Above: Rec is about to open sign-up for their summer camp (images from brochure)
Last year, the Town’s Summer Camp filled up within about a day. This year, they are giving Town residents a two day window to sign up kids before allowing the public at large.
That starts this Monday morning. Here are some details to pay attention to in preparation.
The Town’s camp isn’t the fanciest option in town, but it is the most inexpensive. So it’s a popular option for keeping kids busy most of the summer — both for residents and for parents who work in town.
Last year’s quick fill-up may also have been impacted about uncertainty families had about Southborough Extended Day’s program last year. (It was in management transition last year and details weren’t yet announced when Rec registration opened last spring.) Although registration isn’t open yet for this year, the details have been announced. (Scroll down for those.)
Rec Camp’s registration for residents will open 7:00 am this Monday, March 6th. (Anyone else can sign up starting on Wednesday, March 8th.) But be sure your accounts are set up in advance so you don’t have to scramble that morning.
To register for any of Southborough Recreation’s program, you need to have an account and each child’s profile listed. You can create or update your account in advance here.
You also may want to look at other specialized offerings this summer – to avoid schedule conflicts with other programs your kids may be interested in. (Scroll down for those.) The Rec Camps will be running from July 5th to August 18th.
As for what Rec camp itself offers, the Town promotes:
Southborough Recreation Summer Camp exposes children to a wide variety of programming on site and off site. From traditional activities such as sports, arts and crafts, and special events, to off-site visits to surrounding Southborough facilities, your child will enjoy an active summer with friends!
The camps are split by age group as of the beginning of camp. There are opportunities for kids ages 4-14.*
The pricing I include below is for the full day weeks. (Week 1 is discounted for each since there is no camp on July 3rd and 4th.)
“Camp Fayville” is for 4–6 years olds with half day and full day options. (It doesn’t include field trips.) All campers must be potty trained.* Rates are $195 for half day (8:30 am – 12:30 pm) and $275 for full day (8:30 am – 4:00 pm).
“Camp Cordaville” is for 7–12 years olds. That is a full day only program, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm at $275 per week. There is one field trip/event anticipated per week for the older campers. The brochure lists the following events, with the caveat that they are subject to change:
- Inflatable Fun – Week 1
- Launch – Week 2
- Kimballs – Week 3
- Canobie Lake Park – Week 4
- Apex Entertainment – Week 5
- Boundless Adventures – Week 6
- End of Camp BBQ – Week 7
CITs (Counselor in Trainings) is for ages 13-14 years old from 8:15 am – 4:00 pm. That program is $160/week. CITS may be assigned to either age group. (This year, they aren’t listing a half day option.)
CITs will learn behavior management, team-building, communication and activity leadership by helping counselors work with younger campers.
Alternative Options
Southborough Extended Day Camp
The SEDP program managed through a partnership of community parents and NSBORO schools will run from June 26th to August 18th. It doesn’t cover all five days per week (just Mondays – Thursdays), but does allow flexibility to pick specific days.
The fees are a little higher than Rec’s camp. But the draw for many families is reflected in the name. Extended hours are available in both the morning and evening. The camp is limited to students entering grades K-6, but does allow campers who aren’t potty trained. (Another plus, since none of the other camps in town do.) You can find all of the details here.
There are also CIT options for students entering 7th-9th grade and volunteer positions for older students.
Specialty Rec Camps
Special programs promoted by Rec so far for this summer that overlap the day camp program are:
- Skyrise Musical Parody “Magic Wings” — Monday, July 24th – Friday the 28th at Trottier (click here)
- Best Soccer — options for 3 – 14 year olds, Monday, July 10th – Friday the 14th and Monday, August 14th – Friday the 18th at Neary Field (click here)
- Viking’s Ninja Warrior camp — for 5-12 year olds, Monday, July 17th – Friday the 21st and Monday, July 24th – Friday the 28th at Trottier Track (click here)
Private Camps in Town
A new options is being launched in camp this summer. It means that now three non-profits are promoting summer camps in Southborough. I already wrote about one. I’ll be covering the others sometime soon.
- Fay School (click here)
- Chestnut Hill Farm (click here)
- St. Mark’s Summer (click here)
*Rec Campers must be potty trained with no exceptions.
