Community Corner
Summer Camp Guide for Swampscott
Enrollment is starting soon for many summer camps. Here's a selection of summer camps in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
With the choice and variety of summer camps available in New England in 2013, boredom won't be an option.
Organizations, from the YMCA to your local parks and recreation department, offer dozens of camp choices for recreation, science, reading, sports, music and more. Whether you're looking for an all-around experience or a more focused camp, this list can easily launch your camp search with examples in your town and surrounding areas.
We start our list with overnight camps in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Scroll down if you're looking for day camps. If you have a camp you would like to add, place it in the comments.
Overnight Camps
Massachusetts
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Location: Center Lake, Becket, (Berkshires), MA
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Type: Traditional overnight camp
Dates: 3 week, 4 week, full season
Details: Established in 1937, and owned and directed by the Hoch Family since 1960, Watitoh is an overnight camp for children, ages 7-16, who like to take part in an active program of land and water sports, creative and performing arts and outdoor hiking and camping.
Information: www.campwatitoh.com, 914-428-1894
Cape Cod Sea Camp
Location: Brewster, MA
Type: Overnight sports, activities and lessons
Dates: 3 1/2 or 7 week session, June 30-August 17
Details: Resident Campers have the opportunity to choose different activities out of an average of twenty (20). Activity periods are approximately one hour.
Information: www.capecodseacamps.com, 508-896-3451
PrimeTime Lacrosse
Location: Babson College, Wellesley, MA
Type: Overnight Lacrosse
Dates: 1 week sessions, July 14-August 8
Details: With PrimeTime Lacrosse you see a staff of individuals that is always engaged with the campers, holding themselves and the players to the highest level of sportsmanship and integrity on and off the field.
Information: www.primetimelacrosse.com
Camp Emerson
Location: Hinsdale, MA
Type: Traditional cam
Dates: 2, 4, 6 week sessions, June 30-August 10
Details: The program is designed to bring out each campers’ talents and to challenge them to try new things.
Information: www.campemerson.com
Seafaring
Location: Boston, MA
Type: Seafaring adventure
Dates: July 27-August 7
Details: Seafaring Camp is a one-week co-educational learning adventure for teens aged 13-16, exploring the marine environment of coastal New England to discover the sea’s rich diversity of life, history, and lore.
Information: www.oceanclassroom.org
Camp Danbee
Location: Hinsdale, MA
Type: Girls traditional
Dates: June 22-August 10
Details: Camp Danbee offers girls a well-rounded, comprehensive, and instructionally oriented program. The skilled and enthusiastic staff of specialized instructors help campers to improve their abilities whether in the pool, on the soccer field, in gymnastics, in art, at dance, on the lake or on stage.
Information: www.campdanbee.com
Camp Atwater
Location: North Brookfield, MA
Type: Traditional, segregated
Dates: Boys: June 30-July 13; Girls: July 14-July 27
Details: A full range of environmental education activities, challenge, adventure and individual/group task are experienced in order to expand personal confidence, develop group cooperation, acquire practical living skills; and heighten environment awareness.
Information: www.campatwater.org
Wizards & Warriors
Location: Westford, MA
Type: Adventure
Dates: 3 sessions; June 30-August 9
Details: This is the most immersive summer camp experience with outdoor battles and encounters, late night events, and special events planned. All meals are provided. Campers reside in either wooden cabins with screen windows and doors, or platform cabin tents with screen windows and doors.
Information: swordsummercamp.com
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac
Location: Lenox, MA
Type: Boys traditional
Dates: June 22-August 10
Details: Campers participate in a variety of activities that features team and individual sports, lake and pool activities, outdoor adventure, and arts & creativity featuring our popular woodshop.
Information: www.campmkn.com
John Smith Sports
Location: Needham, Marlboro, North Andover, Weston, MA
Type: Soccer
Dates: June 24-August 16
Details: Each morning is concentrated on individual techniques, while in the afternoon, on tactics. Each session is followed by our 6v6 tournament to give campers the opportunity to utilize their new skills in a match situation.
Information: johnsmithsports.com
Emagination Camp
Location: Bentley University, Waltham, MA
Type: Technology
Dates: June 30-August 16
Details: This core computer camp program is for 8-17 year olds and balances technology learning with fun summer camp activities in two-week sessions. It also offers a one week mini session at the end of the summer. It also offers over 20 Technology Workshops plus five recreation choices including Retro Games, Tennis, Swimming and Drama.
Information: www.computercamps.com/massachusetts/summer_camp.html
New Hampshire
Camp Cody
Location: 9 Cody Rd., Freedom, NH
Type: Traditional overnight camp
Dates: 2 & 4 week sessions, June 23-August 17
Details: Nestled on the sandy beaches of beautiful Lake Ossipee amidst the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Cody offers a summer experience rich in fun, friendship, learning and adventure for ages 7 to 15.
Information: www.campcody.com, 800-399-4436
Wildwood
Location: Rindge, NH
Type: Overnight nature camp
Dates: 1 & 2 week sessions, June 30-August 24
Details: Wildwood is a multidimensional summer program for young people ages 9 to 17 focusing on active exploration of the natural world, owned and operated by Mass Audubon.
Information: www.massaudubon.org
Adventure Camp Sargent Center
Location: Hancock, NH
Type: Adventure/wilderness
Dates: 6 & 13 day sessions, July 3-August 12
Details: In-camp adventures include: low & high ropes courses, group initiatives, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, archery, waterfront activities, and on-site backpacking trips. Our Wilderness Trip program features off-site trips for 3-8 days in rock climbing, kayaking, backpacking, mountain biking and canoeing through New England.
Information: www.naturesclassroom.org/sargent
Beam Camp
Location: Strafford, NH
Type: Building, Arts, Science, Creative Problem-solving
Dates: 2 4-week sessions, June 29-August 21
Details: At Beam kids learn to make their ideas happen through fine and manual arts, technology and collaboration. Campers collaborate on the spectacular Beam Project and engage with the full-time and visiting staff of professional architects, videographers, builders, engineers, designers, and makers of all kinds.
Information: www.beamcamp.com
Birchmont-A Pierce Camp
Location: Wolfeboro, NH
Type: Private
Dates: 3, 4 or 7 week sessions, June 26-August 14
Details: Birchmont offers excellent programs in tennis, basketball, base/softball, soccer, golf, riflery, archery, nature, woodworking, ceramics, physical fitness, mountain biking, yoga, performing arts, high and low element ropes/challenge courses, horseback riding and fitness center.
Information: www.campbirchmont.com
Brantwood
Location: Peterborough, NH
Type: Traditional
Dates: 16 day sessions, June 26-August 18
Details: Founded in 1904, Brantwood Camp enrolls campers primarily from low-income and/or inner-city families from New England, New Jersey and New York. Brantwood fosters community spirit and building young men and women who are confident, independent and responsible leaders. Boys and girls experience camps on separate facilities.
Information: www.brantwood.org
Camp Allen
Location: Bedford, NH
Type: Developmental disabilities and outdoor challenges
Dates: 5 & 10 day sessions, June 12-August 26
Details: Camp Allen provides opportunities for growth, friendship and fun for children and adults with developmental disabilities and other challenges in an outdoor environment. The ratio of counselor to camper is 1:2 and a 1:1 is available.
Information: www.campallennh.org
Camp Starfish
Location: Rindge
Type: One-on-one camper to counselor
Dates: June 23-August 17
Details: Surrounded by the support of the staff and the increased confidence which comes from positive interactions with their peers, campers participate in "traditional" camp activities, such as arts and crafts, swim instruction, boating, nature exploration, sports, drama, music, athletics, and more.
Information: campstarfish.org
Day camps
Massachusetts
Location: 11-acres in Marblehead, MA
Type: Award-winning day camp programs for toddlers to teens, with weekly sessions
Details: We run award-winning camp programs here on our beautiful 11-acre campus with Outdoor/Indoor Pools, Playing Fields, Basketball and Tennis Courts, Gymnasium, Dance Studio and Art Studios. Choose from PrimeTime for Toddlers, KinderCamp, Simchah Specialties (like Golf, Tennis, Robotics, Art, Dance and more) and a Teen Internship Program.
Information: www.jccns.org/camp or Camp Director Scott Kaplan at skapan@jccns.com, 781-631-8330
Camp Nashoba
Location: 140 Nashoba Rd., Littleton, MA
Type: Traditional summer day camp
Cost/Dates: 2 weeks, $1500; 3 weeks, $2230; 4 weeks, $2,950; 8 weeks, $5600
When: June 24-August 16
Details: Camp Nashoba is a Massachusetts children's camp located northeast of Boston offering traditional summer camp experiences for boys and girls ages 4 to 15. Nashoba is often described as a day camp with a wide variety of land and water activities with the feel of a New England overnight camp.
Information: www.campnashobaday.com, 978-486-8088
Maplewood
Location: 150 Foundry St. (Rte. 106), South Easton, MA
Type: Traditional summer day camp
Cost/Dates: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 weeks, June 24-August 16
Details: Maplewood tradition by offering campers, ages 3 to 14, an opportunity to express their creativity; to strive for achievement; to experience fun and adventure; to discover and develop skills in physical fitness with active non-competitive, a wide variety of activities, and individual attention.
Information: http://blog.maplewoodyearround.com/home/
Summer's Edge
Location: Lexington/Salem
Type: Tennis day camp
Dates: Weekly, June 24-August 16
Details: Summer’s Edge Day Camp believes in offering campers group activities as well as individual choices. The afternoon schedule includes free choice activity periods and one free swim period.
Information: www.summersedgedaycamp.com, 781-391-EDGE
Hale Reservation
Location: 80 Carby St., Westwood
Type: Traditional summer day camp
Dates: Weekly, June 24-August 23
Details: Situated on 1,130 acres of unspoiled woodlands, winding streams, extensive hiking trails and scenic ponds, Hale Day Camp offers the perfect backdrop for a summer of outdoor exploration and learning.
Information: www.halereservation.org, 781-326-1770
Middlesex School Summer Arts Program
Location: 1400 Lowell Rd., Concord, MA
Type: Performing arts, visual arts, recreation
Dates: 2, 3 5 week sessions, June 24-July 26
Details: The program offers over 100 courses for grades 2-11 in art, dance, drama, technical theater, gymnastics, music, video production, writing, photography, textiles, sports and other fields.
Information: www.mxschoolsummerarts-org, 978-371-6550
Green Apple Campus
Location: Olin College, Needham, MA
Type: Science, technology, engineering, architecture, design and invention
Dates: Weekly, July 1-August 9
Details: Programs are categorized as Adventures with LEGO®, Robotics in Engineering & Invention and Digital Media & Technology. Staff provides assistance, instruction, sample projects, challenge projects and theme based outlines.
Information: www.greenapplecamps.com, 877-735-4550
Camp Thoreau
Location: 275 Forest Ridge Rd., Concord
Type: Traditional day camp
Dates: 2 week sessions, June 24-August 23
Details: Mornings are filled with engaging instructional programs such as Red Cross swim lessons and archery. Campers choose how they want to spend their afternoons by signing up for hobbies (or electives). Some hobbies include candle making, hip-hop dancing and ultimate frisbee.
Information: www.campthoreau.com, 978-831-1349
Celtics Cowens Camp
Location: Waltham, Canton, Hanover, MA
Type: Basketball camp
Dates: 1 week sessions, July 8-August 23
Details: Celtics Cowens Camps will provide boys and girls ages 10-18 a structured learning experience focused on basketball fundamentals like offense, defense and shooting, while encouraging personal development in sportsmanship and team participation.
Information: www.nba.com/celtics/camps
Meadowbrook Day Camp
Location: 10 Farm Rd., Weston, MA
Type: Traditional day camp
Details: Open to children in kindergarten through age 12 ½, this coeducational camp offers a group-centered approach and a multitude of fun and educational activities. The camp was founded in 1950 and is accredited by the American Camping Association.
Information: www.meadowbrook-ma.org/daycamp, 781-894-1193
Fay Discovery Day Camp
Location: 48 Main St., Southborough, MA
Type: Traditional day camp
Dates: 1 week sessions, June 24-August 16
Details: Campers are grouped by age, and daily schedules include swimming lessons along with an ever-changing mix of activities. Campers who want to pursue a hobby or interest in more depth can choose our weeklong Specialty Camps, which offer a half-day focus on one topic coupled with a half-day of traditional camp activities.
Information: fayschool.org/summer/daycamp, 508-485-0100
TenAcre Camp
Location: Tenacre Country Day School, 80 Benvenue St., Wellesley, MA
Type: Traditional day camp
Dates: 2-week sessions, June 24-August 16
Details: Tenacre Day Camp is a traditional, fun summer experience for children ages 3 to 12. Campers are encouraged to participate in a wide range of age-appropriate activities which promotes group cohesiveness and provides opportunities for individual growth and creativity.
Information: www.tenacrecds.org/summer, 781-235-3238
Bulldog Baseball School Development Camp
Location: Dean College, Franklin, MA
Type: Baseball day camp
Dates: 4-day sessions, July 1-July 18
Details: This 4-day commuter camp is open to players between the ages of 7 and 13. The knowledgeable and energetic staff will provide campers with specialized instruction covering all phases of the game.
Information: www.bulldogbaseballschool.com, 203-520-1814
Mass. Audubon
Location: Throughout Massachusetts
Type: Nature day camps
Dates: 1 week sessions, June 24-August 16
Details: At Mass Audubon's summer camp programs, children spend time outdoors, discover the natural world, meet new friends, play noncompetitive games and have fun! And with 18 day camps from the Berkshires to the Cape & Islands, and everywhere in between, there's a Mass audubon camp in your neighborhood.
Information: www.massaudubon.org/camps
PrimeTime Lacrosse
Location: Franklin, Dover, Natick, Wellesley, Foxboro, Marlboro, MA
Type: Lacrosse camp
Dates: 4-day sessions, June 25-July 28
Details: With PrimeTime Lacrosse you see a staff of individuals that is always engaged with the campers, holding themselves and the players to the highest level of sportsmanship and integrity on and off the field.
Information: primetimelacrosse.com
New Hampshire
Celtics Cowens Camp
Location: Hampton, NH
Type: Basketball camp
Dates: 1 week sessions, July 8-August 23
Details: Celtics Cowens Camps will provide boys and girls ages 10-18 a structured learning experience focused on basketball fundamentals like offense, defense and shooting, while encouraging personal development in sportsmanship and team participation.
Information: www.nba.com/celtics/camps
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Location: Holderness, NH
Type: Nature
Dates: 1, 4 & 5 day sessions, July 8-August 12
Details: Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, and lake cruises, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors for over forty years about our natural world.
Information: www.nhnature.org/programs/guided_discoveries.php?gclid=COXCg57A9bUCFYdT4...
Camp Kettleford
Location: Bedford, NH
Type: Girl Scouts
Dates: June 27-August 12
Details: Camp Kettleford focuses on building community, creating connections and helping girls gain independence. Campers participate in general program activities such as swimming, boating, arts, drama, games and outdoor cooking.
Information: www.girlscoutsgwm.org
YMCA
Location: Salem, NH
Type: Traditional
Dates: June 20-September 2
Details: Camp Sandlot includes a variety of activities: soccer, hip hop/ drama, wiffleball, dodgeball, crafts, football, musical theater, tug of war, swimming and kayaking. A Special camp is held for a 2 week Musical Theater camp.
Information: www.sandlotsportsnh.com
Camp Shaker
Location: Concord, NH
Type: Recreation
Dates: June 20-August 26
Details: Camp Shaker is primarily a recreational program located in picturesque East Concord, NH. The 50 acre campus offers swimming, golf, fitness trails, and kayaking from our offsite campus on the banks of the Merrimack.
Information: www.shakerroad.com
Melody Pines
Location: Manchester, NH
Type: Traditional
Dates: June 20-August 26
Details: Activities include group games and sports, daily swimming lessons, free swim, boating, waterskiing, archery, arts and crafts, frisbee golf, pond life, climbing, treasure hunts, and many more activities and special events.
Information: www.melodypines.com
Naticook
Location: Merrimack, NH
Type: Town of Merrimack Parks and Recreation
Dates: June 27-August 19
Details: Facilities include the dining hall where campers enjoy daily hot lunch prepared on site by out camp cook, the theater where campers perform for their families and friends at the open-house, Naticook Lake for swim lessons and canoeing, nature, archery, arts & crafts and so much more.
Information: http://www.merrimacknh.gov/town/departments/parks_and_recreation/naticoo...
Wildquest at Prescott farm
Location: Laconia, NH
Type: Environmental education
Dates: June 27-August 26
Details: WildQuest camps enhance children's ecological awareness and provide fun learning opportunities in a community-minded and non-competitive atmosphere. Camp is led by experienced environmental educators and includes nature activities, hiking, arts & crafts, quests, and hands-on learning.
Information: www.prescottfarm.org
Camp Coney Pine
Location: Rochester, NH
Type: YMCA
Dates: June 20-August 26
Details: Campers learn new skills and make new friends as they cool off in the pool, conquer their fears on the challenge course, learn about nature, express their creativity at arts and crafts, show off on stage, shoot arrows and bond with their teammates over group games.
Information: www.yogm.org
Camp Starfish
Location: Rindge, NH
Type: One-on-one camper to counselor
Dates: June 24-August 16
Details: Camp Starfish is a unique environment, the only camp in New England to offer a one-to-one camper-to-counselor relationship. In our program, each year more than 200 young boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 17 who struggle with debilitating psychological and learning disabilities have found the care and compassion needed to help them move forward in life.
Information: campstarfish.org
