bryant.edu

REGISTRATION BEGINS FEBRUARY 11, 2020!

Summer Programs at Simon’s Rock

The Ways of Water

Young Writer’s Workshop Field & Forest:

Calling all young explorers! Simon’s Rock is excited to offer a new summer program that focuses on an interdisciplinary examination of the many different roles water plays in our lives. The day program runs July 6–17 and is open to ages 11–13. Participants will take part in hands-on activities guided by college professors, including field trips, gardening, and scientific analysis.

Young Writers Workshop is a residential creative writing program open to students currently completing grades 9–11. Since its inception in 1983, this three-week workshop has helped students cultivate their own language and voice. The Workshop focuses on using informal, playful, and expressive writing as a way to strengthen skills of language and thinking.

Visit simons-rock.edu/waysofwater for more info or contact the Kilpatrick Athletic Center at kilpatrick@simons-rock.edu.

Visit simons-rock.edu/young-writers for more info or contact Jamie Hutchinson at jamieh@simons-rock.edu.

July 6 – 17

July 12 – August 1

Food Studies in the Berkshires July 19 – July 25 Designed for motivated rising seventh through ninth graders, this one-week residential program offers an intensive, multidisciplinary introduction to the field of food studies. Classes are taught by Simon’s Rock faculty emphasizing place- and projectbased learning. In addition to seminar-style classes and kitchen laboratories, students will spend time working on the campus farm and taking field trips. Visit simons-rock.edu/field-and-forest for more info or contact John Morrell at jmorrell@simons-rock.edu.

84 Alford Road, Great Barrington, MA | 413-644-4400 | simons-rock.edu

April 2020 | Boston Parents Paper

2018 TOP 5

2019 TOP 5

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We LOVE Tender Loving Care. The teachers are like family. They care for each child like their own family. They are knowledgeable in early childhood education as well as the gentle care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers!!â&#x20AC;? Woburn - 781-281-2983 | Weston - 781-703-5088 www.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com