CAMPS IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Western MA families have so many wonderful camp opportunities that happen in and around the region during the summer months and school breaks. The range of boutique camps is impressive, including sports, art, theater, science, farm, outdoor adventures and the likes, along with opportunities for just a good old fashion summer camp!
SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING
Do you have a Western Massachusetts camp you’d like to let Hilltown Families know about? At any time you may share your week long camp below. To find out how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing visit our Enhanced Publicity page for more options, or email Sienna at swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org to request a rate sheet. We have several options available, including the two banner ads featured on this page and a dedicated post this spring as outlined below.
SUMMER CAMPS MARKETING SPECIAL
In an effort to connect families with summer camps & programs in the region, we’re offering camps a chance to partner with Hilltown Families in their online marketing with a special enhanced publicity offer. We are featuring camps in the region on Hilltown Families with a special post titled: 2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA.
Find out how you can Add Your Camp/Program.
PLACES TO POST EVENTS & CLASSES:
- SUGGEST AN EVENT (One-time events)
- SUGGEST A CLASS (Classes for kids)
Hilltown Families reserves the right to edit or remove posts at any time. Posting a comment to Hilltown Families will automatically add you to the Hilltown Families mailing list to receive our weekly update. Email addresses are never rented or sold. To be removed from our mailing list, email hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.




































Christine Stevens said,
April 11, 2013 at 9:11 pm
Village Theatre Co. Summer Theatre Workshops
Week long workshops for ages 8-14 – create an original play in a week!
Come spin a HomeSpun Musical – July 1-5
Make ‘em laugh in Something’s Funny… July 8-12
Crack the case in WhoDoneIt? July 15-19
All workshops take place at the North Hadley Village Hall
Visit villagetheatreco.com or email christinestevens@me.com or call 413 549 4881 for more info.
Kara Hedge said,
April 10, 2013 at 3:03 pm
Teen U – Guitarapalooza!
August 4-9, 2013
Guitarapalooza! is a comprehensive, residential guitar performance program.
Classes include:
- Survey of Great Guitarists
- Harmony
- Ensembles
- Guitar Styles
Students will put on a final performance for family, friends, and the Westfield State community on August 9th!
Please plan to bring your guitar and amp, unless you are an acoustic guitarist!
The cost of this camp is $900, which includes small group instruction with Westfield State University Music faculty and other professional guitarists, lodging, and meals.
For more information, please contact Meaghan Arena at (413) 572-8355 or marena@westfield.ma.edu, or visit http://www.westfield.ma.edu/teen-u/guitarapalooza/.
Kara Hedge said,
April 10, 2013 at 3:02 pm
Teen U – H.E.L.P.: Exploring Health and Medicine
July 28 – August 3, 2013
The H.E.L.P. program is a hands-on, residential program for any high school student with an interest in health care fields: future doctors, nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, phlebotomists, EMTs, etc.
This program includes observations and learning experiences at Noble Hospital in Westfield.
Topics include:
- Issues in healthcare
- Movement Science
- Ethical Issues
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Occupational Therapy
- First Aid
- HIPAA/Privacy regulations
- Sports Medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Respiratory therapy
- Stress management
- Social Work
- Disaster management
- CPR
- Skills labs: Blood draw, blood pressure, lung sounds, suturing, giving injections, disability awareness, CPR certification
The cost of the camp is $900, which includes instruction, CPR certification, skills labs, field trips, lodging, and meals.
For more information, contact Meaghan Arena at (413) 572-8355 or marena@westfield.ma.edu, or visit http://www.westfield.ma.edu/teen-u/help-program/.
Kara Hedge said,
April 10, 2013 at 2:59 pm
Teen U – Westfield CSI
July 14-26, 2013
This program is open to students entering their freshman, sophomore, or junior year in high school in the fall of 2013 with an interest in criminal justice, investigations, science, or technology, or who would like help preparing for the college application process.
This program does not require any specific previous background, just an interest in helping us solve our mystery while experiencing college first hand!
Work as a team to solve a “murder” on campus using forensic science, criminal justice and the latest in crime scene investigation technology!
While on campus, students will:
– Live in the Westfield State University residence halls
– Eat in the Dining Commons
– Participate in on-campus activities and field trips
Learn about choosing a college that’s right for you including:
– Applying to college
– Financial aid
– Writing your personal essay
– Study skills for college success
– Living away from home
– Career counseling
The cost of the camp is $1500, which includes over 80 hours of instruction, lodging and meals, weekend activities, and field trips.
For more information, please contact Meaghan Arena at (413) 572-8355 or marena@westfield.ma.edu, or visit http://www.westfield.ma.edu/teen-u/westfieldcsi/.
Felice Wolfzahn said,
April 9, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Dance this Summer
Summer Dance Week I:
(ages 9-10) Monday – Friday July 8th-12th
9 – 1 p.m. (pick up time is flexible).
Summer Dance Week II
(ages 11-13)Monday – Friday July 22nd-26th
9 – 1:30 (pick up time is flexible)
WHERE?
Felice’s studio: 73 Ashfield Street in Shelburne Falls, MA
The atmosphere is relaxed and we work in a non-competitive, creative and fun environment! Donation: a sliding scale of $75-$125 for the week.
Questions / Register: write or call: 413 625-6776 felwolf@crocker.com
Miranda Shannon said,
April 9, 2013 at 10:22 am
Swordclass.com Vacation Week Program in Hadley: April 15 – April 19 from 9:00 to 3:30pm. $250 for the week or $50 per day. Extended afternoons free of charge on Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday. Your child will practice longsword, do roleplay, miniatures, game inventing & more.
Location: Western Family Golf, 294 Russell Street (Rt.9), in the red building at the end of the driveway.
For more information or to register: thomas@swordclass.com
http://swordclass.com/
Emily Schoelzel said,
April 5, 2013 at 11:45 am
FREE camp promo clinic on Saturday, April 20th at Mohawk High School.
12 -12:45 pm 3-5 year olds
1 – 1:45 pm 5-11 year olds
2 – 2:45 pm 12+ year olds
Challenger Sports coaches will be running 45-50 minute clinics and then taking registrations. If you register for camp at the clinic Challenger will send out your jersey with no shipping fee. (You save $6.95!) Even if you aren’t sure about registering your child for camp they are still welcome to attend the FREE clinic. Spread the word – the clinics are open to EVERYONE!
RSVP to westcountysoccer@gmail.com with your childs name and age.
Olivia Leone said,
April 1, 2013 at 10:52 am
In The Beginning…
Godly Play Summer Session
August 12-16, 2013
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Northampton
Join us as we use drama, music, crafts, sports, snack, sacred stories and dance to help us wonder about our shared beginnings. While hosted by an Episcopal church, this Godly Play event welcomes children from different denominations all over the valley each summer. (am – 1pm each day, snack included. For more information feel free to contact Olivia Leone, Director of Christian Ed. @ St. John’s Episcopal Church, Northampton.
http://www.stjohnsnorthampton.org
or on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/428558663895985/?fref=ts
Emily Schoelzel said,
March 14, 2013 at 7:38 pm
West County Soccer is offering a Challenger Sports soccer camp for kids ages 3 to 17. Mini-camp, Half-day and Full Day options. Dates are July 15-19th. Camp will be held at the Mohawk High School. This is a really fun soccer camp! Open to any children in the hilltowns surrounding Buckland, Ma. Follow this link to the camp registration and to learn more about Challenger Sports.
West County Soccer is sponsored by the Shelburne Recreation Com.
Colleen Hughes said,
March 6, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Berkshire Theatre Group’s BTG PLAYS! Camps!
BTG PLAYS! on Vacation is offered during the April School Vacation Week at the Berkshire Theatre Festival campus for students ages 8-13. Classes run Mondays-Fridays from 9am until 2pm. Classes culminate in a final performance. Registration required. Scholarships are available through the Richie duPont Award. Students must apply.
BTG PLAYS! Summertime classes are offered during the summer vacation months and held at the Berkshire Theatre Festival campus in Stockbridge, MA. Sessions are divided by age group. Each one week session culminates in a final performance. Classes run Mondays through Thursdays from 9am until 2pm and Fridays from 9-12pm. Registration is required. Scholarships are available through the Richie duPont Award. Students must apply.
For more information go to: http://www.berkshiretheatregroup.org/education/btg-plays-arts-in-community/vacation-camps.html
Tess Poe said,
February 17, 2013 at 8:36 pm
BeeCamp at Beehive Sewing
Where: Beehive Sewing Studio + Workspace
When: Wednesday, February 20th – 22nd
Time: 11:00am for kids ages 11-13, 1:00pm for kids ages 14-17
During school vacation week Beehive Sewing is hosting its first “Bee Camp.” Four slots are available each day for kids ages 11-17 to learn the basics of sewing at Beehive’s drop-in studio.
Kids ages 11-13 meet for 2 hours with a short break. Projects are: eye pillow (2/20), iPod/cell phone sleeve (2/21), and lunch bag (2/22).
Young people ages 14-17 meet for 2 hours with a short break. Projects include small tote (2/20), phone/iPod sleeve (2/21), and boxer shorts (2/22).
$60 for each individual session; pre-register for all three days for $150. Call the studio to reserve a slot or register online at http://conta.cc/XkYwOX
Marie Lauderale said,
February 14, 2013 at 1:52 pm
Register now for April vacation farm camp at The Hartsbrook School.
Spring is a joyous time on the farm; the grass turns green, flowers begin to bloom, and babies arrive! Farm camp offers children aged 5 ½- 12yrs old, hands-on experience caring for farm animals and agricultural crafting. Camp runs from April 15th-19th, Mon-Fri, 8:45am to 3pm. For more information or to register visit: http://www.hartsbrook.org, or call Marie Lauderdale on (413)586-1908, ext. 116.
Miranda Shannon said,
February 12, 2013 at 9:51 am
Thomas Rabideau will be running his popular Swordclass.com winter break program February 18 through 22 from 9:00am to 3:30pm in Hadley. This coming week’s activities include new sword games, game inventing, a world to create, Viking sword lessons, roleplaying and helping to build a pirate ship.
Swordclass.com is located at 294 Russell Street (Rt.9) in Hadley, in the Western Mass Family Golf complex. It is in the red building at the end of the driveway. Cost is $250 for the week or $50 per day.
For more information contact Thomas Rabideau at swordclass@gmail.com.
catalina arrubla said,
February 10, 2013 at 10:27 am
HI please let know your families this camp opportunity:
Weather forecast for Multi-Arts’ winter break!
Showers of creativity and eruptions of happy memories!
On the menu to brighten the skies: theater, fashion design, art, creative writing, and dance.
February 18 – 22
Grades pre-K to 6 Groups organized by age.
Location: Amherst
http://multi-arts.org/info/
Dean and Felix said,
February 8, 2013 at 2:04 pm
Hello Valley and Hilltown Parents,
Leapfrog Programs is offering a week-long Nature Camp over the February school break! Over the week of 18th-22nd, your kids will explore the outdoor beauty of The Amethyst Brook Conservation Land on Pelham Rd. in Amherst. We will be cooking over fires, hiking up mountains, learning to identify local flora and fauna, and perhaps encountering some fantastical characters along the way.
Leapfrog Programs runs a year-round Afterschool Program in Amherst focusing on primitive skills, nature exploration, and team-building through an integrative fantasy storyline. Our teachers are Felix Lufkin and Dean Colpack. Felix is a seasoned nature and primitive skills educator who teaches at Four Rivers Charter School, North Star, and Umass Amherst. Dean has taught in afterschool programs in Easthampton, Holyoke, and Amherst, and has been working with elementary aged kids for 10 years.
The hours for our February break program are from 10 am to 3 pm. Tuition for the week is a sliding scale from $150 to $250. Ages 9-13!
Please email us at Bufonia1@aol.com or give us a call if you’re interested in enrolling your child!
Sincerely, Felix and Dean
617 515 5280
Sally said,
February 3, 2013 at 9:05 am
I can vouch for Frank’s camps– my five year old did a summer session and thoroughly enjoyed herself.
However, can anyone tell me if there are any preschool camps?
Frank Grindrod said,
December 10, 2012 at 3:37 pm
Winter Survival Day Camp
(during School Vacation)
Tuesday, February 19- Friday, February 22
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Ashfield, MA
Ages 8 and up (limit 8)
Experience the WILD in winter in our beautiful forest and fields! While spending lots of time outdoors, we will
* track animals and find the special places of the fox, deer, bobcat and others…we will get a glimpse of their secret winter life.
* build winter shelters: a quinzee, a lean to, a zarsky…various methods to stay warm and dry.
* test our fire-making skills in the snow…we will help each other learn the best techniques with and without matches, then bask in the warmth of our accomplishments in our wilderness home.
We will enjoy hanging out around the fire, staying warm in shelters that we make, sharing lunch and cool stories and other natural mysteries.
Bonus: we will also learn about ice safety and hypothermia and how to stay safe outdoors in the winter. We will pick up strategies of staying warm by playing games and other activities.
All of this for $240-$280, sliding scale, for the week! If not available for the 4-day Program, 2-day minimum at $65-$75/day, sliding scale.
Register online (www.earthworkprograms.com) or call 413-522-0338 for details.