Beachcombers

Ages 14-16
An outdoor adventure full of campfires, hiking, boating, and active fun.
Campers and counselors White water rafting
Campers and counselors smiling in a raft while white water rafting and having a great time
Campers gazing out thoughtfully

Program Overview

Is your teen ready to experience the great outdoors in the Beachcombers Grove? Beachcombers is about being willing to try new things, working together on camp life (wood collecting, food prep, fire building, etc.), and engaging in outdoor pursuits including canoeing, hiking, camping and whitewater rafting.

Teens do not need to be outdoor-savvy to participate in Beachcombers, but they do need to be active and willing participants in the program. Teens should be fully aware that they are being enrolled in this program, and what it entails. While living in platform tents and taking part in basic camp chores like collecting firewood, participants quickly learn the importance of pitching in and keeping their camp tidy. Beachcombers cook at least one meal outdoors daily; the others are eaten in the dining hall or on the trail. Campers should be prepared to travel off-site during the camp day to participate in activities like hiking and whitewater rafting.

Three campers building a camp fire
Two Campers smiling at Camp Starfish canoeing
Beachcombers

 To participate successfully in Beachcombers, teens should:

  • Have the ability and willingness to hike a one-mile uphill trail with plenty of breaks, carrying a backpack similar to one they would use for school.
  • Be willing to try camp food that is different to what is prepared in the dining hall and be offered alternatives that are simple but filling.
  • Be willing to get a little “dirtier” due to the outdoor nature of the experience. There will be bugs/dirt.
  • Be understanding that each day is structured differently than the others, and the schedule is always susceptible to changes in weather.
  • Be able to follow staff guidance surrounding safety and expectations for interactions with others and be able to stay with the group safely on off-site trips.
Apply for Beachcombers

Beachcombers Review

Two campers hanging out on a rock

“He actually enjoyed helping with all the tasks that needed to be done and enjoyed the more rugged, adventurous experience. I think having shown himself that he enjoyed an unknown experience has given him more confidence in himself.”

– Parent of Beachcombers Camper

What to Expect

3 Meals/Day

OFFSITE HIKING TRIP

Friendly staff

Team-building activities

WHITEWATER RAFTING TRIP

FISHING AND BOATING

Campers smiling while fishing at Camp Starfish
Campers hiking 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.

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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 child received so much appreciation, validation, support, and love last year. I think Starfish was the first place they’ve felt totally safe and accepted. I think they are just looking forward to more of it this year!"
2022 Camper Parent
“My granddaughter was worried about her medication regime and I was able to speak to staff prior who assured us on how this would be handled. The leadership is so compassionate and willing to meet your child where they are.”
2022 Camper Guardian
“He feels proud about the accolades he received at camp. He wanted to share his prizes and his swim test outcomes. Having tangible reminders of his accomplishments and successes gave him something to anchor himself and remind himself of the wins.”
2022 Camper Case Manager
“My child loved camp and has met up with some of the campers since Camp Starfish! For the first time in many years, I felt happy that my child had a normal, fulfilling camp experience with positive memories.”
2022 Camper Parent
“He made great connections with others. He has never felt so supported and accepted for who he is.”
2022 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]

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EIN: 04-3454511
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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.”