LARP Week

Ages 13+
A thrilling week of activities that use live-action role play.
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Camper smiling at Camp Starfish
Card games at Camp Starfish

Program Overview

”LARP Week” is a 5-day, 4-night program designed to unlock the inner adventure in every camper through the use of live-action role-play (LARP). Staff in LARP week believe that every camper has a “hero” within them, waiting to embark on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and personal growth. They are specifically trained on encouraging individuality in campers and growing self-confidence.

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Campers smiling and having a goof time while covered in whipped cream at Camp Starfish
LARP Week

In addition to just being fun, LARP allows campers to naturally build upon skills that are central to the mission of Camp Starfish. Whether they are knights, wizards, explorers, or magical creatures, each camper becomes a vital part of the story, boosting their self-esteem and encouraging self-expression. Through collaborative storytelling, campers work together to solve challenges, conquer quests, and build deep connections with their fellow adventurers. They learn to manage feelings, make choices, and adapt to changing situations, all while remaining in character. As campers interact with diverse characters and navigate the challenges of the storyline, they gain a greater understanding of different perspectives and develop empathy for their peers.

 

LARP Week is based out of Crescent Lodge, where campers live in dorm-style accommodations. During the day, campers participate in short LARPs during program blocks. However, they also have opportunities to take part in traditional camp activities through daily swim time, campfires, all-camp activities with the main side of camp, and more. LARP week participants may also travel off-site for an adventure, so it is important that campers can behave safely and appropriately within a 1:3 staff-to-camper ratio.

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The LARP Week Experience

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“I’m really glad that Camp Starfish can offer the camp experience for kids who don’t fit with the traditional camp mold.”

– 2023 Parent

What to Expect

3 Meals/Day

Outdoor adventures

Friendly staff

Team-building activities

Care and Support

Perspective-taking

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Summer camper wearing a shirt with a cat wearing sunglasses, holding a cookie and smiling at the camera 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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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.”

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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!”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”