BOSTON, Mass. — Eastern Massachusetts families pondering summer camp options should look no further than The Trustees, which will offer several summer camp options on properties on Martha’s Vineyard, the South Shore, Metro West, and the North Shore. Registration for most camps opens for Trustees members only on Jan. 11 and then to everyone on Jan. 16. Registration opens for Farm Camp at The Farm Institute on Martha’s Vineyard on Jan. 11 to Trustees members and the public.
“We know families are probably just getting back into the rhythm of school after the holidays, but it’s never too early to register your campers for a Trustees summer camp,” said Julie Bernson, director of learning at The Trustees. “Our summer camps are immensely popular and always in high demand. We offer a range of opportunities for campers to have immersive experiences in nature, on our working farms, at the coast, or at an art museum.”
People who wish to register early and enjoy the $100 per week per camper membership discount may add a Trustees family membership purchase to their camp registration.
Information about each camp can be found on The Trustees website:
Farmer, Forester, Chef! Camp (Dover)
June 24 to August 16 | Ages 6-11 | 9 AM-3 PM Mondays-Fridays | $555 (M), $655 (NM)
Campers focus on the three things that make Powisset Farm unique—the farm, the forest, and the kitchen. At the 109-acre working farm campers care for animals and vegetables, learn their way around the kitchen discovering how to prepare healthy recipes, and explore the natural world at neighboring Noanet Woodlands. A special gluten-free week will be offered again this summer in partnership with the Boston Children’s Hospital Celiac Kids Connection.
July 8 to August 9 | Ages 5-12 | 9:30 AM-3:30 PM Mondays-Fridays, $545 (M), $645 (NM)
At deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, The Hive provides an ideal atmosphere for young explorers to make connections to contemporary art, artists, nature, and ideas as well as to each other. Campers venture through the 30-acre Sculpture Park and natural landscape to discover how artists use artistic, scientific, and social tools to explore ideas about self, community, and the environment. Each weekly theme focuses on an aspect of art, identity, and nature.
Summer Studio for Teens (Lincoln)
Session 1, July 1-3; Session 2, August 12-16 | Ages 13-16 | 11:30 AM-4:30 PM | Session 1: $235 (M), $335 (NM), Session 2: $390 (M), $490 (NM)
The Summer Studio for Teens sessions at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum offer older creative campers the space to refine and expand their artistic skills alongside accomplished teachers and artists. The first session, July 1-3, will focus on 2D techniques including illustration, painting, gestural collage, and printmaking. Session 2, August 12-16, will focus on 3D techniques with the theme “Elementary, My Dear: Wind, Water, Fire, and Earth.”
Appleton Farm Camp (Hamilton & Ipswich)
June 24 to August 23 | Ages 4-14 | Half-Day Session Ages 4-6, 9 AM- 12 PM Mondays-Fridays; Full Day Session Ages 5-13 9 A.M.-3 P.M. Mondays-Fridays | Half-Day Session: $275 (M), $375 (NM); Full Day Session: $460 (M), $560 (NM)
With rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, vegetable gardens, an active barnyard, and historic buildings, Appleton Farms introduces campers to a working farm through exciting and educational activities like feeding animals, collecting eggs, working in the garden, farm-based science experiments, and lots of outdoor hiking.
SummerQuest at Crane Estate (Ipswich)
June 24 to August 23 | Ages 5-11; July 22 to August 16 | Ages 12-14 |9 AM-3 PM. Mondays-Fridays | $490 (M), $590 (NM)
Campers start their day with songs and games in morning circle then break into small groups to dive into energizing theme-based activities. Every afternoon, campers enjoy swim time on a private beach, engage in nature craft projects, and play active games on the 2,100-acre Crane Estate, making this the ultimate summer adventure.
Weir River Farm Camp (Hingham)
June 24 to August 16 | Ages 5-11 | 9 AM-3 PM Mondays-Fridays | $490 (M), $590 (NM)
Campers who are animal lovers will never want to leave this 75-acre working farm, where they learn about sheep, chickens, cows, and how to care for the barnyard animals. Campers also develop gardening skills and fresh food appreciation in the Children’s Garden. The surrounding woodland provides hiking opportunities to learn about local wildlife.
June 24 to August 16 | Ages 5-10 | 9 AM-3 PM Mondays-Fridays | $490 (M), $590 (NM)
World’s End Camp lets campers explore the shoreline, fields, and forests of this iconic Hingham property. Campers discover the plants, animals, sea life, and minerals that call this place home – and learn about the delicate balance that supports all living things.
Farm Camp at The FARM Institute (Edgartown)
June 24 to August 23 | Ages 4-14 | Half Day Session for Age 4, 9 AM-12 PM; Full Day Session for ages 5-13, 9 AM-3 PM| Half Day: $375 (M), $475 (NM); Full Day: $475 (M), $575 (NM)
The historic 162-acre Katama Farm hosts this summer camp on Martha’s Vineyard. Campers enjoy farm chores like feeding, watering, and moving livestock through the farm’s pastures; planting, watering, and weeding vegetables, flowers, and herbs in the Friendship Garden; and cooking and tasing delicious seasonal food in the teaching kitchen using ingredients the campers have helped grow.
Additionally, The Farm Institute offers Wee Farmers, a program for children ages 2-4 with a caregiver. Wee Farmers is a two-day session offered each week on either Tuesday and Thursdays or Wednesdays and Fridays. The cost is $75 a week for Members and $100 for non-members. Also offered is Farmer for a Day, a drop-off program for children ages 6 or older or as a family activity. The program is be offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1-3 PM.
July 8 to August 9 | Ages 5-13 | 8 AM-5 PM Mondays-Fridays | $400 (M), $450 (NM) for ages 5-6; $390 (M), $440 (NM) for ages 7-13
This year Rocky Woods Camp in Medfield will be operated through an exciting new partnership with the YMCA of Greater Boston. This opportunity is great for campers who like to be in nature all day and will feature hikes, sports, and arts and crafts with weekly themes focused on geology, animals, plant science, and wilderness survival techniques. Campers will learn about flora and fauna, discover animal habitats, create nature crafts, and explore the endless trails and favorite features of historic Rocky Woods.
Trustees summer camps, while focused on having fun, also are dedicated to experiential STEM/STEAM learning for campers of all interests and learning styles. The Trustees are dedicated to making outdoor camp experiences available to everyone and offer financial assistance at all properties. More information at www.thetrustees.org/camp.
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More about The Trustees
Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit, supported by members, friends and donors and our 118 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org.