2026 Registration Opens to Trustees Members on Thursday, January 8, 2026

Registration opens to all on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at noon

Review the details from 2025 below to learn more about the camp while you plan for next summer!

The Crane Estate’s 2,100-acre property is a spectacular expanse of salt marsh and barrier beach habitat situated in Ipswich and Essex, MA between the Atlantic Ocean, Ipswich River, and Essex Bay. Castle Hill, homebase for SummerQuest, encompasses many acres of salt marsh and dune habitat, hiking trails, a stunning hilltop mansion and other grand buildings that were part of the summer estate of a wealthy Chicago industrialist, formal gardens, and an expansive lawn rolling a half a mile to the sea. Our program for ages 5–14 is inspired by this exceptional property and builds on The Trustees’ expertise in land conservation, historic landscape and cultural resource preservation, coastal ecology, and restoration.

Camp Details

Each day, campers enjoy activities that align with our environmental education mission, including:

• Nature-based activities exploring the coast, art, culture, design, and more
• Place-based lessons that inspire understanding of and respect for the environment
• Private swim time on the secluded Steep Hill Beach
• Creative craft projects that support the understanding of the natural world
• Morning circle, songs, and games that build friendship and community

SummerQuest at the Crane Estate is designed for campers who love the outdoors, exploring the woods and coast, connecting to the land, being independent learners, using their imagination, and tapping into their resilience no matter the weather. A team of talented, compassionate, and energetic environmental educators support campers in their quest to connect to the natural world and find their place within it.

This year, camp activities are focused on the SummerQuest mission: to get children outside, using their creativity and curiosity to foster a personal connection to nature—rather than following specific weekly themes. The Crane Estate’s unique coastal ecosystems offer a remarkable backdrop to learn about the natural world while developing meaningful skills. For example, campers design and build forts in the woods, learn about coastal critters and their adaptations to the salt marsh, and embark on quests to uncover the geological and cultural history of the Crane Estate. Every day brings the chance for campers to discover new things, be creative, get a little messy, and have some fun together!

About the SummerQuest Experience:

• Daily hiking and exploring the unique features of the Crane Estate offers a rewarding experience. Nature walks incorporate learning experiences, games, and team-building activities, ensuring campers are engaged while transitioning to parts of the property. As this is a key part of the SummerQuest program, campers should be prepared for a significant amount of walking each day in all types of weather.
• If you have any questions about whether your camper will thrive at SummerQuest, please contact the camp office.

NEW! CIT and Junior CIT Programs:

• Leadership experiences for youth who have aged out of camp.
• CITs (ages 15-17) are passionate about the environment and interested in leading the next generation. CITs work alongside our Camp Educators to create a welcoming and active learning environment at camp.
• Junior CITs (age 14) are not yet eligible for the CIT program but interested in learning about camp planning responsibilities. Junior CITs will be paired with a Counselor and a group of younger campers to assist in camp activities and serve as role models.
• Available Weeks 5–8 (see dates below).

2025 Camp Schedule

FULL DAY for Ages 5–14
CIT PROGRAM for Ages 15–17

Week 1: June 23–27
Week 2: June 30–July 3 (Four-day week, pro-rated tuition)
Week 3:  July 7–11
Week 4: July 14–18
Week 5: July 21–25
Week 6: July 28–August 1
Week 7: August 4–8
Week 8: August 11–15
Week 9: August 18–22

NEW! Junior CIT Program for Age 14

Week 5: July 21–25
Week 6: July 28–August 1
Week 7: August 4–8
Week 8: August 11–15

2025 Camp Pricing

Full Day Tuition for Ages 5–13
9AM–3PM
Trustees Member Camper: $550/week
Nonmember Camper: $630/week

Junior CIT for Age 14
9AM–3PM
Trustees Member Camper: $345/week
Nonmember Camper: $425/week

Registration Information

Create or access your CampBrain account to register your camper. Here are some CampBrain Tips for navigating common sticking points during the process.

Payment, Payment Plans, & Financial Assistance
Payment is due in full by credit card or eCheck at the time of registration to confirm your session.

Payment plans are available to ease the expense of camp. Please contact the camp office before you register.

The Trustees is committed to providing outdoor camp experiences for everyone. Obtain Financial Assistance information online or contact the camp office. Although spots are held for eligible campers, please apply as early as possible as assistance is awarded on a rolling basis as space and funds allow.

Member Tuition Rate
The Crane Estate is a property of The Trustees, a member-supported, nonprofit organization that protects and cares for 27,000 acres across Massachusetts. Trustees Family Members receive the $80 discounted tuition rate for each camper for each week of camp—plus free or discounted admission at 120+ special places, program discounts, and special event pre-sales all year round.

NEW Membership Procedure!
Membership purchases are no longer available during registration. Before you register, please be sure that you have your Membership number ready and a current Trustees Family Membership (or above) by using the Membership Lookup Tool.

Wait Lists
If any of your desired camp weeks are full, you will have the option to join the wait list as you register. Your credit card will not be charged for waitlisted sessions until you accept a session that becomes available.

What You Need to Register
Please have the following ready to proceed to registration:

• Annual physical and immunization forms
• Emergency and pick up contact info
• Camper insurance policy and doctor contact
• Credit card or eCheck information
• Your Membership number and expiration date (Membership Lookup Tool)

Buddy Requests
We pride ourselves on turning strangers into friends. For campers in the same age cohort, we do our best to honor buddy requests. However, due to licensing requirements and other logistics, requests cannot be guaranteed. All parties must initiate a buddy request when registering.

Refund, Cancellation, and Session Change Policy
Due to the high demand for camp and the complexities of registration administration, please select your camp weeks carefully. Refunds are not given for camper dismissal, failure to attend, absence, or sick days. Pro-rated refunds will be offered if camp is not able to open due to extreme weather.

• Prior to April 1, we are able to refund tuition less $150 per camper per week.
• After April 1, we are not able to issue any tuition refunds for cancelled sessions, even if spots are refilled.
• Session change requests will be fulfilled if space allows. There is a $75 per camper per week session change fee.

Licensure
SummerQuest at the Crane Estate complies with all regulations required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the Ipswich Board of Health. Parents have the right to request and review the following policies: background check, health care, discipline policies and grievance procedures.