Fessenden Day Camp

Tailor made for younger children, campers participate in a diverse range of fun activities, led by their caring counselors, and always in a safe environment. Whether they’re enjoying the creative experimentation of arts and crafts, the coordination-building skills of sports, or a harmonious singalong to camp songs, the children’s days are full of fun and excitement. Lower Camp campers also enjoy special activities developed just for them: -Age-appropriate activities designed to encourage discovery, creativity, and teamwork, including dance and movement, clay play, and nature exploration. - Campers receive daily Red Cross swim instruction by our certified staff, and full-day campers enjoy a recreational swim period in the afternoon. - Free play time in our Imagination Station and natural playground to develop social and problem-solving skills while having fun. - At our Family Evening, young campers and their parents enjoy activities together after camp, including cooperative games, family swim time, craft projects, science challenges, and more. - Special events and theme days, such as superhero day, a carnival afternoon and a pool scavenger hunt, which build bonding and camp spirit.

Designed to meet the growing developmental needs of campers who are ready for new activities and challenges, the Middle Camp is based on a model of progression. Campers are introduced to new elements as they rise from entering 1st grade to the higher grades. The schedule is a balance of activity periods led by qualified specialists and free play times where campers can play, explore their creativity, and bond with friends and counselors. Counselors promote fun and friendship in a safe, supportive environment that encourages campers to build skills for camp and beyond. The well-balanced program strives to meet each camper where they are and challenges them to reach new heights. Middle Camp campers progress to a new level: - Campers participate in activities that enhance their developing coordination including archery, gaga ball, and tennis. - Campers receive daily Red Cross swim instruction by our certified staff, and enjoy a recreational swim period in the afternoon. - Campers are given opportunities to share what they create in dance, ceramics, and arts and crafts. - Campers enjoy a special late night at camp with their counselors and friends. - Campers and their parents can enjoy activities together after camp, including cooperative games, family swim time, science challenges and craft projects at our Family Evening. - Our theme days and events unite the Middle Camp in a spirit of friendship and creativity.

As campers get older at Fessenden, the program adapts to meet their social and developmental needs. They are able to participate in new activities and events, and they begin to build deeper friendships with campers in their group. In order to help foster their growing independence, Upper Campers have a variety of activities. They spend more time doing what they love, and they can explore new and exciting activities they haven’t tried before. Of course, their counselors are there every step of the way, supporting and encouraging them in activities and helping to form a strong, safe group dynamic where each child feels connected to his or her peers. Upper Camp campers have privileges and activities all their own: - Campers have a diverse schedule of activities each week. - Campers have choices in the design and creation of projects in their activities. - Sports time on athletic fields lets campers play their favorite games and sports with a dedicated sports instructor. - Group challenges bring each group together and they have fun with other Upper Camp groups in a spirit of competition and teamwork.

The Teen Trippers Camp experience is specially designed to meet the developmental needs of this age group. Campers bond with their friends, go on exciting trips away from camp where they can see new places, stretch beyond their boundaries, and challenge themselves as individuals and as a group. Under the guidance of experienced counselors who truly understand the unique needs of thirteen- and fourteen-year-olds, they gain self-confidence and independence, and make great friends, all while they learn to work together and build self-assurance that they can carry with them long after the summer is over. Fun on campus and beyond: Several days per week, campers travel to exciting destinations and participate in activities that will challenge them to work together as a group. Some of the trips focus on adventure, others encourage the campers to give back to the community, and some provide opportunities for sheer fun with their friends. On campus days are spent enjoying age-appropriate activities as a group. Trips from Previous Summers include: - Adventure-focused trips: climbing the ropes course at TreeTop Adventures, standup paddle boarding at Little Harbor Beach, and whitewater rafting on the Deerfield River. - Community service trips: organizing food donations at the Newton Food Pantry and playing board games with the senior citizens at the Scandinavian Living Center. - Fun-focused trips: enjoying the rides at Six Flags New England, swimming at Crane Beach, and riding horses at Ridge Valley Stables. - Group challenge trips: problem-solving at Boda Borg and taking on the obstacles at Gymja Warrior. Campers will also have some time at camp before departing to prepare for the day and get to know each other. After they return, they may have time to swim in the pool and reflect on the trip with their friends and counselors. Throughout the summer, there are opportunities for the Teen Trippers to participate in special events at camp.