Co-ed Speciality Camp
During the last week of the summer, we offer a five day co-ed program that takes place at Camp Hayward. Campers enjoy a traditional camp experience while also receiving specialized instruction in one of the many activities listed below. Sign-ups for specific program areas take place at time of registration.
Campers with PKU are welcome and encouraged to attend Co-Ed Specialty Camp. Please see below for more information on our PKU camp.
We are very excited to announce the addition of two new offerings to our list of Specialties this year!
Youth Leadership *NEW*
Bringing civic engagement alive for children by allowing them to make a difference in the world, the Youth Leadership Specialty will serve to position campers to develop as impactful leaders and community service stewards in their local and global communities. Campers will endeavor to uncover their unique individual talents through team-building and brainstorming exercises, and then employ their strengths by collaborating on a cause-driven effort of their choice. Campers will become immersed in projects outlining the roles of community leaders, volunteers, community service agencies and other local resources. The purpose of this program is to instill in each camper a sense of awareness and connection to their respective communities, as well as spur them to consider far-reaching initiatives that may be half a world away.
Farming *NEW*
Join us for an intensive life-changing week of farm education and sustainable living with our Farming Specialty. Based at our very own Burgess Farm, campers will be responsible for the day-to-day tasks of running a small farm, including caring for our animals, planting, weeding and harvesting our crops, composting, and of course competing in the daily horseshoe throw down! Campers will also have the opportunity to learn about the communities that benefit from our crops, as they assist us in our efforts to end hunger on the South Shore. Furthermore, campers will learn how to cook the vegetables we grow and create their own farm stand that they will facilitate at the end of the week. The purpose of this program is to connect Campers to their natural environment by developing an awareness of agriculture and healthy eating by learning hands-on where their food comes from.
CREATIVE ARTS
Explore the many aspects of art and develop skills in mural design, cultural arts, painting and drawing. Create your own pieces of art to exhibit on the last day of Camp - and bring home of course!
PERFORMING ARTS
Lights, camera, action! Budding dancers, actors and musicians have the opportunity to create their own production under the guidance of our talented staff. Create and perform a show on the last day of Camp. Encore!
MULTIMEDIA
Ever dreamed of being the next Stephen Spielberg? Learn how to plan, shoot, and edit your very own movie. Other projects can include podcasts, posters, flickbooks, and comics.
KAYAKING
Campers focus on the fundamentals of kayaking, including paddle strokes, boat control, and rescues while also learning about navigation and wildlife exploration.
SAILING
Sailors of all abilities enjoy this program as they learn nautical terminology, sailing techniques, and boating safety on our Optimist and Zuma sailboats.
WINDSURFING
Campers develop skills in the fundamentals of windsurfing, including tacking, jibing, running and basic race tactics.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Beginner and intermediate riders develop skills in horsemanship, riding technique, care and grooming, stable management, and safety. Our facility includes stables, two miles of trails, and two riding rings.
SOCCER
Campers develop dribbling, shooting, and passing skills with our international soccer staff, while also learning the tactics and rules of the game.
TENNIS
Beginner and intermediate tennis players benefit from group and individual instruction that covers the fundamentals of the game. There is ample playing time on our courts to put new skills into practice.
TREE ESCAPES
Campers "learn the ropes" in this program using our high and low ropes courses and our 40-foot climbing tower. Skills in raft, fire, and shelter building are also developed in this adventurous program.
SPECIALTY CAMP FOR CHILDREN WITH PKU
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic disorder detected through a blood test at birth. Children who have PKU lead normal lifestyles by maintaining a specialized diet. Since 1997, our camp, in collaboration with Children's Hospital in Boston, offers a coed week of specialty camp in August where children with PKU join campers with and without PKU for a totally integrated week of overnight summer camp.
This opportunity allows children with PKU the unusual opportunity to meet other children facing the same issues, while following the specific PKU diet in a normal camp environment. Campers stay in cabins and participate in a specialty activity of their choice, such as sailing, tennis, performing arts, or horseback riding.
Meals for children with PKU are prepared by the group of volunteer staffers and professionals organized by Children's Hospital, Boston. Often coordinated to coincide with our traditional menu, food choices are based on medically-prescribed diets and served from a buffet style table designated for campers with PKU. Metabolic staff and nutritionists are available at our Camp to provide low-protein meals and help prepare formula, maintain diets, and offer support.
For more information, please contact us. To contact Children's Hospital in Boston, please call Fran Rohr at 617-355-6516.