best art-crafts programs in Needham, MA

Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.

Once upon a time, I had the opportunity to dabble in the field of secondary education while I was in college. I graduated with a degree in English, but I was able to gain invaluable knowledge about teaching during my studies. I learned that different students learn in different ways—some are more visual learners, while others learn better through auditory means. To ensure that all my students can get the most out of my classes, I have carefully crafted my teaching style to accommodate all of their individual needs. Glass art is a new art form to many young students, and I'm here to challenge each one of them to unlock their inner artist and create something truly amazing. I'm sure that with the right guidance and a bit of practice, they'll be able to create art pieces that they can be proud of.

The goal is to nurture the joy of learning in each child. Needham Montessori School is proud to continue the rich tradition of providing an unparalleled early childhood education experience. As a full member school of the American Montessori Society, we are dedicated to upholding the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori and the guidelines of The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Our curriculum covers Everyday Living, Sensorial, Language, Math, Geography, Science and Art. We recognize that parents and caregivers play an essential role in the development of the whole child, and we strive to partner with them to foster a joy of learning in each student. We believe that our approach to early childhood education sets a higher standard and provides children from 15 months to 6 years with a unique learning opportunity.

At Needham Knowledge Beginnings, we prioritize your child's safety and health. Maintaining a clean and safe environment is a top priority. We also offer a wide range of activities and programs that promote physical fitness and healthy eating habits. Our teachers are trained in proper hygiene and sanitation practices, and our facility is equipped with the latest safety equipment. Our experienced and knowledgeable team of teachers are dedicated to providing a high-quality education that will give your child the best possible start. Our curriculum is designed to stimulate your child's curiosity and creativity while building their knowledge and skills. We offer a variety of activities that help foster problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, so that your child can grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially.

At Pine Village, we are committed to helping children become independent, creative thinkers with a love for learning. We strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore their individual talents and interests. Our bilingual curriculum and culturally diverse classes give our children a holistic view of the world. We believe that this type of learning prepares our students to become well-rounded global citizens.

At the Commonwealth Learning Center, we are committed to providing the highest quality of instruction, support, and guidance. Our experienced staff is dedicated to fostering a safe, diverse, and inclusive learning environment. We are dedicated to helping students of all backgrounds reach their academic goals. The Commonwealth Learning Center is a respected nonprofit organization that has been a leading educational resource for more than three decades. We offer one-on-one, tailored academic support for students of any age in a variety of subject areas. Our tutorial and educational evaluation services help individuals recognize their personal learning style, boost their skills, and reach their full potential. We specialize in aiding those with learning differences, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and executive function challenges. Our team of experienced professionals is devoted to developing a positive and inclusive learning atmosphere, with the aim of helping students of all backgrounds reach their educational objectives. At the Commonwealth Learning Center, we prioritize offering the highest quality of instruction, support, and guidance. We are dedicated to creating an environment of acceptance and respect, providing every individual with the opportunity to realize their potential.

Needham Extended Day Program (NEDP) is the perfect solution for parents who need a safe and enriching environment for their children before and after school. NEDP provides before and after school enrichment, remote learning support every Wednesday, and additional full day programming during vacations for Kindergarten through fifth grade Needham students. Our program is designed to provide an inviting and nurturing environment for children to explore, learn, and develop friendships. At NEDP, we are dedicated to fostering an atmosphere of respect, kindness, and compassion. Our program is overseen by an Executive Director, Assistant Directors, and a Board of Directors comprised of parents with current NEDP students. Each board member volunteers their time and expertise to help inform financial decisions and review policies to further develop programming. We are committed to the success of each and every NEDP student and are proud to offer them a supportive and enriching community that will help them grow and thrive.

For the past decade I have had the privilege of teaching art to children from kindergarten through fifth grade in after-school programs and community education classes. My longest tenure was at the Cabot After School Program in Newtonville, where I taught for seven years. Following that I was the lead art teacher at the Thompson After School Program in Arlington, where I developed art curriculum for elementary school-aged children. Additionally, I have taught arts and crafts to children through the Newton Community Education’s (NCE) summer program and at Arlington Center for the Arts (ACA) for three years. I have also taught silk painting and Nuno felting to adults in both of these community education programs. When I'm not teaching art classes, I enjoy creating unique one-of-a-kind silk scarves, clothing, and fine art with dyes that I have been painting on silk with for over fifteen years. My artwork can be found at juried art festivals in the Boston area, the Cambridge Artists Cooperative, and my Etsy shop. You can view my hand painted silks on my website Silkendreams.com. It has been a rewarding experience to merge my teaching and art experiences to share with both children and adults.

Volante Farms is still owned and operated by the fourth generation of the Volante family. This family farm has been providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the Greater Boston area for over a century. It all started when Peter and Caterina Volante, immigrants from Atina, Italy, began the farm on land along Dedham Street in Newton in 1917. Peter, affectionately known as “The Celery King” was famous for his own brand of Pascal Celery, which he marketed throughout the east coast into the early 50s. By the end of the 1950s, the family farmstand, originally a tent structure which soon evolved into a small aluminum roofed building, became the primary source of income for the farm. Today, Volante Farms is still providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the Greater Boston area, and is proud to be a part of the community for over 100 years.

Our goal is to provide the highest quality of care and education in a safe and secure setting, while also giving parents peace of mind. Parents can rest assured that their child is in good hands when they come to Chestnut Children’s Center. We understand the importance of creating a home-like atmosphere filled with love, learning, respect and encouragement. We are committed to providing the highest quality of care and education in a secure setting, while also nurturing the individual spirit of each child. We want every child to feel safe, supported and empowered to explore their passions and interests. With our commitment to giving parents peace of mind, we believe that every child will have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

At Needham Heights KinderCare, we understand that fun and safety are two of the most important things to any parent. We strive to ensure that every one of our classrooms is a safe and secure space for kids to explore and grow. We also recognize that learning should be an enjoyable and engaging experience, so we incorporate fun activities into our curriculum that promote educational development. Furthermore, Needham Heights KinderCare is proud to have an exemplary health and safety program. We keep our facility clean and safe and prioritize the well-being of each child. Our staff is certified in First Aid and CPR, and we are committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for your child to learn and thrive.

At Temple Beth Shalom, we are proud of our warm and vibrant community. We are inspired by the richness of Jewish tradition, and strive to foster friendship, grow through our encounters with Jewish wisdom, culture, and spirituality, foster a culture of responsibility, and experience the joy and strength that come from sharing our lives with others. We are an open and inclusive community, welcoming people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. Together, we share our stories, learn from one another, and celebrate the strength of our community.

At Carter Nursery School, we strive to create a nurturing and supportive setting that encourages each child to grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually. We provide a safe and consistent environment for our students to play and learn, as well as plenty of opportunities to build their self-esteem and independence. We also invite families to become part of our school through our Helping Parent program, which allows them to be an active partner in their child’s learning journey. With our unique approach to early childhood education, we’re dedicated to helping children gain the skills they need to become caring and responsible adults.

Our Early Childhood Education Program provides a curriculum that is designed to engage and challenge our students in a supportive and caring setting. At Theophany School, we believe in providing our students with the highest quality education that encourages them to reach their full potential. We understand the importance of establishing a strong foundation for learning early on, which is why our program is tailored to provide a variety of exciting and stimulating activities that stimulate the curiosity and imagination of our students. Our experienced and dedicated teachers provide an engaging, safe, and nurturing environment to foster a love of learning, service, and respect in our students. We also strive to create a sense of community, where students are encouraged to be active members in the school community. Our mission is to offer an excellent educational experience while also instilling a strong faith in the Orthodox Christian faith. We want to ensure our students are well-rounded individuals who have the skills, knowledge, and values to thrive and succeed in life. We strive to create an atmosphere of inclusivity and respect for all, which encourages our students to be kind, compassionate, and respectful to all those around them. We believe that by incorporating our faith into our program, we can ensure our students form a strong foundation for their lives and develop into engaged and responsible citizens.

Carter Center for Children is a nonprofit full-day preschool and childcare program serving children 2.3 - 6 years old and their families. Our professional staff provides children with a nurturing and creative environment where they can play, learn and grow. Each day is special to a child and Carter Center for Children is sensitive to the individual needs of children. Children are active learners and need to explore their environment at their own pace and have control over their independent play. Carter strongly supports a child’s right to play in the preschool years and believes learning evolves from this play. As children grow, Carter provides more structured, teacher-directed opportunities to promote pre-math and pre-literacy skills. Carter follows the curriculum frameworks established by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Carter has also collaborated with the Needham Public Schools to implement the Responsive Classroom approach in the preschool environment. This promotes social, emotional, and pre-academic learning. We strive to support parents through all the developmental stages of the preschool years, working together to form a strong home/school partnership.

For over 40 years, Needham Children's Center (NCC) has been providing exceptional experiences for the children in the Needham community. The focus of NCC is on a play-based curriculum and exploration of the natural world. Through their summer program, children entering grades one through four can enjoy a summer full of fun and adventure. Weekly themes include field trips, sports, arts and crafts, and visits to local playgrounds, pools, and water parks. Past summer destinations have included Ward's Berry Farm, McGolf, The Children's Museum, The Southwick Zoo, Duck Tour, Public Garden and Swan Boats, WooSox game, Fenway tour, and hiking. NCC also offers special events such as “Arts in the Park” sponsored by the Needham community. NAEYC accredited, Needham Children's Center (NCC) offers an exceptional learning experience for children in the Needham community. With a play-based curriculum, exploration of the natural world, and exciting weekly themes, NCC's summer program is sure to provide your child with a summer full of memories. Through sports, field trips, arts and crafts, and visits to local attractions, children entering grades one through four are sure to have a blast. Some of the past summer destinations have included Ward's Berry Farm, McGolf, The Children's Museum, The Southwick Zoo, Duck Tour, Public Garden and Swan Boats, WooSox game, Fenway tour, and hiking. NCC also offers special events such as “Arts in the Park” sponsored by the Needham community. With NCC, your child is sure to have a summer that they'll never forget!

The Art Spirit Studio offers classes for students of all ages and skill levels. Youth and adult classes age 9 and up are available to grow and develop art skills. The studio's bright and open space creates a welcoming and inspiring environment. With experienced and knowledgeable instruction, students can improve their drawing and painting skills and explore different mediums. Creating and expanding a portfolio is also an option. Jules Ellison, the studio's instructor, is passionate about fostering creativity and developing skills in her students. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience that she brings to each class. With over 25 years of professional experience, Jules holds a B.A. in Fine Arts and a Masters in Art Teaching. The Art Spirit Studio provides the perfect opportunity to learn a variety of art techniques and explore new mediums.

At the Charles River YMCA, we are committed to helping individuals and families in Needham and the surrounding communities live healthier and happier lives. Our two locations provide a variety of programs and activities to help people of all ages and abilities stay active and engaged. At 863 Great Plain Avenue, we offer lap and family swim, water fitness, youth swim and sports programming, and limited fitness equipment. At 380 Chestnut Street, you can find our fitness center, group exercise classes, personal training, and Child Watch. Our staff are highly trained professionals, dedicated to helping our members reach their health and wellness goals. At the Charles River YMCA, we strive to make our programs and services accessible to everyone in the community. We offer a wide range of membership packages and financial assistance to ensure that everyone can take advantage of all the resources we have to offer. Join us and discover the many ways we can help you achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Spurred into action, the churches became involved in fundraising and organizing relief efforts for the orphans. Boston's North End was hit hard by the 1918 influenza epidemic, leaving hundreds of orphans in its wake. Father Antonio Sousa, O.F.M., pastor of the first Italian parish in New England, St. Leonard's Church, took it upon himself to help the suffering children. He spread his message through his sermons and letters sent to other Italian Roman Catholic Churches in the Boston Archdiocese, inspiring them to join his fundraising and relief efforts. Thanks to Father Sousa's tireless efforts, the orphans of the North End were given a second chance at life.

At St. Joseph School, we understand that developing confident, creative, and compassionate children is not something that can be done overnight. Our preschool program is designed to foster the growth of our students in all areas of their life, from the academic to the physical, to help them reach their full potential. Through purposeful play and engaging activities, our program prepares children for their kindergarten journey. At St. Joseph School, we prioritize the well-being of our students, helping them develop the skills needed to assess and initiate actions independently. We are committed to creating an environment in which children can feel secure to express themselves and explore the world around them. Our curriculum focuses on building self-confidence, creativity, and empathy, so that children have the tools to succeed in their educational journey.

Welcome to Nicole's Art Spot! Here, both children and adults can explore their creativity and gain valuable artistic skills in a nurturing, safe and comfortable environment. Our air-conditioned studio is located in the Gorse Mill Art Studio Building in Needham, MA. At Nicole's Art Spot, we believe in providing individual attention and encouragement to foster individual creativity, exploration, experimentation and self-discovery. We specialize in the fiber arts, offering classes that provide an opportunity to express yourself in a unique way.