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There are so many great books about camp that it’s hard to choose just a few, so here are twenty books that are great for kids who are about to go to summer camp or to bring along to read before bed or on a rainy day. Even if your kids aren’t going to camp, these book featured by Western MA mom, Lisa Woods, are all fantastic summer stories!
Exploring is the greatest learning asset. A new well-thought out online program called Maker Camp offers a uniquely accessible learning opportunity for kids- all for the grand fee of zero dollars! In addition to spending time outdoors this summer in a traditional camp setting, kids who are hands-on in their learning approach will find Maker Camp a stimulating experience. Themes include art and design, music, STEM skills, and fantasy, and virtual worldwide field trips.
It’s brilliantly innovative technology brought to you by Make magazine and Google. There is a self-paced element to this 6 week program in that kids do not have to complete all activities in a given day. Read on for more details and for an introductory video…
Even though it feels like spring has only just arrived, now is the time to begin planning for summer! By considering options for summer camps, making lists of day trip destinations, and researching campsites to reserve, families can ensure maximum adventure and learning throughout the summer months!
This month in “Just My Type: Raising a Child with Type One Diabetes,” Hilltown Families Contributing Writer, Rebecca Dravis, shares her summer camp experience as a parent of a Type 1 Diabetes child…
Homesick and Kidsick I have a confession. I never liked the term “homesickness.” Missing your family and the comforts of home is normal. Our families are our safe haven. Of course being away from loved ones will feel different. It will never be “home.” Our children should learn that there will be many places in their lives that can feel “close to home” where there are friends and adults who will take… Read More
Preparing Your Child For Summer Camp Camp is just around the corner and there’s a lot to prepare. Whether it’s your 5 year old’s first time at day camp or your 14 year old’s 6th summer away, you want your child’s camp experience to be fun and successful. But you’re the parent and you’re not at camp, what can you do? The answer is lots! Here are five ways you can help… Read More
Can Your Child with Food Allergies Go to Summer Camp? If you’re the parent of a child with food allergies, I’m betting that you prepare all of her meals. You do this so that you know her meals will be safe. Class trips, sleepovers and parties make you very nervous, right? And summer camp, well, that’s never been possible… But what if it was?! Summer camp is an opportunity for independence and… Read More
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Thinking About Camp? Questions for the Camp Director. If you’re thinking about summer camp, there’s a wide range right here in Western MA to match everyone’s interests, schedules and budgets. As a seasoned Camp Director and parent, I believe that talking with the Camp Director is key to feeling comfortable with your decision. When first time parents call me, they often admit that they don’t know what to ask. So I wanted… Read More
Berkshire Lyric Offers Free Children’s Summer Camps in August, 2012 Berkshire Lyric’s Blafield Children’s Chorus is offering kids a chance to learn about music and singing at free week-long camps this August! Two different camps will be offered, both open to kids ages 6-13. Lead by Berkshire Lyric’s artistic director, Jack Brown, the camps are intensive, but offer kids a unique opportunity to learn about classical voice performance. Attending the camp can… Read More
QUESTION AND ANSWERS One of our readers is looking for family summer camp recommendations in New England. They are looking for an opportunity for the whole family to participate in together. Any suggestions? Kate McCarthy Roy recommends: “Camp Jewell YMCA family camp in CT…supposed to be great!” Carolyn Toll Oppenheim recommends: “World Fellowship Center (NH) is one place. There is another newer one in Vermont.” Jill Nowak Wheat recommends: “Pinewoods Music &… Read More
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Note 3: Summer Camps ‘Round the Valley I can most certainly argue that one of the best things summer has to offer both kids and adults is time to do nothing much at all (even get, gasp, bored). Without a smidgen of contradiction, I can also argue in favor of the summer camp experience. Around here, there are some gems. Around now—July, in its ripe berry fullness—I am feeling the love for… Read More
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Food Allergies and Summer Camp By Hilltown Families Guest Writer, Karen A. Jordan It’s that time of year again…the final countdown of school days, warmer weather, and plans for summer camp. As a parent with a child with a severe peanut allergy, I am quite familiar with the tension, nervousness, and tremendous preparation that come with preparing for summer camp. Last year my daughter, who was 9 at the time, spent her… Read More
Six Weeks of Camp Daisy was hesitant on the first day. Arriving amidst a flock of parents and excited children, we were directed to the girl’s barn to drop off her things. Daisy was thrilled to find her name above a hook. She put her backpack on the bench and hung up her bathing suit and towel. I slathered her with sunscreen as she looked around and we read the names of… Read More
Path of the Otter Program in Ashfield Path of the Otter will be offering a summer program in the hilltowns for children ages 5-7. This program is a playful introduction to earth awareness, nature exploration and naturalist and wilderness living skills. Kids participating will: Learn to recognize, identify and follow animal signs Learn to listen for and understand birds and bird language Be introduced to exploration and survival skills Learn to identify… Read More
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