South Shore Living / June 2011 / Summer Vacation Unplugged

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Summer Vacation Unplugged

The smell of rain, a lifting wind in the woods, and the time to process it all. Such is the joy of summer camp—a reintroduction to the senses, the stretch of open days before you, all in the company of new friends and maybe some old ones, as well. Here are 11 camps on the South Shore that appeal to kids of all inclinations, whether athletic, artistic, or aquatic, and the list goes on.

Meadowcroft Day Camp

Now entering its 76th season, this camp continues to please with classic summer activities—swimming, sports, arts and crafts—and exploration of the grounds’ 26 acres of tall pine tree groves and manicured trails. “We have time for the individual; for children to get to know each other, and themselves, and love nothing more than to see a quiet child share a story, or get up and belt out a song,” said Camp Director and Co-Owner James Kelly. Summer days are organized around 45-minute sessions that include novel choices like woodworking, video, and science. There are day trips, theme days, and rainy day visits to Timber Lanes Bowling in Abington as well as other fun local sites. Ages 4 years through sixth grade. Sessions run June 27 through August 19. Hours 9 a.m.–3:15 p.m. with extended childcare from 8–9 a.m. and 3:15–6 p.m. $310 per week. 260 Bowker Street, Norwell, (781) 659-2362, www.meadowcroftcamp.com

North River Nature Camp

For children with a yen for nature and a budding appreciation for why it matters, the North River Nature Camp—one of 16 Massachusetts Audubon choices—has 184 acres to explore. Activities include nature-themed scavenger hunts and group games for the wee ones. For the older campers, there’s a chance to participate in wildlife data collection for scientific studies, day trips to local shores culminating in a whale watch, and a night camp with fireflies, shooting stars, and an overnight camping experience. There is also a counselor in training program for ages 14 to 16. According to summer Camp Director and Education Coordinator Amy Quist, campers are encouraged to be outdoors, rain or shine, to fully experience the sights and sounds of nature. “We have a structured but not regimented day that allows for free time, to learn about what’s around them, about themselves, about friendship, and imagination,” Quist said. For grades K–7, two three-week sessions and one two-week session runs June 20 through August 15. Course fees: $210–$490 for nonmembers; $150–$430 for members. $50 for Counselor in Training program. North River Wildlife Sanctuary, 2000 Main Street, Marshfield, (781) 837-9400, www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/North_River

South Shore Natural Science Center Nature Adventures Day Camp

Kids gain an appreciation about the natural world and their place in it through outdoor activities and exploration of nearby ponds, meadows, and woods. There are games, and crafts, stories for the younger campers, and canoeing, hiking, and a field trip topped off by an overnight stay at Boston Harbor Islands for middle school students. For senior campers there is canoeing, nature studies, and a bicycling visit to Cape Cod saltwater marshes and the beach that includes two overnights. Camp groups for ages 3 to 15. Sessions run June 20 through August 12, Half-days for ages 3 through grade 2, and half or full-day camp for grades 3 through 6. Some free “camper-ships” are available. Full day sessions from 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; half-day sessions are 9 a.m.—noon, and 1 p.m.–3:30 p.m. One and two week sessions. $140 $430 for members; $175 to $495 for nonmembers. 48 Jacobs Lane, Norwell, (781) 659-2559, www.ssnsc.org

Bay Farm Montessori Academy Summer Program

It’s Montessori with a marine twist at this summer’s Bay Farm Montessori Academy summer program. In addition to certified teacher-led courses on creative arts, music, tennis, swimming, cooking, science, and field trips, campers have the option of trying their sailing skills at the nearby Duxbury Bay Maritime School in the camp’s “From the Bay to the Farm” program, for ages 3 and up. Bay Farm’s 9-acre campus offers a pool, sport court, soccer field, and what some say is the best playground in Duxbury. For ages 18 months through 14 years. Program runs June 14 through August 20. Hours: 9 a.m.–noon, and 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Three and five-day programs are available. Early drop-offs and late pick-ups are available. 145 Loring Street, Duxbury, (781) 934-7101, www.bfarm.org

Camp Wing, Duxbury

The well-rounded camper who wants an on-the-go schedule of activities will find a happy pace at this 200-acre facility. Staff is made up of returning counselors, some of them alumnae. Archery, swimming instruction and free swim, boating, a challenge course, and wall climbing are some of the activities that keep kids moving. There is overnight camping in tents once every other week with dinner cooked over the campfire, and events ranging from a talent show to a pool party and scavenger hunt. Field trips take place once during every two-week session. Boating in canoes or paddle boats on the pond. For ages 5 through 16. Program runs from June 27 through August 19. $440 for a two-week session. Hours 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with 7:30 a.m. drop off and 6 p.m. pick-up for those who need it. 47 Myrtle Street, Duxbury, (781) 834-2700, www.crossroads4kids.org

Camp Bourndale, Plymouth

This is a sleepover boys’ sports oriented summer camp in its 73rd year, located on 15 acres of Great Herring Pond waterfront. If water sports like tubing, kneeboarding, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking, scuba and a 25 foot floating water trampoline won’t suffice, there are more traditional sports on the camp’s lighted facilities, including basketball, tennis, street hockey and golf. Horseback lessons nearby. Students come from as far as France, Spain, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. Trips to Red Sox games, paintball and arcades, Canobie Lake Park, and three-day visits to Newport, R.I. and Springfield for white water rafting. Campers write home via email from the computer lab. Heated cabins with showers and restrooms house 7 to 8 campers. For ages 6 to 16, grouped by age, maturity, and pre-established friendship. Camp director Arnie Gerson, whose parent founded the camp in 1938, received his Masters in Guidance from Harvard University and worked as a counselor for 17 years. From June 27 through August 17, with choice of 3.5-week sessions or full 7 weeks; $4,700 for 3.5 weeks, $7,500 for full summer. 110 Valley Road, Plymouth, (508) 888-2634, www.campbournedale.com

Camp Gordon Clark, Hanover

Extreme sports, community volunteering, swimming, archery, music, and theater are only some of the wide range of activities available for every personality type on 25 acres. A six-week theater program ends with an on-stage production at the Emilson Arts Pavilion. Campers entering grade 10 can take part in the Counseling in Training program, which mentors teens as they serve as volunteer counselors developing skills and character along the way. There is one family night event per session. “Parents say our counselors provide good role models in a safe and friendly atmosphere where the kids can have fun,” said senior program director Brian Kowalski. Drop off is from 7:30–9 a.m. Late pick-up from 4–6 p.m. Ages range from 3 to 15 years old. $96–$440; six-week summer theater project is $950. Financial aid is available. 75 Mill Street, Hanover, (781) 829-8585, www.ssymca.org

Camp Clark, Plymouth

Old Colony YMCA’s Camp Clark acknowledges the important role camp plays in a child’s development, something it bolsters by encouraging caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Activities include swimming, archery, ropes course, music, outdoor play, and sports. There are family nights on the second Thursday of each two-week session with talent shows, entertainers, and movies. A healthful lunch is provided for $30 per week. Campers range in age from 4 to 16. Four two-week sessions run June 27 through August 19. $215 for a half-day program; $380 for a full-day program. Leader in training program for 13 and 14 year olds, which includes camping activities, is $380; counselor in training program for 15 and 16 year olds is $145. 200 Hedges Pond Road, Plymouth, (508) 888-2290, www.oldcolonyymca.org/campclark

Stars South Shore Day Camp at Hale Reservation

Working parents will appreciate the breakfast and transportation provided to campers residing in the towns of Abington, Randolph, Weymouth, and Quincy. The 1200-acre site that is Hale Reservation in Westwood has a fresh water pond and nature trail. Swim instruction, martial arts, dance, engineering and robotics, boating, and summer reading activities are only some of the choices available. Clubs and overnights for older campers, too. The staff is comprised of teachers, college students, and childcare workers. Diverse backgrounds of children from various towns lead to broadening friendships and appreciation of other cultures. Afternoon snacks provided. The camp is for children entering grades 1 through 6. Four two-week sessions from June 27 through August 19. Pick-up from 7:30–8 a.m. and drop-offs from 4:30–5:15 p.m. Payment for sessions from June 27 through July 22 due by July 15; sessions from July 25 through August 19 due by August 15. 80 Carby Street, Westwood, (781) 331-8505, www.ssdcs.org

Camp Thayer, Thayer Academy

A decidedly non-competitive atmosphere prevails at Camp Thayer’s sports programs, including field and track, tennis, swimming, and more. There are also science, theater, photo shop and other courses to choose from. The staff of professional teachers and college students who serve as counselors emphasize having fun and making friends in the process. For ages 3 to 5 for lower camp; ages 6 through 13 for the general camp; and ages 14 through 16 for Counselor in Training program. Open from June 20 to August 12, with tennis continuing from August 15 to 22. $450 for one week, $900 for two weeks, and $2,850 for the full 9 week experience. There is an additional $50 charge for early drop-off and $75 for an extended day, per week. There is a 10 percent discount for two or more children. 745 Washington Street, Braintree, (781) 848-7255, www.thayer.org/campthayer

Blue Hills Summer Camp at Blue Hills Trailside Museum

What better place for a bird’s eye view of nature than from The Norman Smith Environmental Education Center located at the peak of Chickatawbut Hill, the second highest point in the Blue Hills Reservation? Though there is much in the way of activities—science, crafts, hikes, and guided exploration—there is also time set aside for imaginative play with friends. Hands-on learning, crafts, songs, games, and short hikes for younger campers, and lengthier hiking to and exploration of habitats including Ponkapoag Bog and Houghton’s Pond, plus overnights for older campers. Like other Mass Audubon day camps, including North River, age groups come together at the end of the day to join a sharing circle. Open from June 20 to August 26. Prices range from 270 for a one-week session and $500 for a two-week session, and $315 for one week and $640 for two-week program for nonmembers. Hours 9 a.m.–3 p.m., except for overnights. Extended day program, limited to 24 campers, ends at 5 p.m. at an additional cost. Chickatawbut Road, Milton, (617) 696-0920, www.massaudubon.org/bluehills