Youth Groups

Youth Groups at Camp Starfish

Camp Starfish is a 501(c)(3) non-profit youth organization that serves children with special needs. In addition to providing summer camp and year-round support for children with emotional, behavioral, social, and learning challenges, Camp Starfish is available for private youth group rentals during our off-season.

We offer affordable, charming, and nature-inspired group event packages at our beautiful site in Rindge, New Hampshire, just off the border of Massachusetts. Our site is available to rent for short events with small youth groups as well as weekend-long events for over 100 guests.

Our youth group venue is the perfect match for organizations that are looking for an event space that is suitable for nature-inspired, active fun. With an open field perfect for playing field games, a ropes course with a variety of elements, multiple types of sport courts, and a wide site perfect for scavenger hunts – we have everything needed to create a memorable youth group event. Not to mention, waterfront access makes for more active fun and breathtaking views.

As a small team of camping professionals, we understand the value of community and relationship-building, and we hope to help you and your group uncover this same sentiment while you plan and enjoy your event at Camp Starfish.

Why should I have a Youth Group event at Camp Starfish?

Scenic, Natural Beauty

Our beautiful site in Rindge, New Hampshire is surrounded by forests, lakes, mountains, and fields, offering the perfect stunning backdrops for group photos. During the off-season, we are lucky to have amazing New England foliage to add a pop of color to your event. In the evenings, you and your group will be able to take gorgeous photos with golden sunshine, colorful sunsets, and cozy campfires.

Built-In Accommodations

Summer camps naturally come with the perk of built-in accommodations. Cabins are available in our group event packages, in addition to alternate lodging options across buildings on our site. This is all factored into the cost of the venue and adds to your experience. Of course, our campsite also offers both private and communal restrooms, a dining hall, a chapel, and multiple campfire locations with firewood that we provide.

Budget Friendly

When you book a non-profit summer camp for your group event, you get more for what you pay in comparison to traditional retreat options – this is especially true when you book for a full weekend and utilize on-site accommodations. Plus, when you book at Camp Starfish, money spent toward your event has a future impact on the success of children with special needs. Funds generated from rentals help support our Campership Fund and bring more children with emotional, behavioral, social, and learning challenges to camp.

Fun & Unique Activities

Summer camps are designed with fun in mind. At a summer camp group event, you have the opportunity to play games and go on adventures with your group with minimal planning and effort on your part. Use our field to play soccer, compete in field games, or stargaze. Sport courts across the campsite are a fan-favorite. Playground and multiple options for lawn games make for unstructured blocks of fun. Options for facilitated experiences with our camp staff are also available for your rental. There are limitless opportunities for fun when you have your youth group at Starfish – you and your group won’t want to leave!

DIY & Customization Friendly

Every camp session should have its own unique charm. At our summer camp, you have the opportunity to design and decorate our spaces to fit your vision. With the option to see the site beforehand, you can pre-plan the activities you and your group will participate in. This will allow your team to be prepared for camp ahead of time and accurately communicate with families about what they can expect from the experience!

Here's what you can expect when you book your youth group at Camp Starfish:

Friendly Staff and Individualized Customer Service

Easy-to-Read, Straightforward Contract

Beautiful Scenery and Breathtaking Views

Clean and Cozy Accommodations

Fun, Nature-Inspired Activities

Plenty of Space and Privacy

Flexibility and Cooperation with Outside Vendors

Kid-Friendly Activities

Cozy, Intimate Vibe

Customizable Event Space

Availability

Email [email protected] for available dates and to request a quote. We look forward to working with you individually to make sure your youth group event is memorable for you and your guests!

Questions?

Visit our Facilities and Amenities page to view pictures of our site and buildings. Please read our FAQs section for frequently-asked questions about rentals.

The Starfish Difference

Your Support Makes This Possible

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]

Built by

Lydia Beeler

Lydia Beeler is Camp Starfish’s Program Director, ensuring that all campers have a safe, supportive, and fun Starfish experience. 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.”

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!”

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.”

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.”

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.”

Kristie Martin

Kristie Martin is Camp Starfish’s Communications Director, ensuring that Starfish is able to reach a wide audience of potential campers and staff each year to further the Starfish mission. 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 during the summer.

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.”

Sarah Scott-Sandagato

Sarah Scott-Sandagato 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.”

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.”