Best Massachusetts Overnight Camps Summer 2026 Directory

CAMP FACILITIES: Day Camps operate at independent schools; indoor-outdoor programming, safe accredited, inspected and well-supervised spaces. OVERNIGHT CAMP 2022 is 7 day / 6 night traditional camp experience in the beautiful Niagara Peninsula region of Ontario; Our Camp Website Link: www.debatecamp.com

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Debate Camp creates a learning experience that is safe, welcoming, fun, and intellectually-engaging. Our program is meant to appeal to all ability levels, from the reluctant speaker to the already-accomplished debater.

We believe that learning is best served by engaging students in an academic experience, while at the same time ensuring they feel empowered to take risks.

We believe that "camp" creates a novel and secure learning environment in which campers feel safe to try new skills, think on their feet, see the opposing view, and to trust their teammates. Campers repeatedly inform us of how successful their academic experiences are - after Debate Camp, largely because they felt emboldened and confident in their ability to engage in discourse on subjects they felt unsure about only weeks previous. " I learned so much" is the most consistent feedback we get.

We feel that debating is not an elite skill for competition purposes only. Nor is it something that should be oversold / overcharged for the purpose of enhancing the college application process. We believe that to have advocacy skills, an ability with rhetoric, an ability to effectively organize one's thoughts, an ability to listen and be heard and to honour one's opponents with effective points and counter-points, are skills that all kids should develop.

As such, we annually review our fee scale to ensure we remain within reach of as many families as possible. We continue to work on funding and recruitment structures so that we may continue to remove barriers to enrichment education.

Moreover, we remain about training in the area of verbal advocacy; to stand, speak and be heard - an area requiring continued attention at a time when digital means provide so many alternatives to this. In the generation of the smart phone, of potentially less human-to-human conversation over substantial matters, what we teach is even more coveted...

Education has forever operated on a belief in the skills, ability and good intention of the future generation. Debate Camp is honoured to be invested in this work.

AMERICAN CAMPING ASSOCIATION

Debate Camp successfully completed the ACA 18 month accreditation process in 2021. This process included a thorough documentation and policy review of Debate Camp's Operation Manual and training materials. In 2021, an ACA site visitor visited in-person camp locations to observe camp operations and ensure the highest of facility standards at two of our American Debate Camp locations (as exemplars of our program in all regions)

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CANADIAN CAMPING ASSOCIATION

Debate Camp in 2020 was awarded with accreditation status from the provincial division of the CCA - Camping Association of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island [CANSPEI] . This 24 month process, ensured that all operating standards, including overnight camps in Canada are compliant with the highest operating standards; inclusive of an audit of our mission and values.

Highlights
• grades 5 - 10
• multi-level instruction
• suits all ability levels
• teaching ratio 1:8
• 3 debate rounds daily
• feedback and fun!
• all resources provided.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Debate Camp's intern program is popular among former campers that want to gain camp experience before they are staff age. The intern program is paid and provides interns with the necessary training and great leadership experience for college applications.

INTERN PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Debate Camp offers a select number of program staff internships each summer.

Interns must have completed Grade 10 or 11

experience working with youth

competitive debate and/or public speaking experience or experience with Model UN simulations

strong team player

willingness to learn how to design and deliver educational workshops

Internships are available at all in-person day camps and overnight camps as well as online camps.

Full details on: Our Camp Website Link: www.debatecamp.com
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YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Debate Camp Online; alongside all of our year-round enrichment programming is available at: Our Camp Website Link: www.enrichment.camp

OTHER CAMP INFO: All 2022 Health & Safety Practices as well as our Compliance standards for the states and provinces in which we operate are available on: Our Camp Website Link: www.debatecamp.com and Our Camp Website Link: www.debatecamp.com

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Full details on our 2022 dates and locations are available on:
UNITED STATES: Our Camp Website Link: www.debatecamp.com
CANADA: Our Camp Website Link: www.debatecamp.com

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
STAFF PROFILE: Debate Camp hires individuals who are both experienced with public speaking and debate, as well as being creative thinkers, reliable team players, and good role models for young people. Our staff teams demonstrate a high level of commitment to ensuring that camp is a safe and positive learning environment. Each staff team is supported by experienced program leaders and camp directors, who assist in the overall planning and preparation for a successful week; full details on:
Our Camp Website Link: www.debatecamp.com

CAMP FACILITIES: The wooded, 135-acre Milton, MA campus is one of the most beautiful small college campuses in New England. Campers will enjoy Curry's outstanding facilities which include eleven outdoor tennis courts, grass and turf soccer fields, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, outdoor swimming pool, new air conditioned dorms and a wonderful dining facility.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: At Curry College, we offer two classifications for each week.

The Comprehensive, All Skills Camp (COED: Ages 8-18) is programmed for three different proficiency levels: beginners, intermediates and advanced players — of all ages. Each student will be tested weekly and placed in a group of similar ability, and age. Beginners will be playing soccer in just a few days; intermediates will improve all aspects of their game; and advanced players will sharpen their game to a competitive edge.

The High Potential/Elite Camp (COED: Ages 11-18) is our intensified program for aspiring tournament players and is ideal for competitive players who presently play or wish to try out for their high school or pre-high school teams or other outside leagues.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Please refer to the camp webpage for additional information:
Our Camp Website Link: www.ussportscamps.com

CAMP FACILITIES: At 200 feet, the Oliver Hazard Perry is the first ocean-going full-rigged ship to be built in the U.S. in over 100 years. It is the largest civilian sail training vessel in America. She has berths for 49 people overnight, and with 17 crew, a low camper to crew ratio creates a safe and fun environment. The ship is equipped with a steel hull, 3 masts, with square sails on all three masts, 20 sails totaling 14,000 square feet, and 7 miles of rope and wire. The engines run on a bio-diesel blend, and the ship is equipped with a modern galley (on-board kitchen), central air, an on-deck science lab, a library and wheel-chair accessibility above and below decks.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: With 17 professional crew and a capacity for 30-34 campers, our program promotes a dynamic and safe learning environment with a 2:1 ratio of campers to instructors. Campers will feel the thrill of steering a 500-ton ship, and learn to work the yards and sails while exploring the beautiful coasts of New England. They will learn safety at sea and perform important safety drills while acquiring skills in navigation, seamanship, sail handling, knots, and the language of the boat. Campers will explore the underwater world through snorkeling. They will understand wind, waves, tides and the ecology of sandy and rocky seashores. Sunsets, sunrises and the night sky will serve as the backdrop for this incredible experience, in addition to marine phosphorescence, dolphins and whales. Teamwork is an integral part of success onboard the boat, and in addition to learning about themselves, and achieving things they never imagined, they will make friendships to last a lifetime.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: In addition to witnessing the natural magic of the ocean and its inhabitants, each student crew will make friendships to last a lifetime. Campers will take responsibility for themselves and their fellow shipmates, learning to work as a team with others as they hoist and brace the yards on the ship's 130-foot tall rig and apply acquired navigational skills to guide the ship's course on a voyage of discovery.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: As a non-profit organization we are committed to making this amazing experience available to everyone. Because we are new, an endowment for scholarships is still being developed, however the first 10 sign ups will receive a 10% discount! Please contact us for group discounts. Scholarships will be made available in the near future.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: The Perry will sail year-round, offering experiences for high school and college age students, as well as adult sail-training and team building. The ship will spend the Summers in New England and the Winters in Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

OTHER CAMP INFO: Our Mission:

Sailing School Vessel Oliver Hazard Perry is Rhode Island’s official sailing education vessel and flagship non-profit maritime campus, offering experience-based, core learning opportunities to a diverse student population, including those with disabilities, aboard a magnificent 196-foot, three-masted, square-rigged tall ship.

We achieve our mission in collaboration with Rhode Island educational institutions and the marine industry with a sustainable plan that promotes our sea-faring heritage with programs that serve as symbols for our stewardship of the Ocean State’s maritime environment.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Camp price for six days/nights is $1,600 (10% discount early bird special for the first 10 campers to sign up!), which includes all meals and seamanship/sailing instruction.

Our tentative schedule can be found at Our Camp Website Link: www.ohpri.org. Please e-mail info[AT]ohpri.org to sign up, or call the office at (401) 841-0080

CAMP FACILITIES: Our school is made up of 4 buildings. We house 70 dorm rooms, a dining hall, classrooms, library, media centers and much more. We have 6 tennis courts, an outdoor pool, fitness center, art and theater areas. Outside we are set on 100 acres of land that include forest and vast open spaces. Our barn is our pride and joy and at this point is the home to 35 school horses.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Speak Up I: Introduction to Debate and Public Speaking Camp is designed for campers who have little or no experience in speaking in front of a group. Our goals are to have fun and learn some ways to use our voices effectively.

Speak Up II: This camp is designed for high school students ready to refresh, refine, and advance their public speaking skills. Gain confidence as you learn from and with others who are seeking to enhance their voice powers/amplify their voices? in a fun, supportive environment!

Performing Arts: Campers will take part in dance, voice and theater.

Bonnie Castle Equestrian: Premiere riding camp for beginner and experienced riders. This summer we will be offering the British Horse Society Program challenge awards, where campers will work at their own pace to complete learning opportunities as equestrians.

Campers are taught by Stoneleigh-Burnham staff. Counselors for the residential programs are CPR and first aid certified as well as we complete criminal offender and sex offender background checks.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Limited financial assistance to those that qualify. Please inquire to hgebo[AT]sbschool.org for application.

OTHER CAMP INFO: Camps Offered: Speak Up I & II, Performing Arts, & Bonnie Castle Riding Camp (equestrian)

Speak Up camps are for debate and public speaking. Campers will learn the art of conversational and competitive speaking. As well as learn to use their voce for effective communication and advocacy.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Speak Up Camps: June 20-June 26, girls ages 10-16
Performing Arts: June 27-July 3, coed ages 10-18
Bonnie Castle Riding Camp: girls ages 8-16
Week 1 June 27-July 3
Week 2 July 4-July 10
Week 3 July 11- July 17