Learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests.
Acera School
Andover Summer at Phillips Academy
AZ-U-MAK-IT Equestrian Summer
Horsemanship Program
Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts
Education
Boston Ballet School
Boston College High School Summer Programs
Branches at Meadowbrook
Brooks School Summer Programs
Cambridge Montessori Passport
CRS Summer - Charles River School
Debate Camp
Dedham Country Day Camp
Edge on Science
Empow Studios
Envisions by WorldStride
Everwood Day Camp
EXPLO Summer Programs
Fusion Academy Burlington
Greater Boston Stage Company
iCode of Wellesley
Kingsley Montessori
KTBYTE Computer Science Academy
LINX Camps
Maplewood Country Day Camp
Middlesex Community College
Milton Art Center
NEOC, New England Outdoor Camp by LINX
Orchard Hill Equestrian Center
Pedalheads
Penguin Coding School
Planet Gymnastics
Plugged In Band Program
Powers Music School
PUDDLESTOMPERS
Riverbend School
Summer at Roxbury Latin
Tabor Summer Camp
The Sage School
Tobin Family Schools
YMCA of Greater Boston
Featured Virtual Camps & Summer Programs:
Boston College High School Summer Programs
Empow Studios
Envisions by WorldStride
Fusion Academy Burlington
KTBYTE Computer Science Academy
Middlesex Community College
Penguin Coding School
Featured Overnight Camps & Travel Programs:
Andover Summer at Phillips Academy
Bard College at Simon’s Rock
Camp Birch HIll
Camp Kodiak
Camp Med-O-Lark
Debate Camp
Envisions by WorldStride
EXPLO Summer Programs
Fleur de Lis Camp
Putney Student Travel
The Farm School
YMCA Camp Frank A Day
YMCA of Greater Boston
Branches offers unparalleled camp experiences for every child and every interest. Conveniently located near the Mass Pike and 95, our camps take advantage of Meadowbrook’s 30-acre campus to give kids a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow.
JUNE 20–23, 2023 GRADES K–8
Kick off the summer with specialized programs and field trip opportunities.
TWO-WEEK SESSIONS GRADES PK–8
Traditional day camp activities such as swimming, archery, sports, arts, and a ropes course.
FOUR-WEEK SESSIONS GRADES 2–8
Choose your own collaborative courses as part of a unique community.
ONE-WEEK SESSIONS GRADES PK–8
Delve into a specific interest under the guidance of a specialist.
ONE-WEEK SESSIONS GRADES 4–8
Embark on different Boston-area trips.
781-647-0546
info@branchesmeadowbrook.org
FOUR-WEEK SESSIONS GRADES 9–10
Develop leadership skills and put them into action.
• Are there deal-breaking parameters for our family’s camp search? What is non-negotiable for us? Session length, location, and activities are often non-negotiable. Can you be flexible about number of weeks? Location – a camp that must be in a certain state or within a certain zip code? Activities – horseback riding, Lacrosse, theatre or other activities that are the child’s favorite? Every parameter cannot be a deal breaker, but be honest about the aspects of the search that are not flexible for your family.
• What’s driving my camp search? Does my child want to be a camper?
Unparalleled fun and learning? The opportunity for new experiences? To develop new skills? Family tradition? The need for child care? Answers to these questions will influence your options.
• How do I uncover a full range of camp options that might suit my child’s current needs and interests? Visit acanewengland.org and click on the Find A Camp Tool to explore options. Word of Mouth is a great way to add additional options. Ask people whose children share interests with yours. Ask community people who know your child, coaches and staff of extracurricular activities or after school programs.
• What educational philosophy will best match my child’s temperament and compliment their current school experience?
What values are important to you in terms of how the camp runs its program and trains its staff? Do you want a camp that emphasizes structure and responsibility? One that emphasizes free play and choice? How do the camps you are considering build community and encourage independence?
• What is my budget for camp? There’s a camp out there for everyone! Some camps offer financial assistance. Financial aid procedures vary from camp to camp, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Read camp brochures and websites carefully for information and application instructions.
• How is the programming at this camp designed to grow with my child over the years? On average, what percentage of campers return for a second year? A fifth year? Yes, you’re looking for camp for THIS coming summer, but camps design programming so children can return in future summers since some of the leadership and other skills are not instantly acquired, but gained over the course of a few summers.
Life lessons. These are moments where the lightbulb goes off over child’s head. They understand the concept of two plus two. They see something they can’t un-see or learn something they’ll never forget. Over the last 150plus years, camp has provided opportunities for children and adults to discover or further develop many life lessons. Here are just a few.
Life doesn’t exist in a vacuum and no one can do this alone. Just like a classroom, children have opportunities at camp to share experiences with peers, develop friendships, and learn the ups and downs of getting along with others. By the nature of co-existing in the same space and enjoying similar experiences, camp encourages children to develop and maintain skills necessary to relationship building.
Confidence! Camp thrives on self-efficacy in young people. Enjoying success in a healthy manner and learning to overcome obstacles or even failure are hallmarks of a camp experience. For both campers and staff, camp allows young people to feel proud when things go well and encourages resilience when they don’t. Take
One way to build confidence is to try something new. Camp is rife with safe, healthy opportunities for children to take a chance. This could mean climbing a 30-foot wall, trying out for the camp production of Peter Pan, riding a horse, or trying broccoli for the first time. At camp, young people learn how to take risks and learn from their outcomes.
It’s a great big world out there.
When a child goes to camp, they interact with peers and
adults from places they might have never seen or even heard of. Campers might hear a new song or accent. They may meet someone from another state or country, and sometimes they run into people from home who become lifelong friends at camp. Camp is an opportunity to both try new things and meet new people.
Last but certainly not least, campers discover that school does not have a monopoly on learning. Campers develop new skills, learn about their own passions and interests, and are exposed to ideas and experiences that don’t normally sneak into a formal classroom. Without knowing it, campers are learning every day by simply getting out and going to camp.
For more information about camp and the benefits of the camp experience, contact the American Camp Association New England or visit www.acanewengland.org
Decisions can be scary. Without certainly knowing an outcome, people make choices every day. Some work out, and others provide unforeseen results. Both contribute to developing a healthy process for making decisions. By doing, people learn how it feels to make decisions and how they overcome internal and external factors that impede or help the process. However, decision-making is not a naturally easy process for many. And for children, decisions can be even scarier. After years of making decisions, most adults naturally find their process. However, where can children find more opportunities to independently and collaboratively make decisions safely? Camp.
It starts with the decision about camp. By including them in the process, campers feel empowered and learn how to consider multiple factors in coming to a decision. A camper
may have a friend at camp and want to go or a parent might want their child to have a similar experience they did as a kid. Both are valid reasons to go to camp, but there are other factors to consider before giving the green light. When the process is done together, parents and children are both honing their decisionmaking tools.
Every summer, campers throughout New England will address these questions independent of their parents for the first time. A camper may be used to school only. Parents might decide an outfit, the cafeteria decides what’s on the menu and, and teachers generally decide the daily lessons. Camp can offer choices for children that they’re not used normally facing.
At sleepaway camp, campers might have more leeway in what they wear. Day camps might allow campers to select their
own activities each day, and for some campers, simply deciding between two food choices can be a first. Campers won’t make these decisions in a vacuum. However, by allowing campers to make even the smallest decision on their own, camp builds confidence in the camper’s decisionmaking abilities and provides learning opportunities for those choices that don’t pan out. All this is done in the safe, friendly confines of camp.
From the decision to go to camp, to trying new activities, and all the other choices involved, camp is a natural environment that fosters decision-making capabilities. Even for many adults, decisions can be hard. Anxiety is real and fear of making the wrong decision can paralyze. But camps can help this. Camps provide children an opportunity to make decisions in a safe, healthy environment daily. Just like getting to Carnegie Hall, better decision-making takes time and practice. Both found in abundance at camp.
The opportunities that summer camp provides are endless: the ability to try new things, the chance to make new friends, and the prospect of gaining independence are just a few.
Consider the possibilities:
DAY CAMPS typically serve children ages 3-15. Session lengths typically vary from one to eight weeks. Some camps offer up to ten weeks of programming. Before camp and after camp programs are offered for an additional fee at some day camps.
OVERNIGHT (also referred to as Resident or Sleepaway) Camps usually serve children ages 6-18. Campers stay at camp for one to eight weeks, depending on the camp’s session length.
GENERAL CAMPS offer a broad range of activities. Many provide campers with the opportunity to focus on one or a few areas while encouraging them to try a variety of others. It is sometimes possible to explore an activity or interest in depth within the context of the whole program.
TRIP & TRAVEL CAMPS involve outdoor exploration through active sports like biking, hiking, climbing and canoeing. Campers spend most of their time traveling and preparing to travel.
SPECIALTY CAMPS are based in day or resident settings. Popular options for specialization may include horseback riding, the arts, sports, computers, or travel. Programming revolves around intensive exposure to the specialty area.
serve specific clientele like children or adults with particular medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs. Some camps focus on campers who share very specific diagnoses, while others are geared to meet a broader array of needs at any one time.
offer religious education formally and informally. Review materials carefully for explanations of how religion influences a camp’s culture to find one with the balance that best matches your family’s own values and beliefs.
FAMILY CAMP SESSIONS include family members of all ages from grandparents to infants. Accommodations vary, as do program options and session length. The focus is on being together as a family—to learn, to relax, and to enjoy new experiences and adventures.
2023 Session Dates:
2 Week Sessions
June 25 – July 8, 2023
July 9 – July 22, 2023
July 23 – August 5, 2023
4 Week Sessions
June 25 – July 22, 2023
July 9 – August 5, 2023
6 Week Sessions
June 25 – August 5, 2023
Designed as an introduction to Montessori, this is a great option for families looking to enroll their little ones in an engaging, Montessori-influenced environment for the summer. Available to students in Grades P3–K. Please note that P3 students must be current Kingsley students or prospective Kingsley students beginning September 2023. The program is open to the public for students in Grades P4–K. All students must be fully toilettrained by the start of their enrolled sessions.
Kingsley’s Summer in the City Program for Elementary students is designed to be an engaging and rewarding experience both on and off campus, and is open to Grades 1–6. Sessions run Monday through Friday with no weekend availability. All sessions are full-day.
Session 1: June 26–July 7*
Session 2: July 10–July 21
Session 3: July 24–August 4
Full or Half Day Options!
Week 1: (June 26–June 30), Boston Arts & Culture
Week 2: (July 5–July 7), Boston Science & Tech*
Week 3: (July 10–July 14), Boston History & Landmarks
Week 4: (July 17–July 21), Boston Arts & Culture
Week 5: (July 24–July 28), Boston Science & Tech
Week 6: (July 31–August 4), Boston History & Landmarks
Note: Kingsley is closed on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4.
Explore
Summer at Roxbury Latin means growth and skill-building, fun and excitement, making new friends, and doing what you love. With more than a dozen athletic and academic programs to choose from, students from in and around Boston—ages 6 through 16—can create and investigate, improve skills in a favorite sport, or develop new interests on Roxbury Latin’s beautiful campus in West Roxbury. RL Summer programs are conducted with the same expertise and dedication that the school offers its own students throughout the school year. Learn what RL Summer is all about, and join us this summer!
Learn
REGIS COLLEGE: WESTON, MA
Residential or Day Bus service available.
For almost 50 years, families have taken advantage of the tremendous value and benefits of the EXPLO day program. Day students spend the day side by side with residential students who come from across the country and from around the world.
With over 80 courses and electives to choose from, your student can discover new skills, talents, and interests. See what exciting learning experience your child can have with like-minded peers – and how we help open their eyes and minds.
Session 1: June 25 - July 14 Session 2: July 16 - August 4
explo.org/bostonparents
IN NEW ENGLAND WE’RE INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE of summer camps to choose from for our children. Whether you’re looking for a day or sleepaway camp, one that focuses on the performing arts, science, or whatever else your child is passionate about, it more than likely exists in our region.
In fact, the only downside to having so many options is that it can truly feel like an exhausting search to find exactly the right fit for your kids. We want them to be happy. We want them to feel comfortable. And, most of all, we want them to be safe. But how does a parent really know he or she is making the right choice? Read on to find a wide range of information that will answer your checklist of questions in terms of how to best decipher the information in all of those brochures and how to make the most of an informational visit. You’ll have better peace of mind and, chances are, your kids will have one incredible summer.
Before you start scheduling camp interviews, research all of the options that appeal most to your family, then weigh the pros and cons of each (you can even grade them on a points system if you like). After you’ve compiled a list in order of interest, start eliminating some. You don’t want to drive yourself crazy going on interviews for camps that aren’t really all that appealing to you. It’s a waste of your time and theirs. Once you’ve ruled out camps that don’t meet your essential search criteria or expectations, begin exploring the details of each option you like. Sometimes the filtering process yields too many camps to interview personally; sometimes it doesn’t yield enough. Adjust key variables, such as location and session length, to narrow or expand the number of options on the results page. Use the results page to go directly to camp websites.
Camp interviews may feel a bit tedious at times, especially depending on how many you plan on talking to, but they are so necessary in determining how your child might fit into the environment. Go into each interview armed with knowledge of your pros and cons so that you have your questions firmly planted in your mind. How does the camp convey who they really are and reflect the world they’ve created exclusively for a child’s benefit? Camp seekers can learn so much from a close look at camp websites, brochures, photos, videos, FAQs, newsletters, social media and camper or parent testimonials. In fact, many camp websites are a gateway to most pieces of camp information on this list, from video content to downloadable brochures and forms, all reflecting the camp’s culture.
Camps are much more than lists of activities they offer; they are vibrant educational communities – and no two are exactly alike. There is probably not just one perfect camp for your child. More than one camp may turn out to be a great fit, given your search criteria, so the interviewing stage will most likely factor into your final decision and help you to pinpoint the camp. So, how do you decide between two (or a few camps) with comparable activities, location, schedules, amenities and price?
Enough research will provide answers to your questions without you having to utter a single word. Camps try to anticipate what families need to know and provide this information online. You’ll want to use interview time to ask questions that haven’t already been answered – questions that explore the fit for your child.
Running low on time? Interviews with some camp head honchos may already be available online. You can also consult with friends who’ve previously met with the camp for information you never even realized you might want. Look for an interview with the example, you might see photos on the website or on Facebook showing the salad bar or a cabin group sitting around the table with food served family-style. This might spark a question about camp food and how your child’s dietary needs can be met. Or, combing through the part of a website developed exclusively for 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.
You’re the expert on your child! What aspects of his personality might affect the camp fit? (Your child is shy and cautious in new situations, for instance. Or your child needs to have a certain amount of time to practice music, sports or academics.)
SubmittedbyAmericanCampAssociation,NewEngland.
Deciding between day camp or residential (overnight) camp is one piece of the decision for families. Camp is an experience and not limited to a singular location. Campers can develop the same skills, both hard and soft, whether they’re sleeping away from home or returning to their own beds each night. While there are differences between day and residential camps, above all else, the most important outcome of this decision is finding the right fit for your camper and family.
This begins with knowing your camper. Many overnight camps begin taking campers between ages 7-9 years old. However, some children may be ready at 6 and some others may
• What is the primary reason for wanting to go to camp?
• Has your child ever spent multiple nights sleeping away from home?
• What’s your budget for camp?
• Can your child bath and dress themselves independently?
• How far away from home do you want your child’s camp experience to be?
• What activities are important to your camper’s experience?
not be ready at 10. While there is no clear, linear checklist to determine whether day or overnight camp is right for your child, the questions listed here can help guide that conversation: These questions can help begin a dialogue with your family about which camp experience is the best fit for you. The choice of day versus residential camp is one important aspect of the overall decision. But even then, make sure you follow up with those potential camps. Talk to directors. Ask for tours. Ask for references. Do your due diligence. In the end both you and the camp want this summer to be the first of many and the beginning of a great relationship.
Andover Summer welcomes applications from rising 7th- through 12th-graders seeking a summer program defined by academic excellence, global perspectives, student independence, and life-changing interactions with peers and teachers. With three distinct options, Phillips Academy has something for everyone this summer!
June 27–July 30, 2023
Our flagship 5-week academic enrichment program (day or boarding) features over 40 course offerings ranging from Writing for Success and Topics in Algebra to Game Design and Art as Action
Afternoons and weekends are filled with a variety of outdoor and social activities on our beautiful 500-acre campus.
June 26–July 28, 2023
Can’t make it to campus or need more flexibility in your summer schedule? Consider our concurrent eSummer program. This 100 percent virtual program offers much of the same experience without the necessity of a daily commute or living on campus.
July 31–August 11, 2023
Andover Summer’s newest program, Advantage is a 2-week open enrollment program that is designed as a back-to-school academic refresher. This day-only offering is for students who live within commuting distance to our campus, located about 23 miles north of Boston.
Sunshine, swimming, new friends, and more are waiting for you at YMCA summer camps!
Y Day Camps focus on your child as a whole, including top-notch sports, swimming and water safety instruction, exploration of the community, and developing life-long friendships. We emphasize seamlessly weaving literacy, math, and science lessons into our curriculum, preventing summer learning loss and making sure our camp kids are ready to return to school in the fall. Above all, we focus on making summer fun!
FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO SIGN UP, VISIT
Discover the magic of overnight camp.
WEST SUBURBAN
Since 1916
Adventure Abounds
Kayaking
Canoeing
Swim Lessons
Paddleboarding
Fishing
Archery
Sports
Dance
Arts & Crafts
Drama & Music
Speed Stacks
Performance Arts
Gaga Ball
Mini-Camp
Evening Programs
Camp Traditions
YMCA Core Values
Green vs. Gray
Learn more at any one of our Info Sessions, held throughout the year
Adventure, Independence & Beautiful Acceptance Awaits
A weeklong music program for people with disabilities, ages 9–17. July 31–August 4 and August 7–11, 2023
biaae@berklee.edu
“It offers something that presumes the natural inquisitiveness of kids and empowers them”
“A transformative week - especially for a beginner”
“A venue where their intelligence is encouraged in a fun way”
JUNE 26 - JULY 28
WEST ROXBURY, LONGWOOD , DANVERS
JULY 23 - 29
BOWDOIN COLLEGE
BRUNSWICK, ME
Our Summer horse camp is open to girls and boys ages 7 – 13. Campers team up with one of the farm’s gentle school horses or ponies and learn to care for their equine partner while socializing with other “horse-loving” kids.
Beginners start safely on a lead line with an experienced counselor, then learn to steer and control their mount, ride independently, trot and post, and eventually canter and jump. Every step along the way is exciting and fun. Students show off their new skills in a riding demonstration for parents every Friday.
Orchard Hill Equestrian Center’s horseback riding summer camp activities include:
• Horseback Riding! Approximately 1 hour per day
• Horse care, grooming, horse show preparation
• Games and fun activities focused on horses
• Arts & Crafts classes and lunch indoors
• Friday riding demonstration for parents
• Indoor riding and learning facilities (available on rainy days)
Year Established: 2006
Gender: Coed
Age Range: 7-13
Camp Capacity: 16
Camp Length: Week Long
Camp Cost Per Week: $550 - $600 per week
Kids learn horse anatomy and horse care between mounted rides, enjoy lunch and snacks, practice vaulting, and create equine-inspired arts & crafts outdoors on our 70+ acre farm.
June 26 -Aug 18, 2023
Looking for a unique & unforgettable summer program for your child?
Established in 1917, Tabor Summer Camp is located on the beautiful seaside campus of Tabor Academy. We hope that you will join us for a summer filled with enrichment, exploration, and fun. The camp gives young people ages 6-17 the opportunity to develop their full potential as individuals, teammates, and learners within a day camp. Under the guidance of highly qualified counselors, teachers, and coaches, the program encourages young people to learn, discover, and grow on our playing fields, in art spaces, and on the waterfront. Tabor Summer Camp provides the option of thoughtful enrichment without losing any of the joys of summer.
Join us at…TABOR SUMMER CAMP!
Tabor Summer Camp has taught me
How to work together
Friendship defies distance
To treat every day like Friday
How to be inspired
To be creative
How not to be shy
The value of teamwork
Always try new things
How to rig a boat
Gain confidence
How to be independent and responsible
Set
Summertime is meant to be FUN and the Tabor Summer Camp offers a wide range of engaging and enriching offerings. Campers will play, swim, act, create, and sail throughout Tabor’s 85-acre campus and Sippican Harbor.
Our tennis courts, track, seven playing fields (including our turf facilities),allow campers to play sports and games, and our waterfront rivals that of most universities and yacht clubs. Our sailing docks are literally in our back yard. Campers may also take advantage of our state-of-the-art Athletic Center, home to our international squash courts, multipurpose gym, and much more. Our offerings allo child to learn something new and expand their knowledge their interests.
Please visit our website at www.taborsummer.org to about the wonderful opportunities our program offers and join us for an unforgettable summer by the sea!
Summer Camp
2023
I can make friends with anyone from anywhere!
Y o u r c h i l d w i l l h a v e f u n l e a r n
C o d i n g ( S c r a t c h , P y t h o n )
R o b o t i c s ( L e g o , B a t t l e B o
M i n e c r a f t & R o b l o x
V i d e o G a m e D e s i g n ( F l o w l a b
Y o u T u b e V i d e o C r e a t i o n
D i g i t a l A r t & D e s i g n ( A d o b e ) . . . A n d m o r e !
5 0 + s i n g l e - w e e k c a m p s a v a i l a b l e .
O n l i n e o r i n - p e r s o n . L o c a t i o n s t h r o u g h o u t M A . F o r a g e s 7 - 1 3 .
S a v e $ 2 5 w i t h c o d e
C A M P 2 5
for youth ages 10 – 17, with various sessions from June 26 – August 10, 2023
Experience life on the farm: milk cows, garden, build, hike, cook, care for animals, work in the woods, sing, star gaze, shoot hoops, saw timber and enjoy the summer breezes with new and old friends.
SUMMER 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.
“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?”
“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.”
3Consider camp location.
“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 school day camp director. “But if your child has a specific interest and there isn’t a program along the way, it may be worth driving a few extra miles to get what you’re looking for.”
4 Request information.
Once you have found a potential camp, request more information. Ask about the counselors’ training, experience, how they are selected and if background checks are performed. 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?
5 Find out about the facility.
Is there enough space indoors for the children to play during inclement weather? Are outdoor equipment and grounds wellmaintained? Are the children’s swimming skills tested before they enter the water? Is the staff trained in lifesaving and present during all water activities?
6Ask 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?
7 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?”
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 divorce or has experienced a recent death, as this may affect your child’s personality or temperament.
Before camp begins, read over the policies and procedures with your child so you both know what to expect. In recent years, many organizations have developed strict policies regarding technology and other valuable items. “This is to protect the children and their property; we can’t be responsible for things that are lost or stolen,” says Walsh. “If restricted items are brought in, we ask kids to put them away and send a note home reminding parents they are not allowed.”
Use a permanent marker or a name stamp specifically for fabric.
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.
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.
By Jim Castrataro
MANY PARENTS STRUGGLE WITH THE QUESTION OF WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN’S MEDICATIONS, specifically 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 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 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 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 25 years directing and consulting a variety of camp programs for thousands of children and young adults ranging from 5 to 18 years of age.
Summer camp is often a place to send elementary-age kids so they aren’t sitting around the house bored and so they’ll make friends and learn new things while having fun. As kids grow out of their “little kid years,” we sometimes forget that they still need those kinds of experiences they had when they were younger, just in a different form. Maybe you don’t think your teen needs summer camp. Your teen should be babysitting, mowing lawns, working at the pool, hanging around with friends, right? Well, sure! But why not send them off for a week or more of summer fun and learning this year for a break? Here are some great benefits for teens attending summer camp:
back. Community service camps offer a great chance for teens to make a difference and help out in the community, while also learning skills that will carry them through their lives. Kids get to spend their days helping others, which just feels good to everyone involved. Maybe your teen will learn how to pack food for the homeless, teach kids how to read or work on a project that will benefit the community, like cleaning up a playground or fixing equipment. They could even learn how to paint a house, care for a yard for an elderly person who is unable to do so anymore … or they may even learn how to plan and build a house for someone who is in need.
that could be helpful in his educational or work life later on down the road.
4Deepening their faith. If your teen enjoys church youth groups and activities, a church or other organized religious camp might just be the ticket. The day might begin with a church service, followed by breakfast, then a hike and some time spent in the cabin with friends memorizing Bible verses for a competition at the end of the week. Later there could be singing songs around a bonfire while roasting s’mores.
By Kerrie McLoughlinthey often forget all about those things and focus on having fun with their friends while going on hikes, paddle boating, swimming and more, depending on the camp they choose! Bonus points for activity if they choose a camp targeted to a sport your kid is passionate about.
8 Standing on their own.
Let’s face it: as our kids get older they start to grow away from us. They are simply preparing to head out on their own and they are also preparing you for that transition by perhaps being a little distant. They are stuck in between childhood and adulthood, and it’s a confusing time. Going away to camp for even a short period of time helps teach independence. There is a daily structure at camp that’s already in place which teens need to follow. Parents aren’t the ones doing the nagging, so teens don’t tune it out, while respecting other adults and learning from them.
Making
friends. It’s important to continue to grow and change, and adding new friends to one’s life enriches it at any age. Some teens attend the same camp or camps every summer and might find the same friends there year after year. Many are attending for the very first time and need to hone their social skills to make new friends and get to know other kids in their age range outside of a school setting. Being in close proximity for days or weeks helps kids get closer, faster.
Whether your teen attends a camp to learn more about horses, adventure, a specific sport or anything else, they have an entire day, week or longer to focus on that one activity and really immerse themselves in it. Who knows? Your teen might find a new passion that he never thought of before
5Developing a hobby. When your child is unplugged from the TV, video game player or smartphone, they can really focus on developing a hobby in a creative way. It seems like these days there’s a camp for pretty much any interest your kid has. There are camps for horse and other animal lovers, sports lovers of all types (think developing soccer skills, swimming, football, volleyball, baseball -anything!), Boy Scout camp (it covers so many different hobbies and topics), Girl Scout camp (it also covers so many great skills) … the list goes on!
6 Working as a team. Your child will be meeting kids of different ages and from different backgrounds. Learning how to get along and work as a team is a huge life skill that will be reinforced at camp. Some camps even have kids do team-building and trust activities to help kids get to know each other.
7Staying active. Forget sitting around doing “screen time” all day long during the summer! When a teen attends summer camp,
9 Appreciating everything. Away from screens (yes, I keep focusing on this one), it’s easier to focus on nature, learning, forming relationships and more. Being away from parents, kids will come home with a new appreciation for what it takes to be in a family and help out in the running of the household. Your teen will probably also appreciate funny things like a full pantry that’s open all day, their comfy bed and privacy!
Teen summer camp has so many benefits that cover all the bases, including physical, social, mental and spiritual. As for the rest of the summer? Well, your teen can spend plenty of time doing those odd jobs to help pay for camp next year!
KerrieMcLoughlinistheseasonedhomeschoolingmomoffive.Threeofthekids havedoneovernightcampandlovedit!Find them at TheKerrieShow.com.
Day Camp
781-729-3489
Ages 5-17
Make 2023 a summer to remember! Build an arcade game, program a robot, or write an original song! Learn wilderness survival skills, tackle LEGO design challenges, practice origami, and create your own augmented reality game! At Acera, children nurture their natural desire to inquire, create, innovate and experiment – drawing out kids’ leadership and self-esteem through STEM skill building, artistic expression, and projectbased learning. Our staff consists of professionals with significant experience in the classroom and in their own fields of expertise. Among them are award winners, active research scientists, and working artists. Acera’s in-person Summer Programs run from June 12 through August 25, 2023, enabling kids ages 5 and older to take on enticing projects, from electronic art and robotics to woodworking and science experiments. Our sessions run in mornings, afternoons, or for full days. Our expanded offerings for 5-8 year olds include introductions to hydrodynamics and chemistry in our Splash! and Ooey Gooey camps. For 7-10 year olds, Acera offers camps in engineering, atmospheric science, filmmaking, digital art, and more. Kids 10 and up can immerse themselves in classes like Live Action Role Play, Coding with Arduino, Arcade Game Design, and more. Early drop off and late pickup available.
http://www.aceraschool.org/ summer-camps/
Day and Overnight Camp
978-749-4400
Grades 7-12
Andover Summer at Phillips
Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, is widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier summer academic enrichment programs, helping students from across the United States and around the world to achieve ambitious goals. Andover Summer offers three distinct programs: Summer Session, eSummer and Advantage. Each are uniquely designed to meet the varying demands on the modern student and family.
https://www.andover.edu/summer
AZ-U-MAK-IT EQUESTRIAN SUMMER HORSEMANSHIP PROGRAM (PLYMPTON)
Day Program
781-561-5961
Ages 7-18
Family run business, offering riding lessons, horsemanship programs, leasing, showing, an IEA team, and more!
Our program is designed to offer equine educational basics, such as horse care, grooming and how to tack up, along with traditional summer camp activities such as arts & crafts and games. Included is a daily group riding lesson.
https://www.azumakitfarm.com/
music in a performance with your ensemble at the end of the week.
https://college.berklee.edu/BIAAE/ programs/day-sessions-able
Day Camp
617-456-6333
Ages 5-9
BBS partners with local art organizations including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, to immerse students in collaborative cultural learning and activities. Ballet technique and musicality are explored through original activities developed by expert faculty members. This program guides students on a journey from understanding the use of space to the creation of original dances. No experience required – beginners welcome!
https://www.bostonballet. org/education-program/ ballet-and-arts-explorations/
Day and Virtual Programs
617-474-5181
Entering Grades 5-12
SESSIONS SUMMER MUSIC PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (BOSTON)
Day Program
617-747-2760
Ages 9-17
At Berklee, we believe that the arts better the lives of everyone. That’s why we offer the ABLE Day Sessions program for musicians with disabilities. Study your instrument in group lessons. Play or sing with other musicians in an ensemble. Experience music through drumming, singing, and music technology workshops. Learn from other musicians in clinics. Share your
Whether you’re are looking for academic enrichment, athletic growth or just want to enjoy some good old fashion fun, BC High is the place to be this summer.
For the academically minded student, BC High offers top notch academic courses in a wide variety of areas including SAT/ACT Prep, Chemistry, Biology, Algebra, Geometry, Trig for Calculus, Digital Photography, Intro to Drawing, High School Writing and more. Rising high school seniors can get a jump start on their common application in our College Essay class. Additionally, middle schoolers can get ahead with Math Fundamentals, Writing Fundamentals, Study Skills
classes and an Intro to Algebra I class.
High school and middle school athletes will enjoy our sports camps which are designed for players of all ability levels. Led by dedicated BC High coaches, our goal is to promote teamwork and fun through various drills, games and competitions. Camps are offered in Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Lacrosse and Football. Just looking to maintain a strong body? Check out our Scholastic Sports Performance Program to improve mobility, strength, power, speed and conditioning.
For campers interested in trying something different this summer, we offer the following specialty programs: Arts Camp, All Sports, Minecraft, Coding & Robotics, Roblox Mission to Mars! and Dungeons and Dragons.
https://www.bchigh.edu/ summer-programs
Day Camp
781-647-0546
Ages 4-15
With traditional camp programs, enrichment offerings, academic discovery classes, trips, and teen leadership options coming together under one umbrella, we are excited about Branches at Meadowbrook: a collection of summer and yearround programs. Branches is intended to represent our summer programs as an extension of the The Meadowbrook School’s mission and values, the opportunity to reach higher, and the goal for children and young adults to “branch out” exploring new interests and ideas. https://www.branchesmeadowbrook. org
Day and Overnight Camp
978-725-6253
Ages 3-18
For more than half a century, Brooks School has been a quintessential summer experience and tradition for generations of families. Through its dedication to offering the highestquality youth development programs and devoted staff, Brooks has achieved its place as the leader in summer programs.
https://summer.brooksschool.org
NH)
Overnight Camp
603-859-4525
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 kids have the time of their lives for two, four or six weeks while making lasting friendships and memories.
https://campbirchhill.com
CAMP CODY (FREEDOM, NH)
Overnight Camp 603-539-4997
Ages 7-17
At Camp Cody, we believe that carefully tailoring the summer experience to the individual camper creates, on a larger scale, a successful and enjoyable summer for all campers. At our spectacular location, campers develop independence, self-confidence make
friends, and have great experiences. https://campcody.com
Overnight Camp
905-569-7595
Ages 6-18
Camp Kodiak is Canada’s premier overnight summer camp for children and teens, ages 6-18, with and without LD, ADHD, and high-functioning ASD. Highlights include: SOCIAL SKILLS PROGRAM, ACADEMIC PROGRAM, 50+ activities, 2:1 camper-to-staff ratio
https://www.campkodiak.com/
Overnight Camp
207-845-2555
Ages 8-16
Founded in 1946, Camp Med-O-Lark is a coed, arts summer camp for ages 8–16, nestled on the banks of a pristine lake in Washington, Maine.
Med-O-Lark campers create their own schedule from a wide variety of activities — performing arts, fine arts, sports, waterfront fun, and much more.
Med-O-Lark is an open, diverse, non-competitive community, where campers make friendships for a lifetime!
https://medolark.com
Day Camp
508-785-8250
Age: 2-17
CRS Summer provides fun and enriching programs for kids between the ages of 2 and 17 on our beautiful 16-acre campus. In addition to our renowned Creative Arts Program, featuring dance, music, visual art, technology, film and theater,
we have camp options in STEM, nature, entrepreneurship and more. Campers will be able to spend time in our outdoor Wetlands lab, on the fields playing sports and other games and in our swimming pool. Our newest program, CRS Summer Minis, offers drop-in toddler programs. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment for all of our campers.
https://www.charlesriverschool.org/ crs-summer
Day Camp
800-213-2417
Age: 8-16
CodeWizardsHQ offers the most fun (and effective!) virtual coding camps and classes. Hands-on interactive learning in small groups, customizable projects, and highly rated instructors provide an experience students love.
Minecraft and Roblox coding camps are perfect for gamers interested in coding. Camps use Minecraft to teach computing concepts. Kids build projects inside Minecraft while
using it as a tool to learn coding. A Roblox camp introduces students to the world of Roblox game creation! By the completion of this camp, students will have a completed project and the skills to create games.
Accelerated classes cover the same content as the year-round program. Students can complete 3 full courses in one summer! Students learn Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and more. Save $20 with Code BP20.
Summer is the perfect time to start a coding education. Students who enroll in our summer camps can continue coding with a $100 credit toward core classes.
https://www.codewizardshq.com
Overnight Camp
413-644-4400
Grade Range 9-11
Curiosity Camp at Simon’s Rock is open to inquisitive and motivated students interested in exploring their academic and creative interests in a college environment while they are currently completing grades 9, 10 or 11. Students will participate
daily in Simon’s Rock’s signature Writing and Thinking Workshop along with a Seminar, and arts and science courses to experience diverse and exciting academic offerings. The program’s cohort of 30 students allows for small class sizes where students and professors can collaborate and engage in dynamic discourse in this academic summer camp.
https://simons-rock.edu/academics/ beyond-the-classroom/curiositycamp.php
Day & Overnight Camp
888-512-8154
Grades 5-11
Debate Camp provides summer training programs in public speaking, debate and Model UN for students in grades 5 to 11. Debate Camp is pleased to be hosting its American Overnight Debate Camp on the campus of Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, Maine (known for its exceptional food service among other things) Campers are housed in a supervised dormitory setting and debates and activities take place throughout the college campus. Boston area campers can take
advantage of to / from supervised train travel on Amtrack’s BostonMaine Downeaster Train; full details on our website.
http://www.debatecamp.com/boston
Day Camp
781-320-1832
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. Programs for children ages 3-entering 10th grade. Each week is a different theme! Check out our website for weekly themes. Entertainment brought in each week.
LITs and CITs enjoy being a combination of camper and counselor. It’s the best of both worlds for your middle and high schoolers.
https://www.dedhamcountryday.org/ summer-camp/
Day Camp
(315) 773-5673
Ages 8-17
Immerse your child in one or more week-long STEM experiences,
exploring applied science and engineering. Individual and team projects make it hands-on. Choose from ten different topics and 43 sessions. Easy to find a week that works!
https://www.edgeonscience.com/ summer-camps/
Day Camp
617-395-7527
Ages 7-15
At Empow Studios, kids have fun exploring all that STEM includes, finding their passion, and accelerating their learning. With classes and camps across five STEM domains – Digital Art & Design, Minecraft, Coding, Robotics, and Video Game Design — kids deepen their technology skills as they build amazing beginner to advanced projects.
Empow Studios is honored to be trusted by more than 150 educational and enrichment organizations that support STEM programs. We’ve won more awards than any other STEM after school program or camp provider in Massachusetts!
http://www.empow.me
Day, Overnight & Virtual Options
866-858-5323
Ages 6-18
Whether your child dreams of innovating in technology, medicine, science, or shaping the future as a leader or activist, the perfect next step is to explore their future with a WorldStrides Career Exploration program. These programs offer students life-changing moments that will provide new ways to learn and grow while preparing them for a new and exciting career.
https://discover.worldstrides.com/ team-activation-boston/
Day Camp
781-694-5829
Ages 4-15
Everwood provides an unparalleled summer camp experience in the great outdoors. We are committed to supporting the social and emotional health of our campers through real opportunities for connection.
https://everwooddaycamp.com
Overnight Camp
781-762-7400
Ages 8-18
For almost 50 years, EXPLO has been thoughtfully designing summer academic enrichment programs for rising grades 4-12 that provide endless opportunities for exploration. EXPLO has been part of 88,000 students’ journeys as they find their strengths, discover new interests, make lifelong friendships with peers from around the globe, and have plenty of fun every step of the way.
EXPLO isn’t like summer camp — but it isn’t like school, either. Each day is designed to let students try different things, develop their strengths, and build new skills. On any given day, students could be defending their castle under siege, designing their own clothing line, and investigating a crime scene — all before lunch. And since students structure their own day, they get to choose the courses and electives they take and the activities and trips they participate in.
Each day at EXPLO is designed to encourage learners to dive right into new and different subjects and activities to develop their strengths and build new skills — surprising themselves with all that they’re capable of.
https://explo.org/summer-programs
Overnight Camp
603-585-7751
Ages 8-17
For a best summer ever come to Fleur de Lis - a girl’s camp filled with great fun, great learning, and great adventures in beautiful southwestern NH. Girls come for
the summer and leave with a new second home, forever friends, and life-long memories.
https://www.fleurdeliscamp.org
Day Camp
781-587-7900
Grades 1-12 (Entering)
Summer is just around the corner and we could not possibly be more excited for another amazing Summer Festival. Why is the Summer Festival one of our favorite times of the year and why should you be rushing to register right now? Good questions!
The Summer Festival is the perfect time for us in The Young Company to spread our belief that “Good Theatre Makes Good People!” What does that mean? Another Good Question!
We have stacked our Summer Festival with the greatest theatre educators in the Boston area who all know the truly magnificent impact that theatre education has on individuals, and in turn, their communities. We work every day to push our students to the next level in singing, dancing, and acting.
Even more, we create a space where performers develop agency, communication, and leadership skills that will help them succeed both as artists, and more importantly, active community members.
On top of all of this, we also feel that Summer is a time to have fun! Creating theatre and connecting with audiences brings an unmatched level of joy that every human should experience.
Whether you’ve been doing theatre your entire life or this will be your first time on stage, the Summer Festival has something new and
exciting for you.
We have students returning for their 10th (or more!) Summer Festival. If that isn’t a sign that we are doing something wonderful, we don’t know what is.
Hope to see you soon!
https://www.greaterbostonstage.org
FUSION ACADEMY (BURLINGTON/ LEXINGTON, HINGHAM, NEWTON)
Day and Virtual Camp
781-512-0505
Grades 5-12
A completely Customizable Summer Experience using our Unique 1:1 program. The summer focuses on Academic Engagement, Creative Enrichment and College Preparation. Enrolling students entering grades 5-12. In-person or Virtually.
https://www.fusionacademy.com/ summer-programs/
Day Camp & Programs
781-291-3131
Ages 6-17
iCode of Wellesley is a premier STEAM afterschool and summer camp program that teaches life skills alongside a diverse set of technologies. Using these fun and engaging activities we help children build resilience, problem solving, and team work. Cybersecurity, Virtual Reality, Digital Art, Animations, Drones, Robotics and a lot more!
https://icodeschool.com/ wellesley107/
Day Camp & Virtual Programs
818-748-8848 • ges 8-18
Our students and alumni have accomplished amazing things over
the years. Some have attended the top Ivy League Schools; others have worked at top tech companies. Additionally, our students have reached USACO Platinum, participated in MIT Primes, and ranked in the ACSL senior division. https://www.ktbyte.com/
Day Camp
617-226-4929 • Ages 3-12
Summer in the City is a day camp running June 26 through August 4. The Early Childhood Program, for rising Preschool and Kindergarten students, has full and half day options in two-week sessions. The Elementary Program, for rising First through Sixth Grade students, offers full day one-week sessions. Explore all that Boston has to offer! No Montessori experience required. https://www.kingsley. org/auxiliary-programs/ summer-in-the-city
Day Camp
781-235-3210
Ages 3-15
Based on the Dana Hall School campus in Wellesley, LINX Camps proudly serves the greater Boston area with premier camps for kids age 3-15 including junior (half and full day), general, adventure, empowerment, performing arts, sports, and STEAM camps. These fun-filled, enriching, and innovative summer programs are rich with traditions and choices. The expert staff recognizes each camper’s strengths to support the growth of younger campers while building character in older ones. The flexible sessions make for an all-encompassing experience that creates an inclusive community in which everyone thrives.
http://www.linxcamps.com/
Day Camp
508-238-2387
Ages 3-14
Maplewood is family owned and operated. We serve children ages 3 to 14. We are accredited by the American Camping Association. Children are taught the fundamental concepts of discovery, community, teamwork and fitness in a secure, fun environment.
http://www.maplewoodyearround. com/
Day and Virtual Programs
800-818-3434
Ages 8-17
Our College for Kids program strives to employ either public school teachers or experts in the field. All program employees have experience instructing children in the content area. Programs are offered on the Bedford and Lowell campuses, as well as a theater program at the Academic Arts Center in Lowell. Please note the recommended ages of each program carefully when registering your child as they range between 8 - 17. Unless otherwise stated the cost for each program includes materials/activities. College for Teens is specifically for rising high school students to explore multiple career pathways and while earning college credit in an non-traditional pathway.
https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/ collegeforkids/
Day Camp
Ages 3.9-12
Our art teachers engage children’s imaginations and feelings using open-ended instruction, allowing
children to enjoy the process of creation and the pride of accomplishment. Creating art builds confidence and helps develop decision-making. In addition to art-making, campers have time for outdoor activities and games, ensuring they have a well-rounded summer experience. We believe that art is a powerful tool for personal expression and development, and we’re excited to share that experience with your child. Enroll today to secure your child’s spot in one of our summer camps.
https://miltonartcenter.org/ mac-kids-summer-art-camps/
Day Camp
781-235-8765
Ages 3-15
NEOC’s campus is the Elm Bank Reservation in Wellesley, an expansive property that includes river-access, trails, forested areas, fields, and gardens. Camp activities include archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, cooking, games, gardening, hiking, music, orienteering, outdoor survival skills, sports, and wellness. As the camp welcomes campers ages 3 - 15, all of these activities are offered as age appropriate. A camp culture of inclusion and appreciation allows for friendships to blossom and for campers to mentor one another. As campers grow at NEOC, they are encouraged to wonder about, investigate, and build their understanding of nature.
https://www.campneoc.com
(BERLIN)
Day Camp
781-915-7533
Ages 7-13
Our Summer horse camp is open to girls and boys ages 7 - 13. Campers
team up with one of the farm’s gentle school horses or ponies and learn to care for their equine partner while socializing with other “horse-loving” kids.
https://www. orchardhillequestriancenter.com/ horseback-riding-camp/
Day Camp
617-308-9458
Age Range: 18 mo-11 years
Our inclusive and diverse community allows campers to learn from each other and to appreciate cultural similarities and differences in a fun, creative, and safe camp environment.
We offer a variety of enrichment programs tailored to your child, from ages 18 months to 11 years, including science & nature, music & movement, arts & crafts, water sports, and more! Finding the right summer program for your child can be overwhelming. We hope to make this process as seamless as possible. Your camper’s passport to adventure has arrived!
Our Summer Passport program welcomes children from over 20 countries and brings together friends from all over the globe.
Toddler/Primary program for ages 18 months to 5 years old, elementary age 6 years-11 years old.
https://www.cambridgemontessori. org/passport-extended-programs/ passport-summer-camp
Day Camp
888-886-6464
Ages 2-12
Pedalheads is a learn-to-ride week-long summer bike camp for kids 2 and up, best known for
helping kids get off of training wheels and riding on their own. We combine a fun group setting with specialized equipment, tailored cycling curriculum, and incredible instructors to build confidence and get some of the most tentative kids biking on their own. We also offer advanced bike options that focus on road safety.
https://www.pedalheads.com/
Day Camp and Virtual Programs
781-277-2755
Ages 6-18
Penguin Coding School in-person Summer Camp provides a 50-50 split between screen time and non-screen time. Students explore Coding,
3-D Printing, LEGO Robotics, and Outdoor Hands-On Science.
Kids ages 6-9 can choose between Minecraft or Scratch themed camp, and those 9-12 can choose either Python or Roblox themed camp. Camps for 6-12 are structured on a weekly basis and all camp days are from 9am-3pm (Extended day till 5pm can be purchased for $40 per day)
Penguin Coding School also holds Summer Weekly High School Intensive Courses for Ages 13-18. Students can learn Python, Java, or Mobile App Development. These courses are designed to excel students to the next level and prepare them for AP Exams.
https://penguincodingschool.com/ summer
Day Camp
508-647-1777
Ages 3 & up
Our Swim & Gym Summer Day Program was carefully designed to provide children with an active day of learning, fun and games! Our gym lessons focus on teaching strength, flexibility, coordination and creative movements. Our swim lessons focus on teaching the basics of breath control, buoyancy, balance, movement and safety. A variety of games, crafts, activities and challenges will keep the children active, engaged and excited throughout the entire day. Our superb staff is energetic, caring and committed to creating a wonderful experience for every child.
https://planetgym.com/day-program/
Day Camp
781-444-1879
Ages 8-19
Music That Matters is an in-person summer day camp that includes band class, songwriting, recording a song, music video, workshops, offsite events, and performance opportunities. Each session ends with a benefit concert that raises money for a charitable organization chosen by the students themselves. Extended day is available. Students are grouped in bands by age, skill level and musical interest. https://www.pluggedinband.org/ summercamp
Day Camp & Summer Programs
617-484-4696
Ages 5-11 (CIT 13-15)
Summer at Powers is flexible, fun, and open to whatever your family wants to achieve. It’s a great time
to experiment and explore, or to go deeper into music you’ve been wanting to work on for ages. It’s also a time for friendship. Some of the people you meet during the warmer months might become good friends who stick with you during the year.
We offer a more relaxed version of traditional private lessons and the Suzuki program, a number of early childhood group classes, and five full-day programs for a range of interests and abilities.
Want to try a new instrument? Learn fiddle? Introduce your toddler to music? Perfect that passage you’ve been struggling with? We can help you do any, or all, of those. Make this the summer you say yes. https://powersmusic.org/ summer-day-programs/
RIVERBAND - SUMMER AT RIVERBAND (NATICK)
Day Camp
508-655-7333
Ages 2-9
Students will have a blast engaging in water slides, nature, sports, climbing, arts and crafts, gaming, and more!
https://riverbendschool.org/ our-programs/summer-riverbend/
RL SUMMER (WEST ROXBURY)
Day Camp
617-477-6327
Ages 6-16
About RL Summer
Summer at Roxbury Latin means growth and skill-building, fun and excitement, making new friends and doing what you love. With more than a dozen athletic and academic enrichment programs to choose from, students from in and around Boston can spend summer days honing skills in a favorite sport, learning how to code, testing their abilities in speech and debate, or becoming more
prepared for standardized tests.
Boys and girls—ages 6 through 16—can create and investigate, learn new skills, or further develop their interests on Roxbury Latin’s beautiful and intimate 117acre campus, in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. RL Summer programs are conducted with the same expertise and dedication that the school offers its own students throughout the academic year.
https://www.rlsummer.org/
Day Camp
Ages 4-12
Campers (ages 4-12) choose minute to minute from a variety of activities including, sewing, stop-motion animation, music, performing arts, makers crafts, bread making, and more. They’ll decide what they want to do, and for how long–developing confidence and learning to trust their judgment along the way. Open at 3 Locations This Summer in Boston and Somerville.
https://steveandkatescamp.com
Day Camp
508-543-9619
Grades PK-8
Summer Sage 2023 provides five weeks (Monday, June 26-Friday, July 28) of wide-ranging programs in STEAM, sports, social and emotional learning, and more! Students have the option to attend morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions, with before and after care available. There’s no other summer program like it!
We bring together talented Sage faculty and staff, alumni, and local community members to lead our exciting workshops. These educators will be offering more than 75 courses this summer that take advantage
of Sage’s 15-acre campus, academic and athletic facilities, and visual and performing arts spaces.
Summer Sage program sizes are kept smaller than those at other summer camps so students can get the most out of each week. Courses are filling up quickly, so now’s the time to make sure your child doesn’t miss this opportunity for connection and discovery this summer!
https://sageschool.org/program/ summer-sage/
508-650-1561
Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-10
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/
781-444-5444
Age or Grade Range: Ages 2.9-5
Full days of summer fun with flexible two week sessions, experienced educators, lots of outside time, daily water play, theme weeks and more! Schedule options include 7:30- 6, 7:30-3:15 and 9am-3:15pm.
http://tobinbeaudet.com/programs/ summer/
Day Program
617-912-0400
Ages 3-17
provides students fun and unique opportunities to explore meaningful facets of our complex and multilingual world. Each day in our immersive program, students build their confidence in French, make
friends and develop new skills for their future.
https://frenchlibrary.org/ summer-in-french/
Day Camp
508-291-8342
Ages 6-17
Join us for an unforgettable summer by the sea full of friends, sports, adventures, and learning at the Tabor Summer Camp. We offer a variety of engaging activities and enrichment courses for young people ages 6-17 on our beautiful seaside campus. http://taborsummer.org/
Day Camp
781-235-1550
Ages 5-18
Wellesley Theatre Project is a nationally recognized, award winning, nonprofit arts accademy offering year round classes and productions for students 2nd through 12th grade. Join us this summer for a wide range of summer camps for both beginners and experienced stage performers – including Production Camps: Disney’s Frozen, Kids, Disney’s Newsies, and Guys and Dolls. From audition preparation to Opening Night, all students will learn what it takes to produce a stage show. Each camp will conclude with performances of a fully realized production professionally produced and ticketed for the public As well as specialty one week camps including – Audition Prep: Acting Intensive, Head to Hogwarts!, Fractured Fairy Tales, Discover Disney!, From Page To Stage: Yay Unicorns, From Page To Stage: Quack-A-Doodle-Moo!, From Page To Stage: Yay More Unicorns!, From Page to Stage: Wild Safari, and
From Page to Stage: Splash! Pirates and Mermaids.
https://www.wellesleytheatreproject. org/summer-camps
Overnight Camp
508-867-3780
Ages 7-16
YMCA Camp Frank A. Day, or “CFAD” as many campers and alum call it, is a coed summer overnight camp west of Boston in beautiful East Brookfield, MA. Summer after summer, Camp Frank A. Day campers bond as a community as they learn how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group. Through physical, social and educational activities, our campers gain self-reliance, a love for nature and the outdoors, and the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership—all amidst the fun of camp fires, bugle calls, boating, sports, archery, performance and visual arts, music, long standing camp traditions, and talent shows! https://www.wsymca.org/camps/ frank-a-day
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Day, Family and Overnight Camps
617-927-8060
Ages 3-16
Y Day Camp keeps kids engaged, safe, healthy and learning. At the Y, we focus on your child as a whole, including top-notch sports and swimming instruction, exploration of the community, and developing life-long friendships.
https://ymcaboston.org/ youth-and-family/camps/
YOUR 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.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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. ■
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.
