SUGGESTED RESOURCES &
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
May 2-14, 2020

Saturday, May 2 • Sunday, May 3
Monday, May 4 • Tuesday, May 5 • Wednesday, May 6
Thursday, May 7 • Friday, May 8

Saturday, May 9 • Sunday, May 10
Monday, May 11 • Tuesday, May 12 • Wednesday, May 13
Thursday, May 14 • Friday, May 15

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Sneak peaks of our newest podcast.

Diary of a Wombat Reading Live on Facebook: After having to cancel Monkey Baa Theatre’s production of Diary of Wombat, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the UMass Fine Arts Center is hosting a digital pajama party with the company for a live event on the FAC’s Facebook page, Tuesday, May 5 at 7pm. Based in Australia, company Director Eva Di Cesare will share a bedtime reading of Diary of a Wombat and also answer questions. As a bedtime story, children are asked to put on their favorite PJs and join in for a wonderful story about Mothball, the naughtiest wombat in Australia. In advance of the reading, the FAC invites young participants to draw a photo of their favorite animal wearing PJs and share it on Facebook during the live event. Those who share will be entered to win a super Wombat prize pack including a copy of the book, stuffed wombat, and swag from our friends at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. For more information, visit www.fineartscenter.com/wombat or the Fine Arts Center’s Facebook page.

This time every year, many families start to think about tending to their gardens, growing their own food, and being able to access locally grown food easily. Gardening connects families with the seasons and is a multidisciplinary activity embedded with learning every step along the way, from botany to soil science to meteorology. At home, gardening can take place in either a garden plot, porch containers, and/or window sills, becoming a learning laboratory for all members of the family. Now is the time to order your plants, and Bare Roots Farm in West Chesterfield is open for pre-orders via their online store. Bare Roots Farm is a locally owned family greenhouse growing useful organic plants. Orders can be picked up at their Farm Stand (329 Ireland Street) beginning the 2nd week of May. Place your order now at Barerootsfarm.com.

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Summer Youth Programs. Northampton, MA. Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School is pleased to announce its 2020 Summer Program offerings for students entering grades 6, 7, and 8. Programs include: Entering the World of Cosmetology; Tour de Cuisine: Cultivating the Young Culinarian; Criminal Justice League; Build Your Own Longboard. Weekly programs from July 6-July 23 half-day runs 8:30am- 12:30pm. Full-day programs run 8:30am – 3:30pm. Students can prepare amazing food, practice beauty techniques, build longboards, or learn about law enforcement. For full course descriptions, including which weeks they will run and to register for a Summer Youth Program, please see their website. Dates: Jul 6-23; Age Range of Participants: 11-14yo. Contact: 413-587-1414 x3406. dcarver@smithtec.org. www.smithtec.org/summer.

Are you planning your garden for this spring? Make sure to plant local, organic, and heirloom varieties! Where to get your plants? River Valley Co-op in Northampton, of course! During their annual Mother’s Day Weekend Spring Plant Sale they will be selling flower, veggie, and herb starts for your home garden from local farms, including Windy Ridge Farm, High Meadows Farm, and Bare Roots Farm. A great selection is available at River Valley Co-op during Mother’s Day weekend: May 8th, 9th, 10th from 10am-7pm. River Valley Co-Op. 413-584-2665. 330 N King St, Northampton, MA.

Online Classes. Chad Stewart, former Disney Animator and veteran homeschool Dad, offers Online Animation or Drawing Classes for ages 11-18. Weekly classes are one hour long, and industry professionals complete video reviews of homework as a part of every class they teach. The cost is $350 for the full 12-week session, and the Summer Session begins June 1st. Classes tend to fill up quickly so you can hold your child’s spot with a $50 deposit at the time of registration! Classes are held during Summer, Fall, and Spring Sessions, so if you can’t join them now, check back with again! Chad has worked on films such as Tarzan, Emperor’s New Groove, and The Polar Express, and has much to share with students of his Drawing or Animation Classes. Contact: 661-755-5775. kayla@theanimcourse.com. theanimcourse.com.

SUGGESTED RESOURCES &
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
April 18-24, 2020

Saturday, April 18 • Sunday, April 19
Monday, April 20 • Tuesday, April 21 • Wednesday, April 22
Thursday, April 123 • Friday, April 24

SUBSCRIBE to our eNewsletter to stay up-to-date!
Sneak peaks of our newest podcast.

Stay Connected with Hilltown Families!

https://youtu.be/FkJKpBvloUg

Featured Online Learning Resource

ReddPrep online tutoring: Northampton, MA. For more than fifteen years, ReddPrep has been preparing students to excel in school and maximize their scores on standardized tests. They offer a wide range of small classes and individual tutoring programs online for middle and high school students, specializing in standardized test preparation and college admissions counseling. Whether your student needs a little academic support or a full-time college admissions coach, ReddPrep is ready to help. Contact ReddPrep today for a free consultation and to craft an online study plan for your student. Mention Hilltown Families and receive a 20% discount on online tutoring. risher@reddprep.com. www.reddprep.com.

Online Classes. Chad Stewart, former Disney Animator and veteran homeschool Dad, offers Online Animation or Drawing Classes for ages 11-18. Weekly classes are one hour long, and industry professionals complete video reviews of homework as a part of every class they teach. The cost is $350 for the full 12-week session, and the Summer Session begins June 1st. Classes tend to fill up quickly so you can hold your child’s spot with a $50 deposit at the time of registration! Classes are held during Summer, Fall, and Spring Sessions, so if you can’t join them now, check back with again! Chad has worked on films such as Tarzan, Emperor’s New Groove, and The Polar Express, and has much to share with students of his Drawing or Animation Classes. Contact: 661-755-5775. kayla@theanimcourse.com. theanimcourse.com.

Featured Summer Programs & Camps

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Summer Youth Programs. Northampton, MA. Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School is pleased to announce its 2020 Summer Program offerings for students entering grades 6, 7, and 8. Programs include: Entering the World of Cosmetology; Tour de Cuisine: Cultivating the Young Culinarian; Criminal Justice League; Build Your Own Longboard. Weekly programs from July 6-July 23 half-day runs 8:30am- 12:30pm. Full-day programs run 8:30am – 3:30pm. Students can prepare amazing food, practice beauty techniques, build longboards, or learn about law enforcement. For full course descriptions, including which weeks they will run and to register for a Summer Youth Program, please see their website. Dates: Jul 6-23; Age Range of Participants: 11-14yo. Contact: 413-587-1414 x3406. dcarver@smithtec.org. www.smithtec.org/summer.

Roots Youth Summer Programs. Westfield, MA. Roots Summer Vacation Programs offer full-day activities for ages 5-12 years old. Regular hours are from 9am-4pm. All summer program attendees will participate in activities at the three major facilities on the Roots campus: 1) Roots Gymnastics Center, 2) Roots Aquatics Center, and 3) Roots Athletics Center. Attendees will rotate between the three facilities each day participating in activities such as gymnastics, swim, soccer and other turf sports, S.T.E.M., crafts, games, water slide, and so much more! Early Drop Off is available at 7:30am, and Late Pick-Up ends at 5pm. Dates: Jun 29-Aug 21; Age Range of Participants: 5-12yo. Contact: 413-562-2333 & 413-568-2782. rootssummer@gmail.com. rootsvacation.com. rootscamp.campbrainregistration.com.

College for Kids. Westfield, MA. College for Kids provides innovative and creative educational programs for kids ages 5-14, promoting and maintaining an enjoyable learning environment. Each week will feature different classes, giving the option for parents to enroll their child in a morning session, afternoon session, or both. College for Kids offers a range of subjects including science, computers, magic, cooking, and the arts. In addition to returning favorites such as Digital Nature Photography, Science Discovery for Curious Kids, Broadway Bound, and The Art of Magic, they are excited to offer brand new classes in 2020 including Pie Making, Charcoal Drawing, Bucket Drumming for Beginners, Biodiversity in the World, and more! Dates: Jul 6-31; Age Range of Participants: 5-14yo. Contact: 413-572-8557. collegeforkids@westfield.ma.edu. westfield.ma.edu/cfk.

Amherst Montessori School Summer Discovery. Amherst, MA. Amherst Montessori’s Summer Discovery offers playful adventures tailored to children ages 12 months to 12 years. Preschool/kindergarten children will have so much fun jumping through sprinklers, playing outside, and exploring weekly themes, including Geology, Insects, Building, and more. Infants/toddlers ages three and below will love AMS’s nurturing environment with outdoor play, songs & movement, water play, and sensory exploration, all with emphasis on building independence. The amazing Michelle Risch leads three weeks of Lego building and creativity with millions of Legos for Elementary children to build wherever their imagination takes them. Varying schedules with extended hours. Dates: Jun 8-Aug 7; Age Range of Participants: 15mos-12yo. Contact: 413-253-3101. sthompson@amherstmontessori.org. amherstmontessori.org.

Rockin’ the Summer. Goshen, MA. IMA’s residential music programs give girls access to top-notch facilities & instruments, to veteran professional musicians & teachers, and musical exploration & collaboration. Explore Rock ‘n Roll (Jun 24–28; Aug 19-23) offers girls 9-12 opportunity to explore instruments, to begin writing songs, and to participate in a concert. Rock ‘n Roll Performance (Jul 10-19; Jul 24-Aug 2) offers girls 13-19 an opportunity to speak their truth through the medium of rock ‘n roll, gain confidence in performance abilities, improve musicianship, and develop collaborative leadership skills. Studio Recording & Production (Aug 6-16) offers hands-on studio recording seminar for women 16-22 who are ready to record their work and/or interested in engineering and producing. Dates: Jun 26-Aug 18; Age Range of Participants: Girls/Young Women 9-22yo. Contact: 413-268-3074. info@ima.org. www.ima.org.

Summer at The Academy at Charlemont in Charlemont, MA. The Academy at Charlemont Summer Programs. Multiple programs for grades 3-12 running from late June to late August. Week of June 29-July 3 – Arts and Crafts for grades 3-6, 9am-3pm. Week of July 6-July 10 – Maker’s Camp 8:30am-11:30am and Ultimate Frisbee 12:30pm-3:30pm, grades 7-12. Week of August 3-7 – Music Camp 9am-12pm. Week of August 17-21 – Arts and Crafts for grades 7-12, 9am-12pm. Financial aid is available. Participants are asked to bring water bottles, snacks and/or lunch.Dates: Jun 29-Aug 21; Age Range of Participants: 8-18yo. Contact: 413-339-4912. jmitchell@charlemont.org. www.charlemont.org

Riotous Youth. Lenox, MA. These fun and inspiring 2-week summer theatre programs introduce students ages 7-17 to Shakespeare’s language, his stories, characters, and themes using imaginative and playful methods. Each session ends with a performance piece based on the kids’ experience of the play, which they share with family, friends, and Company members on the final day of the session. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 21; Age Range of Participants: 7-17yo. Contact: 413-637-1199 x172. mmarchione@shakespeare.org. www.shakespeare.org

Claws, based out of Northampton, MA.Claws camping trips take students 11-17 into wild places. They climb mountains, ford rivers and sea kayak. Students test their edges and boundaries as they learn skills needed to overcome challenges. They move through fascinating terrain and waters, having fun while practicing mindfulness. They gain the ability to control their thoughts and movements, like seal, fish, and birds, bears, and bobcats do. They learn to read the great patterns of biomes, of weather, witnessing grand forces and elements expressing themselves. Claws go into the wild because the wild is where they can grow—where they can grasp life, grip it tight and carry it aloft. This year they’re going to the White Mountains and Casco Bay in Maine. There are trips to the Sierras, too. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 28; Age Range of Participants: 11-17yo. Contact: 413-320-0522. info@biocitizen.org. ma.biocitizen.org.

“Brave” Dance Camp with Celtic Heels & Devine Dance in Greenfield, MA. Experience the joy of dance at the “Brave” themed dance camp. Celtic Heels & Devine Dance are offering students the opportunity to attend a four-day workshop incorporating Irish Step, Tap, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and more. In addition to dance classes, students will create craft projects, learn new rhythms and cadences and improve their balance, posture, and flexibility. With such a variety of styles, there is something for everyone, and a summer workshop is a great way to experience their individually tailored lesson plans as well as the inclusive atmosphere they create with and for their students. Dates: Jun 29-Jul 2; Age Range of Campers: 7-12yo. Contact: 413-475-4726. celticheels@gmail.com. www.CelticHeelsDance.com.

The Bement School offers summer programs for children from 4 to 15 years old. Children have the opportunity to enjoy the fun of a traditional day camp and help create their own schedule by choosing from our wide range of unique activities. Digging into Nature at Pine Hillprovides outdoor education for ages 5-12. The Junior Camp provides a safe, nurturing camp experience for our youngest campers. The Adventure Day Camp offers activity choices that include cooking, movie-making, sports, nature, arts and crafts, and swimming. The Counselor-in-Trainingprogram gives young teenagers experience working with children and developing valuable job skills while still enjoying the fun of summer camp. Summer programs run from June 17 to August 9.

Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Amherst, Bernardston, Buckland, Chester, Gill, Goshen, Hadley, Heath, Hinsdale-Peru, Holyoke, Montgomery, Mt. Washington, New Salem, Northern Berkshire, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Springfield, Washington, Westhampton, and Windsor Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

SUGGESTED RESOURCES &
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
April 4-10, 2020

Saturday, April 4 • Sunday, April 5
Monday, April 6 • Tuesday, April 7 • Wednesday, April 8
Thursday, April 9 • Friday, April 10

SUBSCRIBE to our eNewsletter to stay up-to-date!
Sneak peaks of our newest podcast.

Partner with Hilltown Families

SALE: 50% OR MORE OFF! Are you offering virtual classes or lessons? Are you facilitating online social, learning, or entertainment opportunities? Is your local business offering new ways for customer engagement, gift certificates, or curb side delivery? Partner with Hilltown Families in your online outreach, delivering your message to over 25,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers. Offering 50% or more off of our regular advertising options, Hilltown Families is committed to our community and supporting one another in times of need. Our sponsors and advertising partners allow us to keep delivering this community-based educational resource to our readers for free (since 2005!). Local and online businesses, virtual and local service providers, non-profit organizations, and individuals are encouraged to reach out to find out about our new and exciting opportunities!

• “Hilltown Families is an amazing resource … a great value for advertising dollars.” – Miss Leticia Music School
• “The best family resource online for the region!” – Music Together for Valley Families
• “Hilltown Families is the best resource… Love it and use it weekly to help our families find things to do on the weekends.” – Nonotuck Community School
• “… an incredibly valuable service for western Massachusetts families. Perusing Hilltown Families has become an institution and a way of life.” – Mary Lyon Foundation

Check out our Summer Directory for nearly
60 summer camps & programs in and around Western MA!

Featured Summer Programs & Camps

Amherst Montessori School Summer Discovery. Amherst, MA. Amherst Montessori’s Summer Discovery offers playful adventures tailored to children ages 12 months to 12 years. Preschool/kindergarten children will have so much fun jumping through sprinklers, playing outside, and exploring weekly themes, including Geology, Insects, Building, and more. Infants/toddlers ages three and below will love AMS’s nurturing environment with outdoor play, songs & movement, water play, and sensory exploration, all with emphasis on building independence. The amazing Michelle Risch leads three weeks of Lego building and creativity with millions of Legos for Elementary children to build wherever their imagination takes them. Varying schedules with extended hours. Dates: Jun 8-Aug 7; Age Range of Participants: 15mos-12yo. Contact: 413-253-3101. sthompson@amherstmontessori.org. amherstmontessori.org.

Rockin’ the Summer. Goshen, MA. IMA’s residential music programs give girls access to top-notch facilities & instruments, to veteran professional musicians & teachers, and musical exploration & collaboration. Explore Rock ‘n Roll (Jun 24–28; Aug 19-23) offers girls 9-12 opportunity to explore instruments, to begin writing songs, and to participate in a concert. Rock ‘n Roll Performance (Jul 10-19; Jul 24-Aug 2) offers girls 13-19 an opportunity to speak their truth through the medium of rock ‘n roll, gain confidence in performance abilities, improve musicianship, and develop collaborative leadership skills. Studio Recording & Production (Aug 6-16) offers hands-on studio recording seminar for women 16-22 who are ready to record their work and/or interested in engineering and producing. Dates: Jun 26-Aug 18; Age Range of Participants: Girls/Young Women 9-22yo. Contact: 413-268-3074. info@ima.org. www.ima.org.

Summer at The Academy at Charlemont in Charlemont, MA. The Academy at Charlemont Summer Programs. Multiple programs for grades 3-12 running from late June to late August. Week of June 29-July 3 – Arts and Crafts for grades 3-6, 9am-3pm. Week of July 6-July 10 – Maker’s Camp 8:30am-11:30am and Ultimate Frisbee 12:30pm-3:30pm, grades 7-12. Week of August 3-7 – Music Camp 9am-12pm. Week of August 17-21 – Arts and Crafts for grades 7-12, 9am-12pm. Financial aid is available. Participants are asked to bring water bottles, snacks and/or lunch.Dates: Jun 29-Aug 21; Age Range of Participants: 8-18yo. Contact: 413-339-4912. jmitchell@charlemont.org. www.charlemont.org

Riotous Youth. Lenox, MA. These fun and inspiring 2-week summer theatre programs introduce students ages 7-17 to Shakespeare’s language, his stories, characters, and themes using imaginative and playful methods. Each session ends with a performance piece based on the kids’ experience of the play, which they share with family, friends, and Company members on the final day of the session. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 21; Age Range of Participants: 7-17yo. Contact: 413-637-1199 x172. mmarchione@shakespeare.org. www.shakespeare.org

Claws, based out of Northampton, MA.Claws camping trips take students 11-17 into wild places. They climb mountains, ford rivers and sea kayak. Students test their edges and boundaries as they learn skills needed to overcome challenges. They move through fascinating terrain and waters, having fun while practicing mindfulness. They gain the ability to control their thoughts and movements, like seal, fish, and birds, bears, and bobcats do. They learn to read the great patterns of biomes, of weather, witnessing grand forces and elements expressing themselves. Claws go into the wild because the wild is where they can grow—where they can grasp life, grip it tight and carry it aloft. This year they’re going to the White Mountains and Casco Bay in Maine. There are trips to the Sierras, too. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 28; Age Range of Participants: 11-17yo. Contact: 413-320-0522. info@biocitizen.org. ma.biocitizen.org.

“Brave” Dance Camp with Celtic Heels & Devine Dance in Greenfield, MA. Experience the joy of dance at the “Brave” themed dance camp. Celtic Heels & Devine Dance are offering students the opportunity to attend a four-day workshop incorporating Irish Step, Tap, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and more. In addition to dance classes, students will create craft projects, learn new rhythms and cadences and improve their balance, posture, and flexibility. With such a variety of styles, there is something for everyone, and a summer workshop is a great way to experience their individually tailored lesson plans as well as the inclusive atmosphere they create with and for their students. Dates: Jun 29-Jul 2; Age Range of Campers: 7-12yo. Contact: 413-475-4726. celticheels@gmail.com. www.CelticHeelsDance.com.

The Children’s Ballet & Movement Co. Theater & Dance Summer Camp/Summer Dance Intensive in Hadley, MA. The Children’s Ballet & Movement Co. offers two separate dance camps this year! Theater and Dance Summer Camp (ages 4-8) provides a variety of dance forms, arts and crafts, play, swimming, set design and more! Summer Dance Intensive (ages 9-15) offers Ballet, Pre-Pointe/Pointe, Acro Dance, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Yoga, and more! Both camps are Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm with Full Day and Half Day options. Whether your child is new to dance or a seasoned dancer, Children’s Ballet & Movement Co. dance camps are sure to please! Dates: Jul 6-Aug 21; Age Range of Participants: 4-15yo. Contact: 413-478-1944. cassieferr@gmail.com. www.childrensballetmovement.com

LSSE Summer Sports Programs and Day Camps. Amherst, MA. Spend the summer with Amherst Leisure Services! At the LSSE Sports Programs and Day Camps, children will have the opportunity to participate in arts, crafts, games, nature activities, sports programs, and swimming lessons. Their caring and experienced staff will make this a summer to remember. They offer free breakfast and lunch to Early Adventures and Adventure Playground day campers thanks to the ARPS School Nutrition Department. Visit the LSSE website for more information and to find the perfect sports or day camp for your child. Dates: Jun 22-Aug 21; Age Range of Campers: 5-14yo. Contact: 413-259-3065. lsse@amherstma.gov. LSSE.org.

Rattlesnake Adventure Camps at Morse Hill Outdoor Center. Shutesbury, MA. This is Morse Hill’s 30th year offering fun outdoor activities that facilitate children’s self-awareness, confidence, trust, communication, problem-solving, & teamwork skills. With a foundation in physical & emotional safety, our programs include on-site low & high ropes courses & team-building initiatives, as well as off-site rock climbing, canoeing, raft building, mountain biking, caving, hiking, & more. The 85-acre property by Lake Wyola in Shutesbury includes bike trails, campsites, cabins, and discovery elements. Transportation is available from Amherst & Northampton. Whether campers choose day, overnight, or expedition camps, they will develop their outdoor skills & knowledge while building relationships with counselors & friends. Dates: Jun 22-Aug 28; Age Range of Campers: 8-18yo. Contact: 413-253-1807. summer@morsehill.com. www.morsehill.com

Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Amherst, Bernardston, Buckland, Chester, Gill, Goshen, Hadley, Heath, Hinsdale-Peru, Holyoke, Montgomery, Mt. Washington, New Salem, Northern Berkshire, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Springfield, Washington, Westhampton, and Windsor Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

SUGGESTED RESOURCES &
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
March 28-April 3, 2020

Saturday, March 28 • Sunday, March 29
Monday, March 30 • Tuesday, March 31 • Wednesday, April 1
Thursday, April 2 • Friday, Apri 3

SUBSCRIBE to our eNewsletter to stay up-to-date!
Sneak peaks of our newest podcast.

PARTNER WITH HILLTOWN FAMILIES: Are you offering virtual classes or lessons? Are you facilitating online social, learning, or entertainment opportunities? Is your local business offering new ways for customer engagement? Partner with Hilltown Families in your online outreach, delivering your message to over 25,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers. Hilltown Families is committed to our community and supporting one another in times of need. Our sponsors and advertising partners allow us to keep delivering this community-based educational resource to our readers for free (since 2005!). Local and online businesses, virtual and local service providers, non-profit organizations, and individuals are encouraged to reach out to find out about our new and exciting opportunities!

Signature Sounds Presents announces The Parlor Room Home Sessions: A curated on-line concert series featuring some of their favorite artists. Watch The Suitcase Junket on Fri. March 27 at 8 PM. Little Roots entertain the whole family on Sat. March 28 at 10:30 AM. Jeffrey Foucault performs on Sun. March 29 at 8:00 PM and Mark Erelli on Thurs. April 9 at 8 PM. All show times are EST and more artists are being added all the time. There is no pay wall, but donations are highly encouraged for both the artist and venue. Access all the shows via www.signaturesounds.com/homesessions.

Families are invited to discover the warm, welcoming community at Amherst Montessori School, with dedicated teachers, administrators, and fellow parents who strive to create a sense of belonging for each child and family. Set-up a tour, explore the hands-on, child-centered Montessori curriculum, and learn about the engaging community of Amherst Montessori School. Applications for the 2020-21 school year are now being accepted. Schedule options from partial day to full day with extended hours. Set-up a tour by emailing Susanna at sthompson@amherstmontessori.org or by calling 413-253-3101.

Featured Summer Programs & Camps

“Brave” Dance Camp with Celtic Heels & Devine Dance in Greenfield, MA. Experience the joy of dance at the “Brave” themed dance camp. Celtic Heels & Devine Dance are offering students the opportunity to attend a four-day workshop incorporating Irish Step, Tap, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and more. In addition to dance classes, students will create craft projects, learn new rhythms and cadences and improve their balance, posture, and flexibility. With such a variety of styles, there is something for everyone, and a summer workshop is a great way to experience their individually tailored lesson plans as well as the inclusive atmosphere they create with and for their students. Dates: Jun 29-Jul 2; Age Range of Campers: 7-12yo. Contact: 413-475-4726. celticheels@gmail.com. www.CelticHeelsDance.com.

The Children’s Ballet & Movement Co. Theater & Dance Summer Camp/Summer Dance Intensive in Hadley, MA. The Children’s Ballet & Movement Co. offers two separate dance camps this year! Theater and Dance Summer Camp (ages 4-8) provides a variety of dance forms, arts and crafts, play, swimming, set design and more! Summer Dance Intensive (ages 9-15) offers Ballet, Pre-Pointe/Pointe, Acro Dance, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Yoga, and more! Both camps are Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm with Full Day and Half Day options. Whether your child is new to dance or a seasoned dancer, Children’s Ballet & Movement Co. dance camps are sure to please! Dates: Jul 6-Aug 21; Age Range of Participants: 4-15yo. Contact: 413-478-1944. cassieferr@gmail.com. www.childrensballetmovement.com

LSSE Summer Sports Programs and Day Camps. Amherst, MA. Spend the summer with Amherst Leisure Services! At the LSSE Sports Programs and Day Camps, children will have the opportunity to participate in arts, crafts, games, nature activities, sports programs, and swimming lessons. Their caring and experienced staff will make this a summer to remember. They offer free breakfast and lunch to Early Adventures and Adventure Playground day campers thanks to the ARPS School Nutrition Department. Visit the LSSE website for more information and to find the perfect sports or day camp for your child. Dates: Jun 22-Aug 21; Age Range of Campers: 5-14yo. Contact: 413-259-3065. lsse@amherstma.gov. LSSE.org.

Rattlesnake Adventure Camps at Morse Hill Outdoor Center. Shutesbury, MA. This is Morse Hill’s 30th year offering fun outdoor activities that facilitate children’s self-awareness, confidence, trust, communication, problem-solving, & teamwork skills. With a foundation in physical & emotional safety, our programs include on-site low & high ropes courses & team-building initiatives, as well as off-site rock climbing, canoeing, raft building, mountain biking, caving, hiking, & more. The 85-acre property by Lake Wyola in Shutesbury includes bike trails, campsites, cabins, and discovery elements. Transportation is available from Amherst & Northampton. Whether campers choose day, overnight, or expedition camps, they will develop their outdoor skills & knowledge while building relationships with counselors & friends. Dates: Jun 22-Aug 28; Age Range of Campers: 8-18yo. Contact: 413-253-1807. summer@morsehill.com. www.morsehill.com

Summer at The Academy at Charlemont in Charlemont, MA. The Academy at Charlemont Summer Programs. Multiple programs for grades 3-12 running from late June to late August. Week of June 29-July 3 – Arts and Crafts for grades 3-6, 9am-3pm. Week of July 6-July 10 – Maker’s Camp 8:30am-11:30am and Ultimate Frisbee 12:30pm-3:30pm, grades 7-12. Week of August 3-7 – Music Camp 9am-12pm. Week of August 17-21 – Arts and Crafts for grades 7-12, 9am-12pm. Financial aid is available. Participants are asked to bring water bottles, snacks and/or lunch.Dates: Jun 29-Aug 21; Age Range of Participants: 8-18yo. Contact: 413-339-4912. jmitchell@charlemont.org. www.charlemont.org

Riotous Youth. Lenox, MA. These fun and inspiring 2-week summer theatre programs introduce students ages 7-17 to Shakespeare’s language, his stories, characters, and themes using imaginative and playful methods. Each session ends with a performance piece based on the kids’ experience of the play, which they share with family, friends, and Company members on the final day of the session. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 21; Age Range of Participants: 7-17yo. Contact: 413-637-1199 x172. mmarchione@shakespeare.org. www.shakespeare.org

Claws, based out of Northampton, MA.Claws camping trips take students 11-17 into wild places. They climb mountains, ford rivers and sea kayak. Students test their edges and boundaries as they learn skills needed to overcome challenges. They move through fascinating terrain and waters, having fun while practicing mindfulness. They gain the ability to control their thoughts and movements, like seal, fish, and birds, bears, and bobcats do. They learn to read the great patterns of biomes, of weather, witnessing grand forces and elements expressing themselves. Claws go into the wild because the wild is where they can grow—where they can grasp life, grip it tight and carry it aloft. This year they’re going to the White Mountains and Casco Bay in Maine. There are trips to the Sierras, too. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 28; Age Range of Participants: 11-17yo. Contact: 413-320-0522. info@biocitizen.org. ma.biocitizen.org.

Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Amherst, Bernardston, Buckland, Chester, Gill, Goshen, Hadley, Heath, Hinsdale-Peru, Holyoke, Montgomery, Mt. Washington, New Salem, Northern Berkshire, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Springfield, Washington, Westhampton, and Windsor Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.