With its many stunning outdoor settings, New England, which spans over six states, offers the ideal setting for outdoor activities. Some of these day camps and overnight camps are wonderful places to have fun and learn essential outdoor skills due to the wide range of outdoor areas to explore in the area. The summer camps for youngsters in this part of the northeastern United States are fantastic. If you’re concerned that your child will become bored with monotonous activities over the summer, search for camps with programs that include a variety of activity clusters and give children the freedom to decide how they want to spend some of their days. Campers are challenged to attempt new things while also getting to know other kids who share their interests. Based on conversations with kids, parents, staff, directors, and other people who have firsthand experience with camp facilities and programs, this is a hand-picked list of classic summer camps. Many of these camps welcome visits from potential campers and their families while they are on-site during the summer.
New England Day Camps And Overnight Camps
Summer camps
Summer Programs for Beaver
With a wide range of activities and excellent instruction, Beaver Summer places emphasis on depth and breadth. Beaver provides one-week specialty programs in sports, the outdoors, and the arts in addition to a regular day camp. Ages 3–15; 650 campers; 4 kids per adult; 65% return rate; one, two, four, six, or eight weeks; depending on the child’s age, $2,800–$3,250 for eight weeks.
Day Camp at Brooks School
Like the private school on whose premises it is located, Brooks School Day Camp quickly fills up. Ages 4–12; 385 children; 4 campers per adult; 75% return rate; two, four, six, and eight weeks; $2,190 for eight weeks. Entertainers, carnivals, and visits from rainforest reptiles add to the excitement of two swimming pools, a lake, five squash courts, and an arts, music, and a theater center.
Summer Camp at Cambridge School of Weston
Weston’s personnel is praised for their talent and enthusiasm. Ages 4.5–14; 250 campers; 6 campers per adult for older children, 2 for younger children; 60% return rate; two, four, six, or eight weeks; $2,960 for eight weeks. Each group of campers is led by a college graduate, a college student, and a high school student. Professionals in their fields teach art and drama.
Summer Camp at Concord Academy
There are 250 campers, three campers per adult, a 65 percent return rate, one to eight weeks, and a cost of $3,500 for eight weeks at all of the traditional day camps that balance sports and the arts while putting an emphasis on boosting self-esteem and providing lots of options for older children ages 3.5 to 14.
Camp Fessenden Day
The day camp and its offshoots, including an art camp and a baseball camp, are supported by the 41 acres, 13 tennis courts, a hockey rink, and 41 acres of the Fessenden School. Participants must be between the ages of 4 and 12; there must be 3.5 campers for every adult; 90 percent of campers return; the cost for eight weeks is $2,650.
Setaro Camp
Setaro, which is only 20 miles from Boston, has the atmosphere of an overnight camp without the loneliness. Four swimming pools offer some variety to the required swim. Scavenger hunts, the Olympic Games, and carnivals are all well-liked occasions. Ages 4–13; 550 campers; 4 campers per adult; 80% return rate; four and eight weeks; $4,000 for eight weeks. A nice facility for kids not ready for overnight camp.
Camp Tenacre Day
Thanks to the amenities at Tenacre Country Day School, the community of Tenacre offers something for everyone. While the younger campers practice archery, climbing, and swimming in two heated pools and a wading pool, older campers get the opportunity to study ecology in a tidal pool. Amazing facilities for music and the arts Ages 4–12; 600 campers; 5 campers per adult; 75% return rate; 2, 4, 6, and 8-week sessions; $3,265 for the full eight-week session.
Nighttime Camps
The Foundation for Aloha
The unique complex comprises 19th-century structures, a life-sized recreation of a medieval castle, and a functioning Viking sailing ship. Some of the campers are fifth-generation. Boys, ages 8-14; 120 campers per camp; 2.5 campers per adult; 80% return rate; three and a half and seven weeks; $6,400 for the whole season; girls, ages 7–12; females, ages 12–17; and boys, ages 8–14; at Lanakila.
Camp Birch Rock
Because of its stature, Birch Rock can give each boy a lot of one-on-one attention. Along with nature hiking, which brings campers to sites like the St. Croix International Waterway near the border with Canada, table manners and how to make a bed are taught. 80% return rate, males, ages 7 to 15, 72 campers, three campers per adult, three and a half to seven weeks, $4,800 for the entire season.
Caribou Camp
Since 1968, the same family has been in charge of running Caribou, and some aspects (including archery, waterfront activities, and excellent coaching) have remained the same. Additionally, there is a brand-new, 10,000 square foot gym and equipment for almost every sport for boys ages 7 to 15; 225 campers; 3 campers to an adult; 70% return rate; three and a half to seven weeks; $7,150 for the entire season.
Cedar Camp
Jack is a busy boy with six basketball courts, a nine-hole golf course, and a full-sized, lit lacrosse and soccer field. Structured, but with considerable room for discretion. Boys, ages 8 to 15, 290 kids, two campers per adult, 95% return rate, seven weeks, $7,800; clean, new facilities and, most importantly, involved, hands-on directors.
Chewonki
Campers gain navigational knowledge while taking part in wilderness excursions to Maine’s more remote areas. Ages 8 to 15; 140 campers; 3 campers per adult; 65% return rate; three and a half to seven weeks; $5,400 for the entire season; emphasis is placed on camping skills and appreciation for nature.
Cobbossee Camp
A traditional sports camp in Maine with heart, as well as first-rate amenities, including a 30-foot climbing wall and an indoor bouldering cave. Cobbossee’s schedule allows you a lot of leisure time. Ages 7 to 15; 220 campers; 3 campers per adult; 75% return rate; three and a half to seven weeks; $7,450 for the full season. Campers can opt to engage in intercamp sports, although collaboration and progress are thought to be essential to defeating a rival camp at baseball.
Conner Emerson
There might not be a finer summer vacation destination for a child who is autonomous and mature. Step Beyond seminars provides in-depth training in a variety of subjects, including science, filmmaking, board game design, and wilderness survival. But it’s summer, as the directors like to remind us. Therefore, after working their brains out all morning, kids may relax in the secluded, six-acre lake in the afternoons. Ages 8 to 15, 220 campers, two campers per adult, 95% return rate, four weeks, $4,300.
Fernwood Camp
a tight-knit, structured camp offering a range of electives and activities like white-water canoeing, mountain trekking, and rock climbing for older campers. A classic Maine camping trip with an experienced crew, a welcoming environment, and one of the best sandy beaches
Girls, aged 8 to 15, from the Northeast beaches; 180 campers; 1.5 campers to each adult; 98% return rate; 7.5 weeks; $7,700.
Greylock Camp
Boys, ages 6 to 16, 350 campers, two campers per adult, 90% return rate, seven weeks, $7,950; top-notch sports education for the competitive youngster; facilities to back it up, including five baseball fields, 16 tennis courts, four soccer fields, and a hockey rink; on 400 acres.
Camp in Hidden Valley
This 10-year-old foodie with a passion for animals would be the one we would send to camp if we had to. Hidden Valley has its own herd of llamas as well as a barnyard populated with lambs, pigs, and bunnies. The opportunities for arts and crafts don’t stop with the four stained-glass workshops. Ages 8 to 13; 280 campers; 3 campers per adult; 68 percent return rate; four and eight weeks; $6,190 for the whole season; the food is among the best in camping.
Forest acres and Indian acres
These sister and brother camps, both excellent representations of conventional Maine camping, deserve more recognition than they currently receive. For the first-time camper who requires a bit more attention, they are also cozy and caring. Boys aged 7 to 16 can use the facilities, which include a full-sized indoor basketball court, an Olympic-sized pool, a driving range, and a 23-horse stable. Girls, aged 6 to 16, at Forest Acres; 150 campers per session; 2.5 campers per adult; 7-week session; $7,200.
Evergreen and Kenwood
Unique overnight camps for a brother and a sister. The majority of the evening and weekend events are shared by boys and girls, and the two camps also utilize one dining hall. However, each has its own distinct culture, customs, and division of gender in daily activities. With this, children may experience coed camp while also enjoying the unique companionship of a single-sex camp. Boys, 7 to 15 years old; Evergreen, 7 to 15 years old females; 300 campers; 2 adults each camper; 95% return rate; 7 weeks; $7,200.
Camp Kingsley Pines
With plenty of unstructured free time for the independent-minded, this former retreat for Boston women is now a sports and arts camp, with the sole required activity is swimming. We give high ratings for an age range of 8 to 15 years old, 200 campers, three campers per adult, 60% return rate, two, three, five, and six weeks, and $5,998 for six weeks.
South Camp Laurel
In Laurel South, an entire summer is squeezed into four weeks. To avoid cliques from forming before the second session’s students arrive, all the children arrive and depart together. New facilities and practical, down-to-earth directors. Ages 7 to 15; 320 campers; 3 campers per adult; 80% return rate; four weeks; $4,750. Arts, athletics, and a little something for every camper.
Girls’ Camp Lochearn
Lochearn is a ton of fun, with hundreds of activities, a well-kept lakefront, and age-old customs. One hundred seventy-five campers, four campers per adult, 75% return rate, four and eight weeks, $7,800 for the entire season; an eclectic mix of kids from all over the country; a full 16-horse stable overseen by the former equestrian director at Smith and Dartmouth girls; ages 7 to 16.
Mah-Kee-Nac Camp
Tennis, soccer, sailing, swimming in the Olympic-sized pool and two-mile-wide lake, as well as drama, photography, a radio station, and a woodshop, are among the sports and specialty programs offered. Ages 8 to 15; 375 campers; 3 campers per adult; 90% return rate; seven weeks; $7,700. A structured program for younger children and a wide range of options for the older guys.
Teen Camp in Maine
This camp is everything but typical in practice because it was created for the older youngster who didn’t get the traditional camping experience at the age of seven or eight. A group of independent thinkers is served by an experienced team (all free-choice scheduling here). The entire facility is designed with the campers’ needs and desires for their summers in mind. Ages 13 to 17; 250 campers; 3 campers per adult; 35% return rate; 4 or 8 weeks; $5,495 for the whole season; this shouldn’t be unusual.
Boys’ Camp Manitou
How could you go wrong with an illuminated, Little League-sized reproduction of Fenway Park and a Claymation studio? Manitou features a private island, a 450-seat theater with its own costume store, a driving range, and miniature golf course, a 50-foot climbing tower, and other amenities. It is a camp for just about any guy with any set of interests. Boys, ages 7 to 15, who are aggressive but not inhumane; 300 campers; 2.5 campers per adult; 80% return rate; three and a half to seven weeks; $7,450 for the entire season.
Matoaka Camp
On a campus that runs along a mile of lakefront, Matoaka works hard for competitive and not-so-competitive girls while placing emphasis on teamwork and involvement in athletics. Girls, ages 8 to 15, 2.5 campers per adult, 88 percent return rate, three and a half to seven weeks, $7,675 for the full season; individually personalized schedules can be adjusted every week and accessible by parents on the website.
Med-o-lark
In creating this camp, the creators of OMNI Camp, Maine Teen Camp, and Hidden Valley Camp tried to combine the finest elements of each and add something fresh. The end result is a camp that resembles an artist community in the wilderness, complete with a free-choice schedule with opportunities for cooking, batik, and calligraphy. With 250 children, three campers per adult, 50% return rates, four and eight-week sessions, and a full-season price of $5,995, there are plenty of typical Maine camp sports available for your child to participate in when they want to put the easel away for the afternoon.
AOL Camp
Workshops are offered at the former Samantha Smith World Peace Camp on issues like diversity, the environment, global challenges, and community service. However, there is also enough hiking, water skiing, and high-ropes course time to almost make you believe you are at a standard New England summer camp. A wonderful environment for mature, open-minded children ages 9 to 15; 200 campers; 3 campers per adult; 50% return rate; two, four, six, and eight-week sessions; $6,000 for the entire season.
Pinecliffe Camp
Girls from all over the world come to Pinecliffe to take part in its primarily optional program, which gives younger girls more structure while allowing older girls to go off on their own explorations. The fourth-generation director places a strong emphasis on tradition, which is aided by a low turnover rate among key staff members. The camp has 200 campers, an adult-to-camper ratio of 2.2, a seven-week session costing $8,100, and it serves children aged 8 to 15.
Skylemar Camp
You might anticipate that swimming, water skiing, canoeing, snorkeling, and kayaking would be a large part of life in Skylemar, given that it is situated on a three-mile-long lake. However, the environment is what most campers recall most: it was welcoming, loving, and, yes, a little segregated. L. L. Bean came to this location to photograph a catalog for kids aged 7 to 15, 170 campers, 2.5 campers per adult, 90% return rate, three and a half and seven weeks, and $8,050 for the entire season.
Tajo Camp
The consistency is evident despite the low turnover. A values-oriented education for males is the main focus of Takajo, which has one of the most opulently furnished camps in New England as its setting. Ages 7 to 15; 400 kids; 3 campers per adult; 90% return rate; seven weeks; $8,100; such affluent clientele that Takajo included it in the script of the Fox TV smash The OC.
Camp Tripp Lake
Third- and fourth-generation campers are drawn to Tripp Lake by its emphasis on tradition. Although your great-grandmother might not have gone, there are many good reasons to begin a new tradition here, such as the welcoming staff and pine lodge that shouts New England summer camp for girls, ages 8 to 16; 350 campers; 2.5 campers per adult; 98 percent return rate; seven weeks; $8,200.
Canton Vega
Although Vega has a number of luxurious amenities (12 tennis courts, a gorgeous lakeside, cutting-edge theater, and arts buildings), the high caliber of education is what keeps campers coming back. A former Rockette, for instance, charges $8,400 for seven and a half weeks of dance instruction to 325 kids aged 7 to 15, with three campers for each adult.
Walden Camp
If this camp appears familiar, it’s because the producer and director of Disney’s adaptation of The Parent Trap based the sets on it (their daughters went here). Girls run a miniature democracy with their own honor code in the woods from cozy yet rustic cabins. Activities at camp in general (trips, hiking, theater, riding, tennis) with a genuine sense of community Girls between the ages of 9 and 15; 150 campers; 3 campers to each adult; 94% return rate; 7.5 weeks; $7,000
Walt Whitman Camp
Kids can pick a weekly special interest from options like baking, photography, or a certain sport. This camp has a seasoned staff in addition to excellent coaching; for instance, the tennis instructor is the head coach at Brigham Young University. There are 390 campers, two campers per adult, 90% of campers return, and the full season costs between $7,500 and $7,900, depending on the age of the camper.
With Camp
With 200 campers, four campers per adult, an 80% return rate, seven and a half weeks, and $5,600, this camp has been in the same family for two generations. The facilities have been updated, but the philosophy has not changed. It is to provide a comfortable environment for down-to-earth children with spirit and an interest in sports (but not necessarily proficiency).
Wicosuta Camp
This camp is more like a vacation with horses, ice skating, and watersports than a stuffy home-away-from-home for the elite due to its variety of activities and the passion of its personnel. There is little pressure everywhere and lots of room to experiment: Ages 6-15; 270 campers in the first session; 175 in the second session; 3 kids to an adult; 80% return rate; four weeks; $4,750. Older girls have full discretion over how they schedule their days.
Winaukee Camp
Lake Winnipesaukee, Winaukee, has been operated by the same family since 1934. The camp’s private island is where the older lads spend their time, but regardless of which side of the lake you’re on, one thing is obvious: Winaukee is one of the top New England summer camps for boys, and subsequent improvements have only served to confirm this. 7 to 15-year-old males; 370 campers; 3 campers to each adult; 70% return rate; 7 weeks; $7,900.
Winnebago Camp
Winnebago places a strong emphasis on the ideals, sportsmanship, and skill development that come with team sports. Boys ages 8 to 15; 160 campers; 3 campers per adult; 85% return rate; four and eight weeks; $8,000 for the full season; diversified population, a variety of water sports, and New England’s largest camp library add to customary activities like archery, photography, and, of course, swimming.
Top 9 Camps In New England For The Summer
Camp Cody, first
Two hours from Boston and five from New York, Camp Cody is a lakeside summer camp in New Hampshire, notably near the town of Freedom. For kids aged 7 to 17, it provides full and half-summer programs as well as one-week adventure excursions. Camp Cody is one of the few who adapts the programs to the temperament and age of your child. In order to construct a schedule that builds on the kid’s interests while introducing new challenges and skills, counselors will organize a home visit before camp even begins to get to know your child. Younger campers who are away from home for the first time receive more support from the counselors, whereas older campers are encouraged to take leadership roles and serve as Big Sisters/Brothers to the younger campers. Older campers are also taught to be more independent and can choose from specific electives. As a major component of its goal, Camp Cody sees this as a way to develop moral character and compassion in young people.
Camp Robin Hood, 2.
Children ages 7 to 16 can attend Program Robinhood, an overnight camp. Its 180-acre campus is situated in Freedom, New Hampshire, close to the White Mountain National Forest. There are several conventional camp activities available for youngsters to explore, as well as separate camps for boys and girls that are located on opposite ends of each other. They can enroll in team sports, including hockey, baseball, and basketball. Activities besides the water include sailing, canoeing, tubing, and many more things. Five different activities are offered each day, three of which the camper chooses based on their individual interests. You can register kids for one of two camp sessions, one of which lasts for a full month and the other for about a month and a half. Active campers who love sports, hiking, and the great outdoors will love being here.
Maine’s Camp North Star
In Poland, Maine, there is a top-notch overnight camp called Camp North Star Maine for kids ages 7 to 17. It provides an endless supply of enjoyable activities during its two to seven-week camp periods, which cover various grade levels. Rock climbing, ropes courses, mountain biking, archery, and other enjoyable activities are available to both boys and girls. Waterskiing, paddleboarding, sailing, and other activities are available to campers at facilities that are adjacent to the water. Sports, including tennis, basketball, and baseball, are available for campers who are athletic. Since this is a technology-free camp, children must refrain from using any kind of mobile device. Instead, they should concentrate on developing their leadership abilities and interpersonal skills. The goal of Camp North Star Maine is to give children a friendly environment where they may make new friends and learn important life lessons like respect and independence.
Camp Emerson 4.
Camp Emerson has welcomed approximately 1.5 million people since it first opened in 1968. It has 170 acres of campgrounds, two lakes, and a heated pool located in the Massachusetts Berkshire Mountains, but the magic happens when the kids are there. There are 50 various activities at Camp Emerson, including sports, water activities, and the performing arts. Additionally, they have a program that teaches the science and engineering concepts to children in entertaining ways, such as by having them build rockets and demolition derby cars, investigate crime scenes, and test science myths and facts. Children create their own schedules and select six activities to participate in each two-week period. Your kids can discover what they enjoy and find peers who have similar interests, whether they prefer the sciences, sports, or the arts. Additionally, Camp Emerson is renowned for its dedicated kitchen and registered dietitian’s 27 years of experience with food allergies in creating specialized meal plans.
Camp Watitoh Camp Watitoh is a coed summer camp in the Massachusetts Berkshire Mountains, just by the sparkling Center Lake. It gives one amazing, exciting summer vacation. Children spend a half-day at the lake participating in water sports like sailing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and waterskiing. They get to choose from a variety of afternoon activities. Baseball, basketball, field hockey, golf, tennis, lacrosse, and many other sports are available at the camp. Additionally, you can sign up your kid for lessons in equestrian riding, but that will cost you extra money. The camp also offers “Adventure” activities, including archery classes and a special obstacle course with a swinging wall and a big swing. The creatively inclined can participate in theater, dancing, crafts, woodworking, photography, guitar, cooking, and other activities. The camp also arranges day trips to local museums, concerts, and scenic Mt. Greylock hikes for visitors to enjoy. Their goal is to provide each child with a wonderful summer filled with enriching activities, allowing them to return home with incredible tales and make friendships that will last a lifetime.
Boys’ Camp Kingswood
Boys ages 8 to 16 can find a “home away from home” at Kingswood Program for Boys, a family-run summer camp. This overnight camp offers the ideal environment for children to explore nature and learn new skills because it is situated in New Hampshire’s White Mountains by the clear waters of Lake Tarleton and surrounded by protected forest property. This sleepaway camp has recently updated facilities and a big emphasis on sports. Kids can participate in sports, including tetherball, baseball, soccer, tennis, basketball, and more. There is even a rifle and archery range there. Because it created new games like Javelin Ball, Gatorball, and even its own version of Quidditch, Kingswood likes to refer to itself as “The Camp of 100 Games.” Children will never want things to do at the lakeside camp, and they will also receive enough exercise. Of course, there are always water activities available. Canoeing, kayaking, kneeboarding, paddleboarding, fishing, water polo, and many more activities are taught to campers. For young boys who are sporty and active and who enjoy playing games and sports, Kingswood is the ideal camp. They will hone their athletic prowess and cultivate virtues like self-control and cooperation.
Everwood Day Camp, no. 7
In Sharon, Massachusetts, on Lake Massapoag, there is a 70-acre summer camp called Everwood. Although it is more compact than other camps, it still offers all the activities you want your child to participate in, like arts and crafts, water sports, theater, music, and competitions that foster sportsmanship and collaboration. The Five Star Points, which represent the emotional and social qualities they want your child to master during their stay, serve as the foundation of the overnight camp philosophy. It also involves inspiration, companionship, teamwork, individuality, and honesty. This day program is a great choice for children ages 4 to 15 and is run by knowledgeable camp leaders. Each activity, whether it’s taking a pottery class or ziplining through the tall pine trees, is made to highlight or improve one of those qualities. This summer camp in New England offers a variety of classic camp activities to inspire students to explore their interests and pick up new skills. They are allowed the freedom to experiment, explore, and be themselves.
Camp Maplewood Day 8
The Maplewood day camp and enrichment center is conveniently located in South Easton, Massachusetts, and offers engaging, well-structured programs to kids in pre-school through seventh grade. It offers special summer programs that last for around five days, as well as weekend sessions during the academic year.
An academic program with one-on-one and group tutoring, as well as sports workshops, are among the offered offerings. However, that doesn’t mean your kid won’t enjoy themselves! Fun activities like yoga, spikeball, sailing, and other games are always included in camp programs.
The Campanion Camper Photo App is one of Maplewood Day Camp’s fascinating features. It employs face finder technology to tag you whenever your child is in a photo and provides a stream of all the camp photographs. Childrens between the ages of 4 and 14 can use it.
Camp Nashoba North, 9.
Camp Ages 7 to 17 are welcome at the coed summer camp in Maine called Nashoba North. Kids may spend hours enjoying enjoyable water sports like swimming, sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and more right adjacent to Crescent Lake. There are plenty of activities available on land as well. Sports, including basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, field hockey, volleyball, archery, and ultimate frisbee, are among the many options available to kids. They can even go trekking and rock climbing in the woods. There is lots of space to explore on the more than 95 acres of open space and pine forests. The well-rounded camp curriculum also places equal focus on the arts, which helps foster children’s creativity, self-esteem, and self-expression. They have art and music facilities where they can take classes in ceramics and woodworking or learn an instrument.
F.A.Q.
Do you provide transportation to and from the airport?
To and from Manchester Airport, New England provides a shuttle service. If you make your shuttle request and travel plans at least one week in advance, the cost is $30 one way.
Are summer camps eligible for any discounts?
Every camper who registers will receive a $30 early bird discount. Due to the $10 processing fee for registrations sent by mail or fax, online registration is recommended. For campers who want to come back for a second week, we also offer a 50% discount. We will distribute vouchers for the precise weeks when a such discount is offered.
Are there any scholarships for the summer available?
Teen or junior campers who require extra financial support can apply for scholarships. Additionally, if you bring unchurched friends to camp, they will give them scholarships.
What’s the climate like today?
Lows are in the mid-50s, and highs are in the mid-70s during our summer camping season. Not only should you pack a jacket, but you should also pack a lot of clothing for the warmer months. It might be wise to bring a raincoat, an umbrella, and a few additional sets of clothing if they get spring rains.
What is your policy about goods I or my child left at camp?
Items that are lost and are not claimed within 30 days are thrown away. If your things are located, the only cost will be shipped, which can be paid for using a credit card at the main office.
What shouldn’t I pack for camp?
Any type of electronic device, including but not limited to cell phones, CDs, DVDs, MP3, or other music/media players, computers, PDAs, radios, TVs, and video games. Alcoholic beverages, drugs, tobacco or cigarettes of any kind, fireworks, ammunition, guns, weapons, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, magazines, and drones.
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