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Our ProgramsCambridge Camping believes that a child's life and outlook are changed by an active, safe and engaging summer camp experience. Our goal is to make camping affordable to all. Our own two camps, as well as the other camps we work with, provide the space and support for children from diverse backgrounds to achieve a sense of belonging. We partner with other camps in Massachusetts and New England to provide camp sessions and scholarships.
Established by Cambridge Camping in 1969, CADC brings together children from the varied neighborhoods of Cambridge. CCA partners with several accredited overnight camps in Massachusetts and New England to provide camp sessions at substantially reduced rates. In its 15th year, this is Cambridge Camping's winter training program for teens, aged 15-17 who are former Cambridge Adventure Day Camp campers. The program prepares them for the responsibilities of paid junior staff positions at CADC. CCA has a state-wide contract with DSS to help refer and register children in their care in overnight camps at no cost to their families. Cambridge Adventure Day Camp (CADC)At Cambridge Adventure Day Camp, children are active, safe and engaged in a community they remember year-round. We provide the space and support for children from diverse backgrounds to achieve a sense of belonging. We work to reflect the diversity of our campers in our staff and programs. Because campers see CADC as "their" camp, they return year after year. Eighty-seven percent of CADC campers attend four or more weeks each summer. Over half of our campers return the next year. Highlights:Field trips—Each week every group goes on two field trips: a City Trip, exploring resources and sites in the Boston area; and an Environmental Adventure to beaches and woodlands. Cooking program—a hands-on program that includes nutrition and recipes from various cultural traditions. Camper newspaper—a place for kids to share ideas, thoughts, stories and art with each other. Campers are always proud to see their writing and art in print. Swimming—Daily, structured swimming lessons. Multi-Media Madness—CADC's literacy program, encouraging reading, writing and communication of ideas and cultures. Details:Applications become available in February. Ages: 6-13 as of June 30, 2008 Cost: Sliding-scale based on Family Size and Income ranges from $68 - $143 for each three-week session of camp. Includes transportation to and from camp, breakfast, lunch and snack. Dates: Camp dates for 2008 are TBA Days and Hours: Camp is Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Bus transportation adds 15 - 40 minutes to the beginning and end of each day. Location: Location for 2008 is TBA Transportation: Bus transportation is provided from many different pick up points throughout Cambridge. Accreditation: Cambridge Adventure Day Camp is accredited by the American Camping Association, and licensed by the Newton Department of Public Health. Structure: Campers are assigned to groups with 14 children their age. Each group has two counselors and one Counselor in Training to lead them throughout their activities. Residency requirement: CADC campers must live Cambridge. Daybreak Day CampDaybreak Day Camp is a small, highly structured program designed for children who need extra support and attention to be successful in a recreational setting. With a highly structured program and an experienced and dedicated staff, Daybreak creates an environment where these children can learn and have fun. Daybreak's program focuses on helping campers develop new skills, make friends, and feel good about themselves and their accomplishments. Daybreak provides the opportunity to look around and feel less alone. They can see that there are other children who take medication, or might need time away from a group, or get angry or sad. Just this fact does a lot toward addressing their sense that they are not struggling alone. For families Daybreak often provides a chance to go to work less worried that your child will be sent home or that you will have to come to the camp site. They see their children happy and wanting to get out the door in the morning. Their children's relationships at camp help parents see that they are loveable and can be valued by others outside the family. Highlights:Staff Ratio—Daybreak has one staff member for every two campers—there's an adult hand for every child to hold when we go out into the world. Field trips—Daybreak is a "camp on the go" with numerous field trips to local parks, museums, zoos, beaches and ponds. When at its base site, Daybreak offers athletics, arts & crafts, group games, music and language & learning activities. Swimming—Campers receive swimming instruction two days each week by trained lifeguards. Behavior Management—Many of the children who come to Daybreak have difficulty managing their behaviors or participating positively in group activities in other settings. Daybreak's priority is to provide constant adult support and supervision and motivating activities to help campers feel successful. In addition, all Daybreak staff are trained in therapeutic behavior management techniques. History—Opened in 1989, Daybreak is the first summer camping program for children with special needs in Cambridge. Details:Applications become available in Mid-March. Ages: 5-11 as of June 30, 2008 Cost: Families pay a sliding scale rate for the four-week session. Please contact Cambridge Camping for agency rates. Cost includes transportation, morning snack and lunch. Dates: Camp dates for 2008 are TBA. Daybreak has one four-week session; campers must register for and attend all four weeks. Days and Hours: Camp is Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm (not including transportation time to and from camp). Location: Fayerweather Street School, 795 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138 Transportation: Daybreak provides transportation for most Cambridge and Somerville children from neighborhood pick-up points. Inspection and licensing: Daybreak Day Camp is licensed by the Cambridge Department of Public Health. Residency requirement: Daybreak campers must be living in Cambridge or Somerville. Overnight Camp Scholarship ProgramCambridge Camping partners with several accredited overnight camps in Massachusetts and New England to offer substantial scholarships to several overnight camps in New England. Highlights:
Details:Applications become available in Mid-February. Residency requirement: None. Camps:
Teen Apprenticeship ProgramA supported work experience for teens who were formerly Cambridge Adventure Day Camp campers. Beginning each January teens begin meeting and training for positions of responsibility at camp as Counselors in Training (CITs). Former campers continue participating in their familiar camp community as they transition to a more adult role, receiving support throughout the summer. Eligibility Requirements:Age: 15-17 years old as of June 30, 2008 Residency requirement: Must have previously attended CADC. Must be eligible for the Cambridge Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP) Priority is given to former CADC campers. Highlights:Pay: Teens are paid for their time through MSYEP. Teens are encouraged to continue in the program for all three years of their eligibility. Former participants over 18 are encouraged to apply for full staff positions. Details:Applications become available in November. Cost: None. Teens are paid for their time through MSYEP. Dates: Several Saturday meetings January through May to be announced. Camp dates for 2008 TBA. Days and Hours: Camp is Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Location: TBA Accreditation: Cambridge Adventure Day Camp is accredited by the American Camping Association, and licensed by the Newton Department of Public Health. Department Of Social Services (DSS) Camp PlacementsCCA has a state-wide contract with DSS to help refer and register children in their care in overnight camps at no cost to families. Eligibility:Overnight camps accept children ages 7 to 15. Fewer spaces are available for older children Camps cannot enroll children with serious therapeutic needs or who require specialized settings. A child must be an open DSS case while at camp. To Apply:Referral Forms become available in mid-April. A DSS Social Worker must complete and submit an Overnight Camp Referral and Screening form. Camp spaces are awarded based on availability of camp and of DSS Office funding. Families/guardians/foster parents are encouraged to assemble immunization and physical exam documentation early. Only one camp session per child is available in order to allow as many children as possible to attend camp. Camps:
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