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Summer Day Camps - Registration Opens Thursday, January 31st at 9:00AM
The Brookline Recreation Department offers three summer day camp programs to children grades K-1, 2-4 and 5-8. Each camp provides various activities and pre-established schedules where children can build confidence, develop skills, make new friends, and have fun! Our camp gives children an experience that lasts a lifetime by providing challenging activities under the guidance of caring, well-trained staff members. Children take part in arts & crafts, non-competitive sports & games, aquatics activities, recreational play, and theme activities. Each camp will feature entertainment activities and field trips. Recreation Summer Day Camps are for Brookline Residents only for children who attend Brookline Public Schools.
Licensing
These camps comply with regulations set by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105CMR 4.30) and are licensed by the Brookline Health Department.
Camp Chestnut
We invite our youngest campers to experience Camp Kangaroo. At Camp Kangaroo, we are committed to giving all our campers a friendly, welcoming summer camp environment, where process over product and fair play are always our top priority. Our camp’s curriculum is planned with a special emphasis on arts and crafts, non-competitive games, and activities that are integrated with
Camp Coolidge
Camp Gator is designed for our more experienced campers who are looking for an active day, with a mix of high energy activities, team challenges, and daily specials; such as Science, Arts & Crafts and more. This active program is all about team-building, cooperative winning
Camp Washington
Camp Express is for our oldest campers who are looking to expand their camp experience to include adventure based, highly active, mind stimulating activities. Our program is packed with games, activities, arts
Extended Day
Need extra care for your camper? Brookline Recreation Summer Day Camps offer extended day services from
Bus Transportation
Bus transportation is available for the summer day camps. You must be registered for camp to be eligible for bus transportation to and from camp. Bus routes are pre-set and you must select your stop from the choices provided. Morning bus routes are from 7:45 am to 8:30 am and afternoon bus routes are from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. All buses will have an assigned bus monitor to ensure proper
Lunch Services
Daily lunch
Camp to Counselor Ratio
Brookline Recreation Summer Day Camps provide supervision in ratios to allow our counselors the opportunity to build relationships and provide each child with the attention he or she deserves. Our ratios are as follows: Camp Chestnut 1:5, Camp Coolidge 1:10, Camp Washington 1:10
Staff
Our staff is made up of college and high school aged individuals who are studying or have an interest in the field of education or childcare. Each year we receive 100+ applicants and every counselor is screen and interviewed by our
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brookline Recreation a licensed program?
Yes. We are licensed by the Town of Brookline Board of Health and uphold standards required to develop and run a safe and structured program.
How many children attend each camp?
Camp Chestnut and Camp Coolidge
What if I do not have my camper’s paperwork completed?
If your paperwork is not completed, your camper will NOT be allowed on site, no exception. If we find a camper onsite with incomplete forms they will be brought to the office and remain there until a parent or guardian comes and/or completes the form. If you are in need of assistance with your CampDoc.com account or have any questions regarding paperwork call (617)730-2069 or email the coordinator.
Can Counselors apply sunscreen?
No. Under no circumstance will counselors be able to apply sunscreen to your child. This is for the safety of both our counselors and campers. Your camper will be reminded to apply sunscreen multiple times during the day. We recommend that you provide spray sunscreen as it is much easier to apply.
Is there air conditioning?
Unfortunately, the schools are not fully equipped with air conditioning units. We have portable units and fans that we provide onsite. Certain rooms do have air condition and are used as
Is there an option for early drop off?
No. There is no early drop off for any campers. Doors will open promptly at 8:30 am and all campers are welcomed to check in at this time. Do not leave any child unattended before camp doors open.
May I visit my child during the day?
Of Course! If you wish to visit your child during the camp day please do. Please keep in mind however that we will be offsite and active throughout the day so certain times may not be the best. Everyone will receive a camp schedule of events to have prior to camp starting for your reference. If you have any questions or concerns at any point, please do not hesitate to call your
For any other questions, call Recreation office at (617)730-2069
Leadership In Training (L.I.T.)
The Leadership in Training Program (L.I.T.) is a unique training experience for teens. The two-week training program is designed to give hands-on training to adolescents who are looking to be future Summer Camp Counselors. L.I.T.s will be involved in participating in Teambuilding Challenges, Camp Basics Workshops, and assisting with the management of summer camp groups. All L.I.T.’s will be certified during the program in CPR and First Aid through the American Heart Association. In addition, the program will be leaving campus once a week to take part in offsite teambuilding adventures. They will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and work with children directly while working alongside other full-time staff in the field. The Leaders in Training (L.I.T.) program is broken up into two, one-week sections, A and B. Both sections must be completed before being awarded a Certificate. Sections can be taken in any order.Each week, L.I.Ts will be traveling down to 5 Wits in Foxborough for a Team Building adventure.
Fee (Res): $150 per section
| Section |
Dates |
|---|---|
| Section A | 7/9 - 7/13 |
| Section B | 7/16 - 7/20 |
| Section A | 7/23 - 7/27 |
| Section B | 7/30 - 8/3 |
| Section A | 8/6 - 8/10 |
| Section B | 8/13 - 8/17 |
| Location: Lawrence School | |
| Dates |
|---|
Nature Camps
The largest and most popular Environmental Education programs are the Summer Nature Camps. Nature camps provide children ages 5-13 with a full day nature experience. Our small groups allow campers to take daily field trips to the parks and sanctuaries of Brookline as well as to other nearby quality farms and natural areas in Massachusetts. Campers learn about the world around them through activities, games, themed lessons, and personal experience all in an attitude of fun and recreation.
2019 Registration Info
Registration for all nature camps will open on Wednesday, January 30th at
Bus transportation and extended hours are NOT options for nature camp.
| Camp | Age | Date | Program Code # | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Acorns* | 5-6 yrs | 7/1 - 7/12 | 104001-8A | $480 |
| Sprouts* | 7-8 yrs | 7/15 - 7/26 | 104002-8A | $600 |
| Junior Rangers* | 9-10 yrs | 7/29 - 8/9 | 104003-8A | $600 |
| Water Exploration** | 11-13 yrs | 8/12 - 8/16 | 104004-8A | $375 |
| Earth Exploration** | 11-13 yrs | 8/20 - 8/24 | 104004-8B | $375 |
| *NOTE - There will be two locations for Nature Camp this summer and they will run concurrently. Decide if you would like to register for the original location (at BEEC- 654 Hammond St), or the new location (at Eliot- 133 Eliot St). If you have further questions, contact the director prior to registration. **Location: Environmental Education Center - 654 Hammond St |
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Little Acorns 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
As a little acorn, your young nature lover will have the opportunity to visit and explore many of Brookline’s parks and sanctuaries. We will focus on local wildlife and their habitats, unraveling the mysteries of the natural world through hands-on exploration, stories,
Sprouts 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
This older group of naturalists will explore Brookline, focusing on the native plant life and varied habitats found in our natural areas. Sprouts will have the opportunity to visit many local parks, sanctuaries, and farms as we discover the cycles of life through hands-on exploration, stories, arts & crafts, nature walks, and games. Campers will also participate in the maintenance and harvesting of our community garden. Each day will feature a different theme and new location for campers to enjoy. Nature Camp is designed to encourage children to discover, enjoy and respect nature through personal experiences.
Junior Rangers 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
These rangers will experience
Adventurers 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
For the more adventurous spirit, this program will begin with explorations in Brookline and then move beyond the town’s boundaries. Our oldest group of naturalists will expand their knowledge and skill set as they experience nature by being active in it! Excursions include hiking trips, canoeing, kayaking, and a ropes challenge course. Both weeks will culminate in an overnight camp-out Thursday night. This program emphasizes hands-on, field-based, experiential learning and aims to foster stewardship
Junior Golf Players Clinics
The four-day clinic is geared toward the young golfer ages 8-16 who is serious about improving their game. This program concentrates on improving golf skills, chipping, putting and course management. Practice techniques are covered and on-course playing instructions are included on a daily basis. Additionally, players will be paired in a competitive format of play the last day of the clinic.
Fee(Res/NR): $550 per session
Time: 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Code no. 115004
| Session 1 | Session 2 | Session 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 7/30 - 8/2 | 8/6 - 8/9 | 8/13 - 8/16 |
| Location: Robert T Lynch Municipal Golf Course | ||
Comprehensive week-long camp for swimmers ages 8-18 who have competitive swim team experience and/or who have passed American Red Cross Level 4 and are proficient in all four competitive strokes. Includes dry-land training, two daily swim sessions, instructional videos and underwater video taping. Open swim is from 3:00PM-5:00PM Monday through Thursday, and swimmers 10 and over may participate without adult supervision. Please note: The camp runs from 9:00AM -3:00PM Monday through Thursday and 9:00AM - 1:00PM on Friday.
| Dates | Code no | Fee (Res/NR) |
|---|---|---|
| 8/20 - 8/24 | 105408 | $250 / $338 |
| Location: Evelyn Kirrane Aquatics Center | ||
Recreation Therapy/Summer Services
Brookline Recreation Summer Day camps are inclusive and aim to provide a positive recreation experience for children of any ability. Our summer camps offer participants opportunities to enjoy traditional recreation activities, as well as new experiences through leisure exploration. Adaptions can be made individually, but most benefit the camp as a whole to support each child enrolled in the summer camp program.Staff are well trained to ensure that all participants enjoy a safe, fun, and memorable camp experience while offering reasonable accommodations to support our campers. One-on-one support staff is not offered at camp.
Recreation and the Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) collaborate to provide services for the children of Brookline each summer. Children attending a PSB program located at one of our day camp locations may also participate in the recreation camps once their school program ends for a full day experience. Summer camp is not an extension of PSB services. Anyone choosing to participate in summer camp at the conclusion of their PSB program must register separately with Brookline Recreation.
Recreation Therapy Inclusion Strategies Include:
- Visual Schedules posted on white Boards
- Sensory Toys
- Pocket sized daily schedules
- Collection of camper IEPs
- Development of Individualized Camp Plans
- Hiring of staff with Inclusion Background
- Staff Training at Orientation
- Camp schedule transparency