A Guide to 2020 Area Summer Camps
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Camp Evergreen
Founded by the Loscutoff family in 1964, Camp Evergreen has rustic country charm to spare. In addition to being surrounded by nearly 3,000 acres of beautiful state forest, the 53-year-old Andover community linchpin rests where an old farm once was — and its buildings are still in use by the camp today. If your kids have some trouble “unplugging,” this is the place for them: with ponds, marshes and woods to explore on all sides, they won’t have time to think about cell phones or video games. Of course, they’ll also get to enjoy a whole host of traditional camp activities including arts and crafts, drama, woodshop, horseback riding, boating … and more sports than you can shake a stick at! Plus, daily Red Cross swimming lessons from trained water safety instructors ensure your little ones are right at home in the camp’s two huge pools. Perhaps best of all, you can rest assured knowing that the camp’s 1:5 staff-to-camper ratio is among the best in the region.
Andover, Mass. l (978) 475-2502 l CampEvergreen.com
Camp Gottalikachallenge
Camp Gottalikachallenge is a fast-paced adventure in problem solving! Campers’ days are filled with hands-on learning and challenging activities guaranteed to get their creativity flowing. Our program empowers participants to approach life’s challenges with confidence. Campers and Staffers are encouraged to share their talents, to take risks, to recognize their similarities and differences, to be inclusive, become leaders, and to have fun! At Camp Gottalikachallenge, campers form lasting friendships with their teammates and dorm buddies. This year’s Day Camp is July 20-24 in Manchester, NH, open to ages 9-14. Overnight Camps are Aug 2-7 and Aug 9-14 in Wolfeboro, NH open to ages 10-14. Financial assistance is available.
Manchester & Wolfeboro, N.H. l (603) 315-9219 l CampGottaLikaChallenge.org
Dance New England
Located in North Chelmsford, Mass., Dance New England’s School of Dance has been providing quality classes for dancers of all experience levels for 24 years. Our studio boasts over 8,000 square feet of beautiful mill space, which includes five studio spaces and a Ballroom Cafe. Within these studio spaces, students of all ages can immerse themselves in a multitude of dance styles. DNE offers classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Irish Step and much more, and each style has various classes that cater towards specific age groups. DNE School of Dance is devoted to creating the best possible environment for dance instruction and social ballroom dancing. At DNE, students of all ages are welcome to study and practice the art of dance. Give us a call or visit our website for more information.
North Chelmsford, Mass. l (978) 251-1700 l DanceNewEngland.com
Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s Young Company
MRT’s Young Company is a professional theatre training program for high school students interested in all aspects of performing arts and new play development as a career. Nationally recognized playwrights, actors, and directors will work closely with students to develop their own voice in their scripts and learn about performing improv, musical theatre, and modern approaches to acting and auditioning. Young Company is designed to prepare students for college theatre programs and careers in the field. Students of all experience levels welcome! Summer program: For students entering grades 9–12, July 6 – July 24, Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. [ Update: 4/14/20: Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s Young Company Program will be virtual this summer! You can find more info here. ]
Lowell, Mass. l (978) 654-7567 l MRT.org/YoungCompany
Merrimack Valley YMCA Camps
The Merrimack Valley YMCA offers children, teens and families fun-filled summer experiences. Camp Lawrence for boys ages 8-16 and Camp Nokomis for girls ages 8-16 are overnight camps, located on Lake Winnipesaukee’s Bear Island, in Meredith, NH. Campers choose their schedules from a wide range of athletic, creative and instructional activities that are designed to challenge campers according to their age, interest and skill. Camp Otter is a day camp for boys and girls ages 6-13, located on Captain’s Pond in Salem, NH. Campers enjoy swimming, boating, basketball, archery, ropes course, and arts and crafts. Road Rangers travel day camp is an extension of Camp Otter and consists of themed day trips for boys and girls ages 10-14. Transportation is provided to Camp Otter from Andover, North Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, Atkinson, Salem and Windham. The Merrimack Valley YMCA also offers a Family Camp on Bear Island for 10 days in late August. Families can rent cabins and enjoy a wide variety of camp activities for the entire family.
Lawrence, Mass. l (978) 975-1330 l Camp.MVYMCA.org
Middlesex Community College: College for Kids
College for Kids at Middlesex Community College is designed to provide children with unique, fun and challenging opportunities to explore careers, gain new knowledge and skills, and boost confidence. College for Kids provides up to six weeks of engaging summer programs for children ages 8 to 17. All programs are taught by certified public school teachers or by professionals who are experts in their fields and have experience working with children. Summer programs explore subjects such as film production, aviation, web design, writing, science, veterinary medicine, children’s theater, culinary arts and fashion design. Year-round College for Kids offerings include after-school and school vacation programs. Programs are offered on the Bedford and Lowell campuses.
Bedford and Lowell, Mass. l (781) 280-3669 l Middlesex.mass.edu/CollegeForKids