Camps with leadership in Massachusetts

Ages 5–17

A Mass Audubon day camp at the 734-acre Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in the Connecticut River valley, with forests, meadows, rivers and vernal pools. Offers nature camp groups plus Nature Photography, Environmental Leadership and counselor-in-training options.

As published: 2026 sliding scale by family income, per week: $107-$535; CIT fee $140; hours 9:00-3:00; 2027 pricing not yet published

Ages 5–15 · $103–$565/week

Blue Hills Nature Camp is a Mass Audubon day camp based at Blue Hills Trailside Museum on Chickatawbut Hill, with access to the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation. Campers ages 5 to 15 explore nature through hands-on activities, art and daily hikes, in age groups from Chickadees to Teen Adventurers. The camp states it is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA-accredited) and uses a sliding-scale tuition based on family income.

As published: 2026 sliding-scale weekly tuition of $103 to $515 for most age groups and $113 to $565 for Teen Adventurers, set by family income tier; before camp $17 to $85 and after camp $33 to $165 per week. Camp states 2027 registration is coming soon.

Boston Leadership Institute, based in Wellesley, runs science, medicine, engineering and forensics summer programs for middle and high school students at campuses including Gann Academy/Bentley, Wellesley and Newman School in Boston. The 2027 three-week schedule is posted.

As published: Three-week tuition $2,500 (residential fee $2,097); one-week tuition $699 (residential $699)

Grades 1 to 9 (about ages 5–14)

A licensed nine-week day camp for grades 1-9 with a CIT program for ages 14-16, run by the Club with field trips on and off Cape Cod. 2026 ran June 24 to Aug 21 and the Club reported a waitlist for all groups by June.

As published: 2026 per week: $225 ($200 for second child); first short week $135; early drop-off $50 per week; registration fee $10 members / $35 non-members; weekly deposit (page shows both $25 and $50). 2027 not listed

Ages 8–15

Camp Atwater is a residential youth camp owned and operated by the Urban League of Springfield, which describes it as the oldest African American-owned and operated residential youth camp in the nation. Campers ages 8-15 do swimming, archery, sports, STEM, nature exploration, arts, and leadership and cultural enrichment programming.

As published: 2027: $3,200 per session plus $175 registration fee and a required $125 per-session fee (hut picture, one field trip, camp T-shirt). 2027 sessions: boys' season July 4-17, girls' season July 26-August 7. 2026 rates not listed on the page.

Grades 2 to 11 (about ages 6–16)

A boys' Jewish overnight camp on a lake in Middleboro with about 150 campers, offering sports, lake activities, golf, field trips, camping overnights and Shabbat and Jewish life programming. The site lists full-summer, one-month and two-week (first-time rising 2nd to 5th graders) options for summer 2027.

As published: 2027: full summer (June 23 to August 15) $12,950; Session 1 (June 23 to July 18) $7,950; Session 2 (July 18 to August 15) $7,950; two-week session for first-time rising 2nd to 5th graders (June 23 to July 7) $3,850; CIT program $7,950; $500 deposit; early-signup and paid-in-full discounts; scholarships available. (2026 full summer was $12,300.)

Ages 5–14 · $649–$713/week

Camp Evergreen is a traditional day camp founded in 1964 by former Boston Celtics player Jim Loscutoff and his wife Lynn, now run by their son "Little" Jim Loscutoff and his wife Debby. Located within Harold Parker State Forest, it serves campers from Pre-K through grade 8 with swimming, boating, archery, sports, and a Jr. Leaders program for middle-schoolers.

As published: 2026 tuition ranges from $713/week (1 week) down to $649/week (9 weeks), with multi-week discounts and a 5% early-bird discount for registrations before January 31

Ages 11–15

Camp Harbor View is a free summer camp on Long Island in Boston Harbor for City of Boston students entering grades 6 through 9. Programs combine swimming in a 50-meter pool, sailing, kayaking and fishing in the harbor, sports, arts and hands-on science with leadership development, including a ropes course. Three meals a day and round-trip transportation are included, and the camp is fully enrolled each year before summer.

As published: Free to attend for eligible Boston residents (2026); three sessions: June 29 to July 16, July 20 to August 6, August 10 to August 21

Ages 9–16

A residential camp in the Berkshire hills of Tolland founded in 1923 by Jewish labor activists as a retreat for New York City children. It takes campers ages 9 to 16 in 2 to 7 week sessions, with CIT programs at 15 and 16.

As published: 2027 tuition: 2 weeks $3,087; 3 weeks $4,372; 4 weeks $5,830; 7 weeks $9,230; 1st-year CIT $7,807; 2nd-year CIT $5,845; bus $60 each way; 5% sibling discount; no trip fees in 2027

Ages 6–16

Camp Triumph is a therapeutic day camp founded in 1991 for children and teens with social skills challenges and other special needs, now held at the E. Ethel Little School in North Reading. Groups of up to 11-12 children have 3 counselors, with psychologists, BCBAs and licensed clinicians supervising.

As published: 2027: 3-week session $3,175; 2-week session $2,200; 8-week season $8,550; payment due May 15, 2027; sliding-scale plans may be available

Ages 6–14

Camp Wilder is a weekly outdoor adventure day camp for ages 6-14 offered by Next Level Adventures, with ropes courses, water sports, shelter and fire making, orienteering, and wilderness first aid. A free bag lunch is provided through the city of Springfield or campers can bring their own.

As published: 2026: $375 per week, or $325 per week for Springfield city residents (5 weeks, June 29-July 31, 8am-3pm)

Ages 10–17

Capitol Debate runs a public speaking and debate camp on the Babson College campus (July 11-22, 2027) for ages 10-17, with a Rookie Camp for ages 8-9. Students can live in Coleman Hall or commute on a 9am-5pm schedule.

As published: 2027 main program price not shown on the page; Rookie Camp $2,399 (regularly $2,599) plus $100 safety and compliance fee

Ages 3–14

A Chilmark town-area community center running summer youth programs on Martha's Vineyard: a Playschool and Little Sprouts for ages 3.5-5, a morning program for ages 6-12, a youth leadership program for 13-14, plus tennis, sailing, swimming and, in late August, performing arts and athletics camps. The center says the morning programs serve about 150 children per week.

As published: Not published on pages read (registration page lists a 50% discount for Chilmark residents and 30% for other island residents)

Ages 10–17

Community Boating Inc. runs a Junior Program on the Charles River in Boston for youth ages 10 to 17 who can swim 50 yards, with classes from Beginner Sailing through keelboat, Laser and windsurfing, plus kayaking, paddling, STEM classes, an Instructor-in-Training program and a Race Team. Classes run five or ten weekdays, mornings, afternoons or full days, and are taught by nationally certified instructors. Fees follow a need-based sliding scale that covers membership, classes and boat use.

As published: 2026: all-inclusive need-based sliding scale from $1 to $450, with monthly payment plans available before May 1

Ages 3–15 · $660–$890/week

ACA-accredited day camp on the Concord Academy campus in downtown Concord, with traditional camps for ages 3 through rising 9th graders plus week-long specialty camps and a young writers workshop. Campers get swimming lessons, arts, ceramics, woodshop, sports and river canoeing, and a hot lunch is served daily in the dining hall.

As published: 2026 tuition: Kiddie Camp (half day) $660 per week, Traditional Day Camp $890 per week, Teen Leaders Adventure Camp $1,850 to $2,050 per two-week session; $100 per week nonrefundable deposit; before and after care extra

Ages 8–18

Courageous Sailing in Charlestown (Pier 4) and Jamaica Pond runs a Steps to Lead summer sailing program and the free Swim Sail Science program for ages 8-18. Course fees are based on financial need and entry is by lottery.

As published: Course fees based on financial need; Swim Sail Science free

A Mass Audubon day camp at the 350-acre Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Martha's Vineyard, with trail exploration, outdoor games, wildlife observation, crafts and camp songs. Includes Adventurers, Ecologists and a teen leadership program.

As published: 2026 sliding scale by family income, per week: $124-$620 (ages 4.5-8), $136-$680 (ages 9-13), CIT $58-$288; 2027 pricing not yet published

Ages 3–14 · $306–$603/week

Holly Hill Farm runs drop-off day camps on a working certified organic farm in Cohasset for ages 3.5 to 14, plus a counselor-in-training program for ages 12 to 15. Campers care for barnyard animals, garden, cook, explore ponds and marshes and learn survival skills across 12 weekly sessions in summer 2026. Tiered pricing lets families choose a reduced rate, and a scholarship is available beyond that.

As published: 2026 weekly tuition by tier: half day from $306 to $425, full day from $434 to $603 depending on program and tier (Tier C is the reduced price); $85 family membership required.

Ages 3–17

Hockomock Area YMCA runs five day camps in Foxboro, Franklin, Mansfield, North Attleboro and Bellingham (Camp Blackhawk), with core day camp plus specialty, STEAM, swim, gymnastics, inclusion and teen programs. The 2026 season opened with a preschool welcome week on June 8 and all campers on June 15.

As published: Not published

Ages 5–14

Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary runs nature day camps for ages 5-14, from Young Naturalists to Canoe Adventures and Environmental Teen Leaders, plus a Counselors-in-Training program for ages 14-16. Programs include hikes, canoeing to Perkins Island, vernal pool monitoring and animal tracking.

As published: 2026: one-week camps $114-$570 sliding scale; two-week Trekkers and Teen Leaders $226-$1,130; CIT $765; After Camp $85/week

Ages 3–14 · $842–$909/week

Day camp on the Dana Hall campus in Wellesley with junior camps for ages 3 through 1st grade and adventure, arts, general, performing arts, sports and STEAM camps for rising 2nd through 8th graders, plus a counselor-in-training program. Camp states it is licensed by the local board of health and follows Massachusetts DPH regulations. LINX says it has offered discounted or free spots to Greater Boston families in need since 2009.

As published: 2027 weekly camp rate $909 for one week, down to $864 per week for 8 or more weeks by credit card (ACH rates $842 to $886); bus $109 per week, lunch $69 per week; Jr. Fun Bunch and CIT $639 per week; early drop-off $99 per week, extended day $149 per week

Ages 8–15

A week-long outdoor adventure day camp on the Gordon College campus in Wenham with climbing, high ropes, mountain biking and waterfront activities, in small cohorts that stay together all week. The oldest group (ages 14-15) ends the week with an overnight camp-out.

As published: Not published on the camp page (linked registration site holds pricing); $100 deposit; early-bird and volume discounts listed

Ages 5–14

Day camp run by Lexington Christian Academy for children entering kindergarten through 8th grade, in one-week sessions. It also offers Launch Trips for grades 6 to 10, a sports camp and a Leaders-in-Training program for high schoolers. Camp follows policies set by the Lexington Board of Health.

As published: Not published (the camp page says 2027 dates and rates are coming soon)

Ages 5–16 · $102–$512/week

Moose Hill Nature Camp is a Mass Audubon day camp at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary in Sharon for campers ages 4.5 to 16. Weekly themed sessions combine trail exploration, hands-on activities, science, art and free choice time, with a STEAM camp, a Nature Adventure Camp and a Counselor-in-Training program for older campers. The camp states it is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA-accredited) and uses sliding-scale tuition based on family income.

As published: 2026 sliding-scale weekly tuition of $102 to $512 for Discoverers (ages 5 to 6), set by family income tier; CIT $54 to $270; extended day $12 to $115 per week. Camp states 2027 registration is coming soon.

Ages 8–18

A Unitarian Universalist residential youth camp in the Franklin County hills, founded in 1924, with one- and two-week sessions for ages 8-18 centered on youth empowerment, community and choice-based workshops. 2027 sessions run from late June through mid-August and the camp is licensed by the Franklin County Regional Council of Governments.

As published: $1,350 per one-week camp and $2,700 per two-week camp (2027 FAQ; the FAQ calls YPC 1 and 2 the one-week camps while the 2027 dates page shows YPC 2 as July 4-17, so confirm which sessions are one week); payment plans and financial aid available

Running Brook Camps operates at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School in Waltham with Day Camp, Adventures, Creative Arts, leadership training (Young Leaders) and swim programs for preschool through high school. The camp lists American Camp Association and Massachusetts Camping Association membership and local Board of Health licensing.

As published: Not published on the page read

Grades 3 to 8 (about ages 7–13)

A five-day sports leadership day program run by Pike Athletics for students entering grades 3-8, open to Pike and non-Pike children, held on the Pike campus in two one-week sessions in June 2026. Lunch and snacks are provided and a licensed RN is on site.

As published: Not published on the page

Ages 6–14

Summer Camp at Milton Academy is an all-in-one day camp on the Milton Academy campus for children entering grades 1 through 8, with a pool, gardens, athletic facilities and fields. Morning specialty camps for grades 4 to 8 in fine arts, sports and STEM are led by Milton Academy faculty, staff and coaches, and campers can stay for the 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Day Camp with lunch, swimming and electives. Students entering grades 8 and 9 can join a Counselor-in-Training program.

As published: Not published on the camp page; registration opens each December

Ages 3–14

Brookwood School's summer camp on its Manchester-by-the-Sea campus serves ages 3 through Grade 9 with day camp, a field trip camp, CIT leadership camp, a new INSPIRE academic camp and a North Shore trail exploration camp. Transportation to Manchester Sailing is offered for select programs.

As published: Not published (separate Dates & Rates page)

Ages 4–16

Summer at Park is the day camp of The Park School, held on its 34-acre Brookline campus and at destinations around New England, for children from PreK through 10th grade. It offers general day camp groups (The Lily Pad, Middle Camp, Upper Camp) plus sports, science and technology, and specialty camps led by professional educators, many of them Park teachers. The camp states it is ACA-accredited, and an optional shuttle bus runs from Brookline Village.

As published: Not published on the pages read; deposit of $250 per two-week session and $150 per one-week program, with a 5% discount for a camper attending all 8 weeks

Ages 4–15

The summer program of St. John's Prep on its 150-acre Danvers campus, with the Camp Chris day camp (swimming, creativity, adventure), Eagles multi-sport and sport-specific camps, Exploration Camps, academic courses and an aquatics program run with North Shore Swim Club. Camp ages run 4 to 15, with extended day, transportation and licensed nurses on site.

As published: Not published (weekly tuition not on the pages read; a non-refundable per-session deposit is required, a monthly payment plan is available at no extra cost; optional camp lunch listed at $61 small or $71 large on the Camp Chris week page)

Ages 4–17

The summer program of Buckingham Browne & Nichols on its Upper School campus on the Charles River, with 25+ camps and programs for ages 4 through rising 12th grade, including Classic day camps, specialty and sports camps, Outdoor Explorers and a Leader-in-Training track. It is ACA accredited and licensed by the Cambridge Board of Health.

As published: 2026, per week: Kiddie Camp (PreK-K) and Junior Day Camp (Gr 1-3) $750; Senior Day Camp (Gr 4-6) $800; Teen Camp (Gr 7-9) $850; LIT Camp (Gr 8-10) $750; most specialty and sports camps $900; Outdoor Explorers $950; the week of June 29 is discounted (for example $600 for Junior Day Camp). Optional Early Morning $40/day and Extended Day $70/day; bus $70/week one way or $100/week round trip. 2027 rates not yet published.

Pre-K to grade 10 (about ages 3–15)

Glen Urquhart School's day camp in Beverly Farms offers Day Camp, Enrichment Camps and a Leader-in-Training program for Pre-K through Grade 10. Activities include archery, art studio, dramatics, water play, nature and science explorations.

As published: 2026: Osprey Day Camp $565 per week (entering grades 1-7); extended day to 4:30 PM $80 per week extra; $850 for a three-week leader-in-training session; $150 deposit per week

A Mass Audubon day camp at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Princeton (Worcester County), with half-day preschool and full-day nature camp, specialty camps and leadership programs. Campers hike trails and learn Massachusetts natural history.

As published: 2026 sliding scale by family income: full-day weekly $94-$470; specialty weeks $105-$525; half-day preschool sessions $42-$210; CIT fee $200; 2027 pricing not yet published

Ages 7–12

WolfTree Programs runs a nature-connection summer day camp in Montague for ages 7-12, plus a Teen Camp (ages 13-16) with culinary explorations over the fire and a Camp CIT program for ages 13 and up. Each group of up to 12 campers has a lead counselor, an assistant, and a Counselor in Training.

As published: $395 per session (session length not defined; capacity note refers to "36 campers/week"). 2026/2027 dates listed only as "TBD"

Ages 5–14

A traditional YMCA day camp on a wooded Wayland property off Route 20 that borders conservation land, with 18 groups organized into four units. Activities include archery, a challenge course, swimming, nature, arts and crafts, and weekly league play.

As published: 2026: $450 per week (West Suburban YMCA household member), $490 per week (youth member), $510 per week (non-member); bus fee $100 per week; before-care $55, after-care $55 to $85; 2-week LIT sessions $625 to $730