August Bonus Week

Ages 6-15+
A fun week of respite at the end of the summer with camp staff & 1:1 ratio
Smiling young girl who is a camper at Camp Starfish
Two summer camp girls in boats at Camp Starfish
Two summer camp teens smiling at the camera holding a box that says “you are unforgettable” at Camp Starfish

Program Overview

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. Just like at camp, there are no electronics and the focus is on spending time with others, enjoying the opportunity to be outdoors and having fun at camp. During respite programs, we do not have formalized instruction (such as swim lessons, individual goals, or TagUp).

group of campers having fun on a water bouncer at Camp Starfish
Camper and Counselor playing soccer and smiling at camera at Camp Starfish
August Bonus Week

Campers choose activities in real time based on what they feel like trying next. Plenty of free swim and beach time is on the schedule, as is a trip to Canobie Lake Park for a day of rides and waterslides. Campers may choose to go off-camp on hikes, enjoy motor boat rides on the lake, kayak out to Blueberry Island, and even search for treasure in our full-camp Gold Rush. Campers may also choose quieter pursuits like crafts, Book Nook time, or cards. During Bonus Week, we encourage campers to participate and enjoy themselves, and there are always plenty of alternative activity or low-key relaxation choices available.

Apply for August Bonus Week

August Bonus Week Review

Camper with a pink water bottle smiling at the camera at Camp Starfish

“He LOVED camp. When I asked him how it was on a scale of 1-10 he said 120.”

– Parent of August Bonus Week Camper

What to Expect

3 Meals/Day

Outdoor adventures

Friendly staff

Team-building activities

Community

AMUSEMENT PARK FIELD TRIP

Summer camp girl smiling at the camera at Camp Starfish
Two summer camp boys smiling at Camp Starfish
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About Our Facility

Our property is split between two villages we call Star and Fish (Starfish!) and several smaller unique housing spaces. In the villages, our rustic wooden cabins provide the traditional camp experience.

Starfish boasts over 1/2 mile of shoreline on beautiful Lake Monomonac and has direct access from several private beaches.

Learn More
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Three campers rowing on kayaks at Camp Starfish

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The Starfish Difference

“The skills and the confidence that camp has taught him in just two weeks every summer has been life changing. Camp is the ONE place he feels 100% safe. Not just physically safe, but safe with his emotions and thoughts. He KNOWS everything about him will not only be accepted, but appreciated. All of the tools you have given him have helped shape the incredible person he is now, and I can’t thank you enough, from the bottom of my heart.”
Camper Parent 2015-2022
“We were so impressed with everything Starfish had to offer, from the application process to picking up our child. Everything was smooth, seamless, and had the child’s best interest and growth in mind. I’m so grateful Starfish exists and that we were able to access it in order to give our child this experience.”
2022 Camper Guardian
"My Camper really enjoyed the tight-knit community of his bunk. He is very grateful for 'matching him with kids he likes and likes him.'"
2024 Camper Parent
"Working here has proven to myself and others that I can do it. I have left Starfish a completely different person from who I was when I arrived, and in the best way possible."
2024 Seasonal Staff Member
"My time at Starfish has made me mature in ways that I didn’t think possible. It has also made me think about completely different career paths in the future. It has made me so much more confident in my capabilities, and I’m excited to see what my skills, which I’ve learned from Starfish, can bring me in the future."
2024 Seasonal Staff Member
"Watching the slideshow, you would never know any child struggles with something day to day. You all make them feel so important and welcome. It’s heartwarming to see each child enjoying the same activities at this camp just like any child would and should. My son feels the success of being there and sees it through the many tasks he accomplished. He couldn’t have done it without you all!"
2024 Camper Parent
"Typically, summer camp or other extracurricular activities end with phone calls home asking to pick him up. But at Starfish, with the experience and expertise of staff and counselors, he is poised for success. We've never once received a call with concerns."
2024 Camper Parent
“He came home saying, ‘You know when something or someone is bothering me, I can just walk away and ignore it.’ That felt like an accomplishment.”
2022 Camper Guardian
“Starfish is so wonderful. Every child deserves to have an experience like this. And every parent deserves to have a resource they can entrust their special needs child to.”
2022 Camper Parent
“We are always 1000% happy with the care provided by Camp Starfish staff.”
2022 Camper Parent
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Additional Links
Year-Round Office

873 Main St. Suite 1
Ashby, MA 01431

Phone: 978-637-2617
Fax: 978-849-5004
Email: [email protected]

Summer Office

12 Camp Monomonac Rd.,
Rindge, NH 03461

Phone: 603-899-9590
Fax: 978-849-5004
Email: [email protected]

© 2024 Camp Starfish. All rights reserved.
EIN: 04-3454511
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Lydia Beeler

Lydia Beeler is Camp Starfish’s Interim Director of Operations, overseeing administrative aspects of camp and supporting a smooth registration process for campers and their families. Lydia joined Starfish in the summer of 2021 and has enjoyed multiple different roles on camp. With a degree in psychology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and experience in healthcare and education, she brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to her role.

Lydia is from Worcester, Massachusetts, and takes great pride in being able to pronounce her hometown. Her favorite camp activity is the closing campfire, where campers are able to reflect on and celebrate their achievements made during their time at Starfish. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “We make camp a safe place.”

Photo of Danielle Lubbers

Danielle Lubbers

Danielle joined Camp Starfish in the spring of 2023 as Camp Director. Originally working with the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, Danielle has ten years of experience providing programming to children, outdoor skills training for adults, and directing overnight summer camp experiences.

In her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her two-year old Dalmatian, Mia. Danielle’s favorite activity at camp is raft building, as she enjoys seeing campers and staff work together to complete a team goal. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is “We are here to learn, grow, and have fun!”

Staff photo of David

David Mahnken

David Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Mental Health Consultant. He provides staff training each summer on topics such as self-care, trauma-informed care practices, and health & wellness. David also provides support and consultation to the organization throughout the year. David holds a BA from St. Olaf College and an MSW from Simmons University. David is a LICSW who works in emergency services in addition to his own private practice in Massachusetts.

Prior to becoming a social worker, David’s first experience at camp was as a counselor in the early 2000s before becoming an administrator and member of the year-round team. His favorite camp activity is swim-I (swim instruction), and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We make camp a safe place.”

Staff photo of Joe

Joe Clark

As the Assistant Director at Camp Starfish, Joe is a seasoned professional who is well-versed in all aspects of camp life. With five years of summer work at Starfish, he brings extensive experience and expertise to the camp year-round. Joe is from the UK, and holds a degree from Keele University. Joe works as a support worker in the UK, providing care to individuals with disabilities, since 2019. Joe also engages in volunteer work, including spending three months in Abrobiano, Ghana.

Joe is known at camp for his charming English accent, which campers often try to replicate! His favorite camp activity is playing soccer (football) on the field, and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I take responsibility for my actions.”

Staff photo of Rachel

Rachel Roberts

Rachel Roberts is the Director of Staff Experience at Camp Starfish, responsible for all things staffing and groups. With a degree in Anthropology, and a Certificate in Global Citizenship from Franklin Pierce University, Rachel brings a unique perspective to her role. She oversees hiring, onboarding, retention, and staff appreciation for the 100+ seasonal staff at Camp Starfish each summer. Rachel has been a part of the Starfish team since 2016, working in various seasonal roles. She joined the Year-Round Team full-time in 2022.

As a lifelong New Hampshire resident, Rachel enjoys hiking in the woods with her dog, Clover. Her favorite camp activity is Free Play, and her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We respect each other’s differences.”

Staff photo of Kristie

Kristie Martin

Kristie Martin is Camp Starfish’s Program Director, responsible for ensuring that each camper receives a structured, supportive, and fun program during both summer and year-round weekends. With her degree in Applied Psychology & Human Development from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, Kristie has a deep understanding of child development and uses this knowledge to create a nurturing environment for all campers.

Kristie grew up in the Monadnock region and takes pride in being a local. Kristie’s favorite camp activity is the Camper Talent Show, which she believes is the perfect opportunity for campers to showcase their skills and feel comfortable sharing with the community. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “I try my best, I do not have to be the best.”

Staff photo of Sarah

Sarah York

Sarah York is the Director of Operations at Camp Starfish, joining the team in the Spring of 2022. She brings with her a wealth of professional experience working in both mental health and human resources. Sarah’s role at Camp Starfish is crucial in ensuring that camp runs smoothly, and she is available to assist families every step of the way through the registration process. If you call the Starfish office, Sarah will likely be who you speak with first!

With her dedication to helping others and her commitment to creating a positive camp experience for every child, it’s no wonder that her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We are members of a team.”

Staff photo of Jamie

Jamie Mahnken

Jamie Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Executive Director, and has been an integral part of the Camp Starfish community since 2010, serving in a variety of roles. With a degree in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University, Jamie is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for every camper, staff member, and volunteer.

As a North Carolina native, Jamie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Her favorite camp activity is kayaking to Blueberry Island, which is a meaningful and memorable experience for many campers, as well. Jamie’s favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I am flexible and open to change.”