In September of 2017, Starfish completed brand-new construction of a retreat & conference center-style lodge, “Crescent Lodge”, which has led to an expansion in specialty and respite program offerings on the “Crescent half” of our campgrounds.
Crescent Lodge overlooks a swim/boating beach and houses up to 40 individuals in modern dorm-style accommodations with indoor bathrooms, electricity, and air conditioning.
During the summer, it is “home base” for most of our short-term specialty camps, and during the year it houses our respite programming.
The staff ratio and age groups within these programs vary.
TIDES Vista
Ages 17-22
The TIDES Vista program has been specifically designed to address areas of transitional planning for young adults including independent living, community participation, interpersonal interactions and self-advocacy.
The program is aptly named as participants are looking out at the view of their future and setting their sights on new horizons.
Teen Survival Quest
Ages 14+
A week of outdoor living skills education and active fun in nature!
Go on hikes, boat on the lake, and learn essential skills for survival in the great outdoors like firebuilding, outdoor cooking, and navigation. Participants have the opportunity to complete the Red Cross Wilderness First Aid course with qualified candidates receiving certification.
Sibling Camp
Ages 6-14
As the brother, sister, cousin, or relative of a Starfish camper (or someone who could be a Starfish camper!), siblings might sometimes feel left out or different themselves.
Making friends who can relate to what they’re going through allows siblings to feel less “alone” or different from their peers. Sibling Camp emphasizes that every child is a valuable member of the community, and celebrates campers for who they are individually, without comparing them to others.
Treetops
Ages 6-14
With specific grant funding through Philanthropy MA’s Summer Fund, paired with Starfish camperships, we are able to offer camp free of charge to youth who are experiencing housing or food instability, who are living in a shelter, have been or are about to be geographically displaced, or who are in similar crisis situations.
Weekenders
Ages 13+
The Weekenders program offers a chance for campers to reconnect with camp and change their scenery for a few days during the school year, and gives parents/guardians much needed respite.
Participants register for a series of weekends during each season: Fall or Winter/Spring. Weekends occur during September, October, November, and January, February, March, April.
Teen Thrill Seekers
Ages 14+
A week of thrilling adventures for teenagers! Participants have a chance to participate in traditional camp activities like swimming and crafts while also going on daily offsite adventures to thrilling locations which may include an amusement park or adventure course.
August Bonus Week
Ages 6-15+
Looking for some extra camp at the end of the summer? Our August Bonus Week is a great chance to have s’more fun with the summer staff and friends from summer sessions!
Bonus week is chock full of activities, fun and friends. We maintain our focus on using the Tools and Keys, and our staff-to-camper ratio remains 1:1, though our structure is slightly more relaxed compared with our typical summer camp day.
Family Camp
Returning Camper Families – Overnight or Day-Only Option
Family Camp is designed to provide a weekend of fun for all ages! Stay in a Camp Starfish cabin with your family, experience meals in the Dining Hall, sing our traditional campfire songs around our Gathering stage, and participate in all that camp has to offer alongside your camper. It’s sure to be a weekend to remember!
LARP Week
Ages 13+
Larp Week is a 5-day, 4-night program designed to unlock the inner adventurer in each campers. Participants take part in daily live-action-role-plays (LARPs) during activity blocks in addition to daily time at the waterfront, campfires, and peer connection.
Campers do not need to have previous LARP experience to participate in LARP week; part of the program is meeting children at their current experience level and incorporating them into the story however they come!
Teen Creative Week
Ages 14+
A week of creative endeavors for teenagers!
Arts instruction is the main focus of this program, with opportunities to participate in community art classes. Campers work on some individuals projects and some collaborative creations, naturally working on communication and social skills along the way.
Starfish Day Out
Ages 12+
A day option for caregiver respite based in Boston! This program is designed to provide families with a day to themselves in the city while knowing their camper is safe and having fun with familiar staff in Boston. Activity admission is included with the cost of tuition, however, families should be prepared to send campers with a packed lunch. Transportation from Rindge is available upon inquiry – meeting locations in the city will be announced to enrolled families.
