Camper Divisions

Camper ages 4 or 5

Our lower camp groups (Butterflies, Bumblebees, Crickets and Dragonflies) boast a 4:1 camper to staff ratio. Each group has a staffing team of one lead teacher, three assistant counselors, and one counselor-in-training. Staff members are hired based on their experience, passion for working with children and favorable references/background checks. Lead teachers must hold a college degree. Each day, staff provide a nurturing and supportive environment where campers can flourish by building new skills, confidence, and friendships.

LOWER CAMP SAMPLE SCHEDULE

• Length of Day Options

Half-Day (9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) - includes a rotating schedule of art, instructional swim, playground time, story time, music, STEM, and sports (gross motor play). Instructional swim is taught daily for a 30-minute period by our American Red Cross certified staff; see below. Campers can expect a balance of outdoor and indoor activities. All campers will have lunch in their respective homerooms at noon.

Full-Day (9:00 a.m.-3:45 p.m.) - is comprised of additional periods of swimming (free swim with staff), playground, art and/or music. Campers will also have a quiet or resting period from 1:00-1:30 p.m. During this time, campers (based on developmental needs) will have the opportunity to play quietly with assorted toys or nap/rest in an adjoining classroom. All campers will have lunch in their respective homerooms at noon.

• Instructional Swim Model

Groups have a daily 30 minute instructional swim class. Our certified swim staff will evaluate each swimmer before placing them in an appropriate swim level group. Lower Camp groups consist of 4-5 campers with two staff (one swim instructor in the water and one on deck counselor). Swim staff will provide instruction (based on The American Red Cross Swim Program) and feedback while in the water with their group. Swim assessments are sent home with the campers at the end of each session.

• Performances

Each session, our lower campers will practice, and present a short, fun whole group performance for families and friends.  Families and friend are welcome to attend.  Can't make it.  The performances will be taped and a link will be sent to families. Group performances creatively combine the our session theme with an art and/or music lesson.

• Special Guests 

Past guests have included: Barn Babies, storytellers, Evan Haller "Music at The Blissful," magic performances and more...

Entering Grades 1 through 3

Art , basketball, clay, drama, dance, movie making, piano, pillow making, science, soccer, swim instruction, science, and so much more.

Intermediate Camp Sample Schedule

• Grade 1 

Combines the structure of lower camp with the growing independence of intermediate camp. Each first-grade group consists of 15 to 20 campers with a 5:1 camper to staff ratio. Staffing teams consist of one lead counselor, three assistant counselors, and one counselor-in-training. Staff are hired based on their experience, passion for working with children and favorable reference/background checks. During the morning, first graders have instructional swim, science and art. During the middle of the day, first graders have the opportunity to select activities of their own interest.  The selection process is done online prior to each session, thus allowing for family input and guidance. At the end of the day, first graders will spend time with peers and staff on the playground structures.

• Grades 2 and 3 

Continues to build campers' self-confidence as they learn and strengthen activity and social skills. With numerous offerings each period, second and third grade campers are able to follow their interests, try something new, and challenge themselves. Activity selection is done online prior to each session allowing for family input in making choices. Each session, campers will have a chance to continue with their favorite activities and/or make new selections. The average class size is 10 to 12 campers with a 5:1 camper-to-staff ratio. Classes are led by an experienced adult staff. Campers will have swim instruction daily; see below. 

• Instructional Swim Model

Daily Swim Instruction - Intermediate campers (grades 1-3) have a 30 minute instructional swim class each morning. With certified swim staff,  campers will practice swimming skills and have fun in our outdoor heated pools. Swim staff, evaluate each swimmer before placing them in an appropriate swim level group. Swim groups consist of 6 to 7 campers with two staff (one swim instructor and one on deck group counselor). Swim staff provide instruction (safety and stroke technique) based on The American Red Cross Swim Program. Swim staff teach and give feedback while in the water with their level 1-3 groups. Campers have Free Swim on Fridays.

• "Noontime" & Special Guests

After lunch (12:30-1:00), intermediate campers and staff come together for a variety show filled with trivia, camper acts, staff and camper challenges, class performances and/or a special guest presentation.  Each week, campers and staff have the option to sign up for "noontime" and to showcase their talents by themselves or with a friend.  Class performances such as, dance, rock band, ukulele, and piano take place at the end of each session.  Families are invited.

• Camp Wide Themes & Dress up Days

Each session, we incorporate a new and fun camp wide theme to start of the day!  Campers and staff have fun dressing up (optional) and many of the camper classes and performances will add music, projects, and decorations to complement the themes.  Past themes included Kindness Dat, Outer Space Day, Greatest Show, Favorite Game etc..

• Drama

Drama is an optional elective for campers in intermediate camp (grades 1-3), and upper camp (grades 4-6) who are attending the first two sessions and/or the last two sessions. This four-week commitment allows campers full immersion into the musical making process.  Each four-week musical theatre experience concludes with a daytime rehearsal for campers and an evening performance for families. Past musicals have included: Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, Little Mermaid, Honk Jr. and so many more …

Please note that families may choose a minimum of one two-week session.

Entering Grades 4 through 6

Archery, basketball, dance, swim, movie making, rock band, set design, tennis, engineering, wheel-working, and more...​

 Upper Camp Sample Schedule

Each summer campers (entering grades 4-6) look forward to re-connecting with friends, meeting new friends, and engaging in a variety of technology, performance, visual art, and sport experiences taught by our enthusiastic staff.

The selection process is done online prior to each session, thus, allowing for family guidance. Selected classes run for the full two-week session. Each session, campers have a chance to continue taking their favorite activities or make new selections. The average class size is 8 to 12 campers with a 7-to-1 camper-to-staff ratio. Classes are led by our creative, warm, and engaging staff. Swim instruction is optional; campers may choose one 30-minute swim instruction and/or free swim period per day.

• Drama 

We are pleased to announce that our four-week drama program will also return this summer. Drama is an optional elective for campers in upper camp (grades 4-6) who are attending the first two sessions and/or the last two sessions. This four-week commitment allows campers full immersion into the musical making process. Each four-week musical theatre experience concludes with a daytime rehearsal for campers and an evening performance for families (TBD). Past musicals have included: Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, Little Mermaid, Honk Jr. and so many more…

• Safe Archery 

Taught on campus in our indoor gymnasium. Arrows are equipped with velcro tips allowing for safe indoor use. Safe archery utilizes regular bows and weighted arrows for a true archery experience. Archery instructors teach proper form and technique along with all safety procedures.

• Optional Field Trips 

We are planning to bring Optional Upper Camp Field Trips back in 2023. Some past trips have included, Miniature Golf at McGolf, Urban Air, Bowling, and Kimball's Farm.

• Special Guests 

Past guests have included: Oooch, High-flying Frisbee dogs, and a representative from the New England Aquarium.

• "Noontime"

Three times a week, after lunch, upper campers and staff come together for some friendly team trivia, highlight special camp happenings and/or to view a special artist presentation.  Each week, campers and staff have the option to sign up for "noontime" and to showcase their interests by themselves or with a friend.  At the end of each session, families are invited to "noontime" to watch a few of our class performances such as, dance, rock band, ukulele, and piano.

Please note that families may choose a minimum of one two-week session.

Entering Grades 7 through 8

CHS Senior Camp is designed specifically for young teenagers, with a focus on leadership, peer collaboration, and skill development. Senior campers enjoy bonding with peers as they select and engage in common interest activities and partake in our off-site excursions. Field trips are scheduled 2-3 times per week; tuition includes all trip transportation and admission costs.

• On-site classes

Each summer our field trip destinations change to ensure new experiences for all our returning senior campers. On-site class electives may include gaga, swimming, basketball, archery, painting, cooking, poetry, wheel working, rock band, tennis, and more. Senior campers have the option of continuing with their initial selections for the full session (two weeks) or changing them each week. Activity choices are sent to campers and families prior to each session.

Senior Camp Sample Schedule

• Field Trips

Senior camp off-site programs/trips such as Boda Borg, zip-lining, indoor skydiving, and beaches provide a unique opportunity for our campers to learn new skills, collaborate with peers, and to model leadership. Each trip destination is selected with careful attention to high safety standards (staff training, certified personnel, staff background checks, and approved safety equipment).

Senior Camp Sample Trips

• Small Group Size

Enrollment is limited to 25 campers per session. The senior camp group is led by our senior camp director and three adult counselors. We provide a 7-to-1 camper-to-staff ratio on all trips, along with a certified lifeguard on all beach trips. Beaches are selected for their cleanliness, ample facilities, medical station, and their own on-duty lifeguards.

Please note that families may choose a minimum of one two-week session.

Entering grades 9 & 10