Motivated Teen? Make the Most of Summer with These 9 Activites Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp?
6 Tips to Prepare First-Time Overnight Campers
2026 Be Prepared! What to do before you get to the ER! -Especially with a Special Needs Child
Pediatric Dentistry
Wesley Barton, DMD, FAAPD
Bahar Houshmand, DDS
Ava Ghassemi, DMD
Mahdieh Beheshti, DMD
Jessie Tsai, DMD
Dentist
Orthodontics
Roger Taylor, DMD
Shahrzad Khorashadi, DMD
Oral Surgery
Evaneet Sidhu, DMD
Michael Gu, DDS
Orthodontist
Get Ready for Summer
Family F.Y.I.
GET READY FOR SUMMER! Looking for a Great Summer Camp?
Don’t miss the Boston Parents 2026 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo coming on Mar. 23. Please register to receive yur link to over 50 camp and summer programs in New England: https:// bostonparentspaper.com/summer-camp-expo.html
IRISH SODA BREAD SCIENCE
Traditional Irish Soda Bread contains only four ingredients: flour, salt, buttermilk and soda. Soda is the key ingredient that led to the birth of this particular type of bread (hence the name) because until its introduction in the 1840’s, it was difficult to create a loaf bread that would “rise” with the wheat found in Ireland. Making soda bread is a great way to share the science of soda with your lads and lasses.
GREATER BOSTON PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE IS AVAILABLE!
The 2026 edition of The Greater Boston Private School Guide provides information on how to help parents find the best private school for their children. This guide has information on prioritizing the most critical factors for your family, determining what type of school to consider, navigating admissions tours, shadow days, interviews, needed exams, tuition assistance, and writing an excellent essay. Use the month-by-month calendar to keep your family on the admissions track to getting accepted to the school of your choice. Available in print and online at www. BostonParentsPaper.com – just click on “Our Magazines” tab.
Your Child with Special Needs
Check out the latest edition of Your Child with Special Needs which is filled with information on how to help kids with special needs thrive with valuable local resources and support groups. Available online at www.BostonParentsPaper. com – just click on the cover of Your Child with Special Needs in the “Our Magazines” tab.
Signs of Autism in Girls
Empowering Potential Nurturing Growth,
The journey following an autism diagnosis can be overwhelming. With 1 in 31 children now affected, you're not alone. May Institute is here to help.
For over 70 years, May has been a leader in autism care. From our May Centers for Children & Families serving young children to our specialized schools for elementary through high school students across Greater Boston, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care to equip your child with the skills they need for a fulfilling life.
or call
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VOTE for your Favs!
The Boston Parents
2026 Family Favorite Awards ballot is here!
We need your input!
Each year, we poll our readers for their top picks of places to shop, dine and play – everything from preschools and schools to kids’ classes, docs and dentists, camps, museums and attractions and so much more.
Head online to www.BostonParentsPaper.com to vote for your favorites today. We’ll publish the winners in our annual Family Favorites publication this summer.
2026 National Parks
FEE-FREE Days
According to former National Park Service Director Chuck Sams, “The entrance fee-free days to encourage people to discover the beauty, history, and inspiration awaiting them in the more than 400 national parks throughout the country.” Only about 100 of the 400+ national parks have an entrance fee, with costs ranging from $5 to $35+. Detailed information about what to see and do in each park is available on NPS.gov or the NPS app. It’s essential for people to know before they go what is open and available, especially if they are staying overnight. Fee-free days apply only to entrance fees and do not cover amenity or user fees for camping, boat launches, transportation, special tours or other activities. ,
The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass allows the pass holder and companions accompanying them unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks. There are also free and discounted passes available for currently serving members of the U.S. military and their dependents, military veterans, Gold Star Families, fourth-grade students, disabled citizens, and seniors.
Free Entrance Days for 2026
May 25: Memorial Day
June 14: Flag Day/Trump’s Birthday
July 3-5: Independence Day Weekend
August 25: NPS Birthday
September 17: Constitution Day
October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday
November 11: Veterans Day
These are “patriotic fee-free days,” and nonresidents will still need to pay entrance fees.
2026 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo
Receive camp information and learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests.
Click here to register and receive access to regularly updated online camp expo materials
Visiting the Emergency Room with Your Special Needs or Behaviorally Challenged Child
By Suzanne Niro, BSN, CPEN
Visiting the ER with a sick child is stressful for any parent. It can be even more challenging for parents of a special needs child or one with behavioral issues. Many of these families have navigated through the ER multiple times for various reasons but each visit can be quite unique. These patients are often dealt with by staff unfamiliar with their extensive histories and complex medical and emotional needs. In addition, prolonged waiting times expose them to other sick children, which can be very problematic.
TIPS FOR PARENTS BEFORE COMING TO THE ER
• Check in with your child’s primary health care provider before heading to hospital. Often an ER visit is unavoidable and children with chronic conditions subsequently require admission to the hospital at high rates (24% to 38% of the time). Consulting with their primary care provider may save the child a trip to the ER, depending on the severity of the complaint. The primary caregiver may be able to arrange an outpatient specialty visit or even see the child themselves to determine if an ER visit is absolutely necessary.
• If an ER visit is unavoidable, make sure to bring the child’s medications or, at minimum, an updated medication list including doses and times given. A quick summary of the child’s complex history is also valuable, including names and numbers of clinicians who are involved in the child’s care. Patients with complex medical needs are often on multiple medications, doses are frequently being changed and some med changes
may not even be updated in the patient’s medical history. In addition, some meds may not be immediately available in hospitals, in which cases exceptions can be made and families may give meds from home.
• Be sure to bring any personal items such as blankets for comfort, or security items such as teddy bears, etc. Although one may anticipate a quick visit, some may last hours, depending on wait time, even if admission is not needed. Having a security item can help the child feel more secure in a stressful situation. In addition, many hospitals offer Child Life services. These clinicians are highly trained individuals who specialize in helping families cope with the visit. They can provide valuable distraction during unpleasant procedures as well as explain to the child and family what to expect during their stay and how the staff can best accommodate their unique needs.
• If your child requires special formula or is on a special diet be sure and bring these with you. Although many hospitals can accommodate these needs on inpatient units, they may not be readily available in the Emergency room.
• Don’t forget to bring a charging cable. If you are brining a gameboy, tablet, cell phone, e.t.c., you will need it. Given these challenges, improving the delivery of patient and family centered care in the ER requires collaboration between the parents and health care clinicians. Being a strong advocate for you child is essential for an ER visit. Clinicians are trained to “listen” to your valuable advice and expertise regarding your child’s unique and individual needs. r
How Did I Miss Autism
Signs in my Daughter?
Did I fail to notice because her struggles looked different— because she wasn’t disruptive or falling behind?
My sixteen-year-old daughter, Chloe, and I had just finished our long-awaited initial appointment with a neuropsychologist, scheduled months earlier at her pediatrician’s recommendation. Chloe had quietly mentioned she was struggling with schoolwork—something I had only heard hints of before. With her AP-level courses stacking up, I thought maybe a specific learning disorder was finally showing itself.
So when the neuropsychologist raised the possibility of autism, I was blindsided. Shock quickly gave way to guilt. How could I have missed this?
Raising Two Children with Different Stories
My family is no stranger to neurodiversity. Our son, Asher—now in college—was diagnosed with ADHD, autism, and other learning disorders at a young age. He was always the loud one at the dinner table, full of energy and endless conversation. Meanwhile, Chloe barely spoke, and I assumed it was because her brother never gave her space. I thought her tendency to stay in her room was her way of avoiding his big personality.
I thought I knew what autism looked like. I didn’t realize that I had been seeing it all along, just in a different form. Unlike her brother, Chloe was our “easy child.” She never acted out at school. She was self-motivated, diligent, and academically driven. I remember telling one of Asher’s principals during an IEP meeting, “You don’t need to worry about Chloe.” But by sophomore year, she began expressing new struggles—especially with test performance in subjects she loved. She still maintained a perfect GPA, yet we knew something deeper was happening. Looking back now, I recognize the signs I once dismissed as maturity, intensity, or simply a distaste for high school drama. And, I wonder how it made her feel that her own parents who are familiar with autism, didn’t see the signs.
The Weight of Parent Guilt
Parents carry guilt in so many forms: for being too strict, too lenient, too absent, or too distracted. For families raising children with special needs, guilt takes on a sharper edge. I spent years pouring my attention into supporting Asher’s diagnoses, therapies, and schooling. And, all the
Day and Residential programs offered at our campus in Walpole, MA
Individual academic and vocational programs based on student age and ability
Educational framework based on the SCERTS
Model with BCBA, OT, SLP, and clinical support
Licensed to serve 110 students (32 residential) ages 3-22
Student-staff ratio never exceeds 4:1
while, Chloe quietly managed on her own.
The questions echo in my mind: Did I miss the signs? Did my focus on her brother leave her needs unseen? Did I fail to notice because her struggles looked different—because she wasn’t disruptive, because she wasn’t falling behind? That guilt lingers in every memory.
How Autism can Look Different in Girls
Part of what I’ve learned through this journey is that autism often presents differently in girls than in boys. That difference matters.
•Controlling Appearances: Many autistic girls become skilled at imitating peers, suppressing their discomfort, and blending in socially. This masking can hide their struggles for years.
•Quiet intensity: Instead of external meltdowns, girls may withdraw, become perfectionists, or hyper-focus on school performance. Their challenges show up as stress, anxiety, or burnout rather than disruptive behavior.
•Special interests that seem “typical”: Girls often channel deep interests into socially acceptable areas—such as books, animals,
or music—so they may not stand out as “different” in the way boys sometimes do.
•Internal struggles: Rather than being noticed for outward behaviors, girls may experience internal battles—overwhelm, fatigue, or emotional exhaustion—that can easily be mistaken for maturity or sensitivity.
These differences are why so many girls don’t get diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood, often after years of being labeled “shy,” “perfectionist,” or “overly sensitive.”
Focus on Support
I’m still reckoning with my guilt. But I’m also realizing that guilt is not where this journey should end. Chloe is the same brilliant, thoughtful, determined girl she has always been. Now, with this new understanding, she can have the support and recognition she deserves—support that might help her not just survive high school, but thrive.
And perhaps the lesson for me, and for other parents reading this, is that autism doesn’t wear the same face in every child. Sometimes the child you least worry about is the one quietly needing you the most.
Why Autism in Girls Often Gets Overlooked
Autism is still most commonly diagnosed in boys, but research shows that many girls go undiagnosed until adolescence or adulthood. Why?
•Masking: Girls often learn to “camouflage” by copying peers, rehearsing social scripts, and hiding their struggles.
•Social acceptance of interests: A girl who obsesses over animals, books, or music may be praised as passionate rather than seen as showing a special interest.
•Quiet struggles: Instead of disruptive behavior, many autistic girls internalize stress—appearing shy, perfectionistic, or withdrawn.
•Bias in diagnostic tools: Many screening tools are based on male-presenting traits, leaving girls overlooked.
The result: girls often fly under the radar until academic or social demands become too great, as happened with Chloe. Awareness of these differences can help parents, teachers, and doctors recognize autism earlier—and give girls the support they deserve. ✷
Names changed in article
Jean Abernathy is a mother of two and is a regular contributor to BostonParentsPaper.com
Programming is based on individual needs and developed within a nurturing atmosphere of acceptance and respect. The common goal for every child, adolescent, and young adult served by Cardinal Cushing Centers is for them to enjoy learning, realize their potential, and see themselves as valued and important members of society.
Academic Programming:
• Cushing School, Hanover, MA – Student Teacher Ratio 7:3
• St. Coletta Day School, Braintree, MA – Student Teacher Ratio 5:3
• Customized academic curriculum for a wide variety of abilities
• Standards aligned multi modal curriculum and project based instruction
• Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and structured teaching to increase skills acquisition and self-regulation
• Focus on generalization of skills across settings in our school, through parent support and training, and in community settings
• Social Skills are taught and generalized in every area of programming
• Counseling, behavioral supports, and nursing provided
• Integrated occupational, physical, speech & language therapy including Augmentative and Alternative Communication services
Vocational Programming for Students:
• Career awareness and interest programs
• Self-advocacy and self-determination
• Job acquisition skills
• Comprehensive transition assessment
• Job coach support
• Work experience opportunities on Cushing Campus: Culinary, Business, Recycling, Industrial Arts, Horticulture
• Volunteer, internships and paid employment options off campus
• Community employer network and supports
• Post-secondary education and training
Residential Students Enjoy All Academic Day Programs, Plus:
• Lively campus setting; live with friends
• 24 hour, awake supervision
• Low staff-to-student ratios
• Residences are located on campus and look and feel like home
• Community outings for field trips, sports, groceries, etc.
• Independent living skills: hygiene, health and wellness, cooking, laundry and more
• Robust recreational activities, Special Olympics, Interscholastic Sports, Clubs
• SEVIS approved to accept international students
• Fully licensed and approved out of state: California, Illinois, New Jersey, etc.
Universal Playgrounds: Where All Children Come Together
Every child has the essential and undeniable right to play, and to experience the magic and freedom that comes from an ordinary day at the park. And there is nothing children love more, regardless of their abilities and needs, than playing and socializing alongside one another at the playground!
Massachusetts has always been among top-ranking states working hard to ensure and support equal participation for children with disabilities and special needs, and it’s no different when it comes to recreation. Universal playgrounds, accessible to all and designed for children with physical disabilities to experience mobility and have access to equipment and fun, multi-sensory designs is something Boston communities can and should be proud of! Here are some local, inclusive playgrounds that serve as a model for our entire nation that families of all abilities should check out.
Rising Star Playground — Beverly
The big draw for Rising Star Playground is its interactive musical ground components, perfect for kids of all ages to explore together. There are also ramps to access higher structures and a ground level window area for imaginative play. Kids can even visit the Sign Language learning board to learn how to communicate with friends.
Touch The Sky Playground — Beverly
Open to the public when school is not in session on afternoons and weekends, this fully accessible North Shore playground features a slide constructed out of roller balls for touch sensations along with learning boards and wide ramps with rubber surfaces. The latest addition to the school’s dedication to children with disabilities, and also open to the community when not in use, is the Douglas Marino Community Field, a rubberized, completely level field that allows children in wheelchairs or with vision impairments to play ball! The school’s executive director, Mark Carlson, wants parents of children with disabilities to know about this community asset, and that it is available to them.
Martin’s Park at the Smith Family Waterfront — Boston
Martin’s Park, a City of Boston park, honors the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings, Martin Richard. Martin’s Park is a symbol of Martin’s welcoming and inclusive nature, and a unique outdoor play space created to support outdoor adventure and nature play. The Park, with its many inventive structures, is an inclusive play space offering opportunities for children of all abilities to experience discovery and exploration. Designed to encourage interaction with
natural materials including plants, stone, and wood the Park offers the opportunity for rich outdoor play experiences that connect children with nature and with each other.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino Park — Charlestown
The city’s first universally accessible playground, steps from the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in the Charlestown Navy Yard incorporates a ramped play structure, embankment slides and climbers, and a swing chair. This dramatic, waterfront space has been noted for its cleanliness, and was envisioned by Mayor Menino in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings to afford special needs children, patients, and families the opportunity for active play as well as a place of respite for recovery and relief. In his words, “This is Boston at its best—people coming together to improve the quality of life for the residents of our city.”
Harambee Park — Dorchester
Unveiled in 2009, this bright and vibrantly colored playground was Boston’s first “Boundless Playground”, and was designed to maximize play with elevated structures such as a gazebo affording children with physical disabilities a greater perspective that was once unreachable, while at the same time encouraging independent play with peers. This site features plenty of high-backed swings and play panels along with multiple handrails, and was furnished through another of Mayor Thomas Menino’s programs.
Buttonwood Park Playground and Zoo — New Bedford
Named “one of the finest small zoos in the United States”, the Buttonwood complex is wonderfully designed for an outing. The Black Bear Express and Wildlife Carousel are both ADA certified, making them wheelchair accessible for children and just down a path lies the accessible playground with wide ramps and elevated surfaces that allow plenty of room for turning in a wheelchair. Bring some bread to feed the ducks in the idyllic pond, all located on the grounds of Buttonwood Park.
Noah’s Place Playground — New Bedford
Located at Marine Park on Pope’s Island, this community-inspired, generously funded and dedicated site is the largest and most sensoryrich inclusive playground in New England. Features of this park include a toddler playground, wheelchair swing, a natural embankment slide, and a seesaw-like apparatus that children of all abilities can enjoy.
<<< Continued from page 16
Fore River Field and Playground — Quincy
Fore Playground features wide walkways, wheelchair ramps, and wheelchair accessible play equipment, including a seesaw. There are also ground-level sensory activities, like chimes. Along with the playground there are also two little league fields, a street hockey court, tennis court, basketball court, and football field.
Adventures for Angels — Peabody
This playground features rubber matting surface throughout, high back swings, and a ramp system for children in wheelchairs. Adventures for Angels also has slides with rollers for touch stimulation, as well as special panels, including an interactive Braille clock and wind chimes.
Bill Adelson Playground at Haskell Recreation Area — Sudbury
Billed as a toddler playground for younger children, the smooth surfaces and ramps throughout this playground make it super accessible. There are also transfer stations, platforms where children can lift themselves out of their wheelchairs onto play equipment. Multiple sports fields and a concession stand are all on-site.
Barton Road Playground — Wellesley
Opened in 2013, this privately funded, 10,000 sq. ft. universal playground hits all the marks of inclusive play for children and is well equipped with completely accessible rubber surfacing, ADA swings, and multiple ground components. Learning boards feature Spanish to English language and the impressive site is sectioned for kids ages 2-5 and 5-12.
Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground — Westford
Located at Edwards Beach, the Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground is full of outdoor fun for kids of all abilities. The playground features universally accessible surfacing and pathways for wheelchairs so every child can reach the highest play deck. There are swings and bouncers with neck and back supports. Along with play structures there is interactive fun for all kids, including metal tubes that make music and a rotating sensory bin.
These are just a few of the local offerings. You can find more inclusive and accessible playgrounds in state, in country or in the world at www.accessibleplayground.net. ✷
HOW TO PICK THE
Best Camp FOR YOUR CHILD
IN NEW ENGLAND, WE’RE INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE of summer camps for our children to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a day or sleepaway camp, one that focuses on the performing arts, science, or whatever else your child is passionate about, it more than likely exists in our region.
Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit the Needs and Interests of Your Child?
The opportunities that summer camp provides are endless: the ability to try new things, the chance to make new friends, and the prospect of gaining independence are just a few. Consider the possibilities:
DAY CAMPS typically serve children ages 3-15. Session lengths usually vary from one to eight weeks. Some camps offer up to ten weeks of programming, before and after camp programs are offered for an additional fee at some day camps.
OVERNIGHT (also called Resident or Sleepaway) Camps usually serve children ages 6-18. Campers stay at camp for one to eight weeks, depending on the camp’s session length.
GENERAL CAMPS offer a broad range of activities. Many allow campers to focus on one or a few areas while encouraging them to try a variety of others. It is sometimes possible to explore an activity or interest in depth within the context of the whole program.
TRIP & TRAVEL CAMPS involve outdoor exploration through active sports like biking, hiking, climbing, and canoeing. Campers spend most of their time traveling and preparing to travel.
The only downside to having so many options is that it can feel like an exhausting search to find the right fit for your kids. We want them to be happy. We want them to feel comfortable. And, most of all, we want them to be safe. But how does a parent know they are making the right choice? Read on to find a wide range of information that will answer your checklist of questions regarding how to best decipher the information in all of those brochures and how to make the most of an informational visit. You’ll have better peace of mind, and chances are, your kids will have an incredible summer.
BE PREPARED
Before you start scheduling camp interviews, research the options that appeal most to your family, then weigh the pros and cons of each (you can even grade them on a points system if you like). After you’ve compiled a list in order of interest, start eliminating some. You don’t want to drive yourself crazy going on interviews for camps that aren’t all that appealing to you. It’s a waste of your time and theirs. Once you’ve ruled
SPECIALTY CAMPS are based in day or resident settings. Popular options for specialization include horseback riding, the arts, sports, computers, or travel. Programming revolves around intensive exposure to the specialty area.
CAMPS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS serve specific clientele like children or adults with particular medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs. Some camps focus on campers who share specific diagnoses, while others are geared to meet a broader array of needs at any time.
RELIGIOUSLY AFFILIATED CAMPS offer religious education formally and informally. Review materials carefully for explanations of how religion influences a camp’s culture to find one with the balance that best matches your family’s values and beliefs.
FAMILY CAMP SESSIONS include family members of all ages, from grandparents to infants. Accommodations vary, as do program options and session length. The focus is on being together as a family—to learn, to relax, and to enjoy new experiences and adventures.
out camps that don’t meet your essential search criteria or expectations, begin exploring the details of each option you like. Sometimes, the filtering process yields too many camps to interview personally; sometimes, it doesn’t yield enough. Adjust key variables, such as location and session length, to narrow or expand the number of options on the results page. Use the results page to go directly to camp websites.
GET ORGANIZED
Camp interviews may feel tedious at times, depending on how many you plan on talking to. Still, they are necessary in determining how your child might fit into the environment. Go into each interview armed with knowledge of your pros and cons so that you have your questions firmly planted in your mind. How does the camp convey who they are and reflect the world they’ve created exclusively for a child’s benefit? Camp seekers can learn much from a close look at camp websites, brochures, photos, videos, FAQs, newsletters, social media, and camper or parent testimonials. Many camp web-
sites are a gateway to most camp information on this list, from video content to downloadable brochures and forms, all reflecting the camp’s culture.
Camps are much more than lists of activities they offer; they are vibrant educational communities – and no two are exactly alike. There is probably not just one perfect camp for your child. More than one camp may turn out to be a great fit, given your search criteria, so the interviewing stage will most likely factor into your final decision and help you pinpoint the camp. So, how do you decide between two (or a few camps) with comparable activities, locations, schedules, amenities, and prices?
Enough research will provide answers to your questions without you having to utter a single word. Camps try to anticipate what families need to know and provide this information online. You’ll want to use interview time to ask questions that haven’t already been answered – questions that explore the fit for your child.
Are you running low on time? Interviews with some camp head honchos may already be available online. You can also consult with friends who’ve previously met with the camp for information you never even realized you might want. Look for an interview with the example,; you might see photos on the website or Facebook showing the salad bar or a cabin group sitting around the table with food served family-style. This might spark a question about camp food and how your child’s dietary needs can be met. Or, combing through the part of a website developed exclusively for par ents of overnight campers might enable you to understand the camp’s plan and suggestions for communicating with your camper. Perhaps reading the director’s blog from last summer or looking at newsletters might give you insight into the camp’s philosophy and culture.
BE YOUR CHILD’S BEST ADVOCATE
You’re the expert on your child! What aspects of his personality might affect the camp fit? (Your child is shy and cautious in new situations, for instance. Or your child needs to have a certain amount of time to practice music, sports or academics.)
Submitted by American Camp Association, New England.
STUDENTS
WITH CONNECT, & THRIVE.
complex language and Cod—combining activities, and strong while helping meaningful friendships.
School, click here, RIVERVIEWSCHOOL.ORG/SUMMER
Include Your Child In the Camp Search Process
Decisions can be scary. Without certainly knowing an outcome, people make choices every day. Some work out, and others provide unforeseen results. Both contribute to developing a healthy process for making decisions. By doing, people learn how it feels to make decisions and how they overcome internal and external factors that impede or help the process. However, decision-making is not a naturally easy process for many. And for children, decisions can be even scarier. After years of making decisions, most adults naturally find their process. However, where can children find more opportunities to independently and collaboratively make decisions safely? Camp. Do I Stay or Do I Go?
It starts with the decision about camp. By including them in the process, campers feel empowered and learn how to consider multiple factors in coming to a decision. A camper may have a friend at camp
and want to go or a parent might want their child to have a similar experience they did as a kid. Both are valid reasons to go to camp, but there are other factors to consider before giving the green light. When the process is done together, parents and children are both honing their decision-making tools. What do I wear? What do I eat? What do I do?
Every summer, campers throughout New England will address these questions independent of their parents for the first time. A camper may be used to school only. Parents might decide an outfit, the cafeteria decides what’s on the menu and, and teachers generally decide the daily lessons. Camp can offer choices for children that they’re not used normally facing.
At sleepaway camp, campers might have more leeway in what they wear. Day camps might allow campers to select their own activities each day, and for some campers,
simply deciding between two food choices can be a first. Campers won’t make these decisions in a vacuum. However, by allowing campers to make even the smallest decision on their own, camp builds confidence in the camper’s decision-making abilities and provides learning opportunities for those choices that don’t pan out. All this is done in the safe, friendly confines of camp.
From the decision to go to camp, to trying new activities, and all the other choices involved, camp is a natural environment that fosters decision-making capabilities. Even for many adults, decisions can be hard. Anxiety is real and fear of making the wrong decision can paralyze. But camps can help this. Camps provide children an opportunity to make decisions in a safe, healthy environment daily. Just like getting to Carnegie Hall, better decisionmaking takes time and practice. Both found in abundance at camp.
Viking Forensics • Biomedical Academy
Rocketry • Mechanical Engineering
Coding • Robotics • Bridge Building
Catapult Engineering • Marine Science
Space Science • Science Samplers
STEM Enrichment & Summer Fun!
ages 8-17 • (315) 773-5673 • edgeonscience.com
5 Life Lessons Learned at Camp
I can do that!
Life lessons. These are moments where the lightbulb goes off over a child’s head. They understand the concept of two plus two. They see something they can’t un-see or learn something they’ll never forget. Over the last 150-plus years, camp has provided opportunities for children and adults to discover or further develop many life lessons. Here are just a few. It’s all about relationships.
Life doesn’t exist in a vacuum and no one can do this alone. Just like a classroom, children have opportunities at camp to share experiences with peers, develop friendships, and learn the ups and downs of getting along with others. By the nature of co-existing in the same space and enjoying similar experiences, camp encourages children to develop and maintain skills necessary to relationship building.
Confidence! Camp thrives on selfefficacy in young people. Enjoying success in a healthy manner and learning to overcome obstacles or even failure are hallmarks of a camp experience. For both campers and staff, camp allows young people to feel proud when things go well and encourages resilience when they don’t.
Take a risk
One way to build confidence is to try something new. Camp is rife with safe, healthy opportunities for children to take a chance. This could mean climbing a 30-foot wall, trying out for the camp production of Peter Pan, riding a horse, or trying broccoli for the first time. At camp, young people learn how to take risks and learn from their outcomes. It’s a great big world out there.
When a child goes to camp, they interact with peers and adults from places they might have never seen
or even heard of. Campers might hear a new song or accent. They may meet someone from another state or country, and sometimes they run into people from home who become lifelong friends at camp. Camp is an opportunity to both try new things and meet new people. Not all learning happens in a classroom.
Last but certainly not least, campers discover that school does not have a monopoly on learning. Campers develop new skills, learn about their own passions and interests, and are exposed to ideas and experiences that don’t normally sneak into a formal classroom. Without knowing it, campers are learning every day by simply getting out and going to camp.
For more information about camp and the benefits of the camp experience, contact the American Camp Association New England or visit www.acanewengland.org
Make Summer Count: 9 activities for motivated teens
Summer often conjures images of camps for younger kids, where they make friends, learn new skills, and have fun. But as children grow into their teen years, they still benefit from engaging, enriching summer experiences—just tailored to their evolving interests and goals. While babysitting, mowing lawns, or lifeguarding are great ways for teens to spend their summer, there’s a wealth of opportunities that can help them prepare for their future, especially if they’re college-focused. Here’s a look at some activities and their benefits:
1Summer Camps & CIT Opportunities.
Community Service Camps: These camps allow teens to give back to their communities while learning valuable skills. Whether it’s packing food for the homeless, assisting with community projects, or even helping to build homes, teens gain hands-on experience that fosters a sense of purpose.
Interest-Based Camps: For teens passionate about sports, arts, computer science or other activities, specialized camps provide an immersive environment to develop their skills. From improving soccer techniques to exploring the arts or deepening their faith, these camps offer a focused approach to personal growth.
Team-Building Camps: At camp, teens meet peers from diverse backgrounds and learn to work as a team through collaborative activities. Trust-building exercises and group projects teach cooperation— skills that are vital in college and beyond.
2 Internships.
For teens with a clear interest in a particular field, internships provide an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience. Whether shadowing a doctor, assisting in a lab, or working at a local business, internships offer insight into potential career paths and look impressive on college applications.
3 Research Opps.
Teens interested in STEM fields can
often find summer research opportunities through universities, science institutes, or specialized programs. These experiences allow students to contribute to meaningful projects, learn advanced methodologies, and connect with professionals in their field.
4Job Shadowing.
For those still exploring career options, job shadowing provides a chance to observe professionals at work. Spending a day or two with a mentor can help teens understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a job and determine whether it aligns with their interests.
5Develop Interests & Skills.
Summer is a perfect time for teens to unplug and dive into interests they might not have time for during the school year. Whether attending camps focused on creative arts, sports, or technology, or taking guitar lessons, teens can develop new passions or refine existing ones, which could influence their future studies or careers.
6 Build Independence.
Experiences like camps, internships, or job shadowing encourage teens to step out of their comfort zones. These activities require them to adapt to new environments, manage their time, and interact with others—key skills for college and adulthood.
7Build Healthy Habits.
Whether through sports camps, outdoor adventure programs, or summer jobs that involve movement, staying physically active during the summer is essential. These activities help teens maintain their health while fostering discipline, developing skills and teamwork.
8 Cultivate Friendships & Social Skills.
Whether through sports camps, outdoor adventure programs, or summer jobs that involve movement, staying physically active during the summer is essential. These activities help teens maintain their health while fostering discipline, developing skills and teamwork.
9 Sweet Homecoming.
Spending time away from home — whether at a residential camp, internship, or through international travel — often helps teens gain a new appreciation for family life and everyday comforts, from home-cooked meals to their own bed.
Summer isn’t just for relaxing—it’s a time to grow, explore, and prepare for the future. Whether through camps, internships, research, jobs or other activities, college-focused teens can make the most of their summer while creating memories, making friends and developing skills that will last a lifetime. And yes, there’s still plenty of time for those odd jobs to help fund next year’s adventures!
Mass Audubon Camps Where Kids Grow
Day Camp Vs. Overnight Camp
Deciding between day camp or residential (overnight) camp is one piece of the decision for families. Camp is an experience and not limited to a singular location. Campers can develop hard and soft skills, whether sleeping away from home or returning to their own beds each night. While there are differences between day and residential camps, above all else, the most important outcome of this decision is finding the right fit for your camper and family.
This begins with knowing your camper. Many overnight camps begin taking campers between ages 7 to 9. However, some children may be ready at 6, while others may not be ready at 10. While there is no clear, linear checklist to determine whether day or overnight camp is right for your child, the questions listed here can help guide that conversation.
These questions help begin a dialogue with your family about which camp best fits you. The choice of day versus residential camp is a crucial aspect of the overall decision. But even then, make sure you follow up with those potential camps. Talk to directors. Ask for tours. Ask for references. Do your due diligence. In the end, both you and the camp want this summer to be the first of many and the beginning of a great relationship.
• What is the primary reason for wanting to go to camp?
• Has your child ever spent multiple nights sleeping away from home?
• What’s your budget for camp?
• Can your child bathe and dress independently?
• How far away from home do you want your child’s camp experience to be?
• What activities are important to your camper’s experience?
BE HONEST WITH CAMP.
Whether your family has a long tradition of summer camp or this is the first camper from your clan, once you’ve made the decision to send your child to camp, the real work begins. Directors in our membership have shared thoughts on first-time, overnight campers, and below are 6 tips for preparing those campers.
TRY SLEEPOVERS.
Some first-time campers have never slept away from home before. While camp is a great place for young people to adjust to being away from home and family, it’s not the best place to begin the experiment. Slumber parties, going to a relative’s house for the weekend, or spending the night at a friend’s house, are all good practice for dealing with that unfamiliar feeling prior to night one at camp.
INVOLVE THE CAMPER IN THE PROCESS.
From the first conversation about camp, it is a family affair. Including the camper in these preparations and decisions lays the foundation for a positive camp experience. Finding camps, taking tours, talking to directors, planning communication, packing, etc. and anything the family can involve the camper with, they should. The more a camper feels ownership over this experience, the better. “Buying in” isn’t always the easiest for first-timers, so start early, keep them involved and informed, and empower them throughout the process.
SET AND MANAGE EXPECTATIONS
. It’s easy to tell campers everything is going to be fine, and they are going to love camp. Odds are, you’re telling the truth. However, experience teaches us that love for camp often comes over time. Campers may experience homesickness, anxiety, or other unfamiliar feelings for the first time at camp. It’s important to talk about these feelings, communicate how normal they are, and brainstorm strategies to cope and continue having fun.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY.
Camps have policies and procedures for communication during the summer. Some camps allow phone calls, some print e-mails for the campers, and almost all still encourage snail mail. Learn camp’s policies regarding camper communication and review them with your camper. Set realistic expectations for if, when, and how they can share the fun their having at camp. Also, prewrite a few letters and send them ahead of time for your camper. Hearing their name at mail call is one of camp’s thrills!
Prior to camp, parents should communicate any and all pertinent information that could influence their child’s summer. Whether it’s family dynamics at home, new developments at school, or recent health changes, sharing this information openly and honestly with your camp sets up all parties for success. Things such as bed-wetting, new medications, or having a camper whose sister who’s going away to college after the summer, can all be useful in helping camps prepare for your child.
GO DO SOMETHING (THE PARENTS).
You’ve done due diligence finding a camp. You’ve packed, practiced and rehearsed arrival day, and the time has come to drop off your camper. Once at camp, don’t stick around too long. When you depart, the magic of camp truly begins. Take this time and enjoy it. That could mean reading a book you’ve been putting off, getting together with other parents who are summer empty-nesters, or doing any number of things that the joy of parenting forces you to delay. Remember that your child is off making new friends and facing new challenges in a safe environment. It’s time to step back and both have some fun.
Provided by the American Camp Association, New England, a 501 (c) 3 organization that serves families and camps as the hub for “all things summer camp” in New England. For help finding a camp or for additional camp information and resources visit www.acanewengland.org.
Parents agree: Camp Frank A. Day is where memories are made, friendships are found, and independence grows. Campers are welcomed, encouraged, and guided to fully embrace each moment.
From action-packed days to campfire nights, our campers carry their CFAD experiences with them for a lifetime.
3D printing & creative design
Drones & flight challenges Rocket building & launches Robotics & hands on prototyping
STEAM Summer Camps
5 REASONS TO CONSIDER THIS SUMMER
By Jean Abernathy
Summer camp provide an environment in which encourages children to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers, action-takers, and global citizens. Children can begin putting the real-world pieces together that they have learned throughout the school year and start applying those principles in a fun and engaging manner during summer. A STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & math) approach summer camp allows your child to explore different areas of study and provides them with an understanding of how each subject is connected. Here are five reasons why you should consider a STEAM focused summer camp for your child.
Encourages Learning During Summer
The dreaded “summer learning lose” has plagued classroom teachers for decades, and often contributes to wasted instructional time come Fall. A growing body of research indicates that summer programs can help students retain and build upon their learning from the previous year, especially if those programs are specifically aimed at enrichment. Camps that focus on arts and science enrichment offer a powerful combination of interactive, individualized instruction to provide children with an opportunity for focused reading, practical mathematics, as well as the lively interaction that children crave when school is out for the summer.
Spark an Interest in Science
Summer is a great time to encourage your children to pursue new interests that they may not normally be attracted to, including the sciences. A study of high school and university age students enrolled in a summer science internship program revealed
Giving children the opportunity to learn how to create 3D drawings or movies isn’t just fun, it encourages children to use their “big picture” visioning skills to imagine new possibilities and outcomes.
that the majority of the students reported extracurricular exposure to the STEAM fields had encouraged their interest in science.
Actively applying science concepts outside of the classroom seems to have a lasting effect on children, and summer camp is a great place for them to start exploring in a fun, supportive environment.
3
Introduces Career Opportunities Early On
While summer camp may seem like the last place that children should be thinking about their career goals, it’s never too early to give them enrichment experiences in the STEAM fields to ignite the kind of curiosity that often leads to a fulfilling and meaningful work life. A two-year study of middle school students across the country revealed that “students who once participated in science summer camps were more likely to later report a career interest in the science and engineering fields”. It’s clear that enrolling your child in a STEAM focused camp is an ideal way to provide them more options as they start considering their path through high school, college, and beyond.
4
Children Experience Academic Success in a Low Pressure Setting
Summer camp can be a nice way for children to experience the joy of academic achievement in a more supportive, low stakes environment. A few weeks at camp can give your child the chance to feel safer and more supported while learning, which can, in turn, lead them to feel more confident and take on greater academic challenges once the school year resumes in fall.
5
Mixing Arts & Science is just plain fun & more!
Quality arts instruction, especially when coupled with the sciences, gives children the opportunity to play, create, and learn in non- traditional ways that emphasize individual expression as well as real- world collaboration skills. Giving children the opportunity to learn how to create 3D drawings or movies isn’t just fun, it encourages children to use their “big picture” visioning skills to imagine new possibilities and outcomes.
STEAM summer camps offer children the chance to learn, grow, and explore new modes of thinking and doing. A STEAM summer program can not only boost academic performance during the school year, it can also build confidence, creativity, resiliency, and ideally, will be fun! Y
Jean Abernathy is the mother of two teenagers and has contributed to Boston Parent for over 10 years.
READY, SET,
NOW ENROLLING CAMPERS!
YMCA Day Camps are a great place for kids to spend their summer! Our wide range of state licensed day camps and programs keep kids engaged, safe, healthy and learning. At the Y, we take a whole-child approach and round out their summer experience with invigorating sports and swimming instruction that promotes physical well-being, exploration of the community which fosters social and emotional growth, while seamlessly weaving literacy, math, and science lessons into our curriculum. Kids can’t help but develop life-long love of learning and friendship at our camps and benefit from reduced summer learning loss.
Get ready for a summer full of fun, where kids can be kids and enjoy the great outdoors with swimming, field games, arts & crafts, field trips and more. Camp begins June 24!
YMCA OF GREATER BOSTON
Flameworking
Find the Right Educational Experience for your Child Private Schools
THE PUBLISHERS OF BOSTON PARENTS MAGAZINE TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF FINDING THE RIGHT PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD, FROM START TO FINISH. The following articles are excerpts from the 2025/26 Annual Private School Guide, covering “Why Consider a Private School” and “Private School Search Timeline” from the award-winning guide. The complete Annual Private School Guide leads parents chronologically along the school-selection path, beginning with the value of private education and how to start the process of selecting a school with an emphasis on the all-important application process, including interviewing, testing, and essay writing as well as the ins-and-outs of financial assistance. Also included are school profiles and a comprehensive list of regional private schools, listed by city. Your road to the ideal school just got simpler! Access your copy today of this free resource at BostonParentsPaper.com and tap on “Our Magazines” button.
Why Consider a Private School?
Many parents feel that their children will thrive better in what they believe is a smaller, safer environment with more room for personal attention. While public schools must follow a curriculum heavily influenced by state standards, private schools have more freedom to customize lessons to students’ individual ways of learning.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS can point to low student-teacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, travel opportunities and art that can be underfunded in public schools. Private schools are often wellequipped with current educational technology to facilitate in class and virtual instruction. Rest assured, promise school experts, there is a school out there to suit every child.
Private Schools
Basic Timeline
for Applying to a Private School
While each school follows its own schedule, here is a typical admissions timeline. Many schools are now offering both in-person and virtual admission events.
AUGUST
(Of the year before you want your child to attend)
• Define your ideal school
• Find schools that match your child’s and family’s needs
• Research and ask questions of schools on your preliminary list
SEPTEMBER
• Browse schools’ websites and look books to learn more about their programs and philosophies
• Request admissions and financial assistance material by phone or online
• Review admissions materials to determine which schools to visit
• Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial assistance deadlines for the schools to which you are considering applying
• Ask elementary schools about their test schedules and make appointments
• Register for any standardized tests required for admission
• Review the test websites to learn about procedures and test dates, see sample questions, and purchase test-preparation books
• Contact schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days”
OCTOBER
• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests
• Visit schools, virtually if necessary, during open house events, attend information sessions, and take tours
• Finalize the list of schools to which you will apply
• Take required standardized admission tests
NOVEMBER
• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and preparing and taking standardized or school-based tests
• Watch for open house events you may want to attend
• Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school
• Start working on applications, tuition assistance forms, student questionnaires, and essays
DECEMBER
• Watch for any open house or school events of interest
• Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester
• Complete any remaining applications, questionnaires, etc. Some application materials are due as early as December.
JANUARY
• Pay attention to deadlines: Most applications are due in January or February, along with test scores, references, transcripts, and financial assistance forms
FEBRUARY
• For schools with February admissions deadline turn in applications.
• Visit schools applied to again or have your child participate in a student shadow day if you haven’t already
MARCH
• Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March
• Watch for financial assistance decisions
• Decide which school your child will attend and let the school know
APRIL
• Sign and return enrollment contracts and send deposits
MAY TO SEPTEMBER
• Attend events and activities for new parents and students
• Get to know other families in the school
• Sign up for fall sports and clubs
There are two primary categories of private schools— independent schools and parochial schools.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS are defined as nonprofit private schools with their own governing board of trustees. While most people commonly refer to independent schools as private, lumping them in with parochial and for-profit schools, they are distinct because they are nonprofit and self-governing.
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS, where tuition is typically one-third that of independent schools, offer traditional instruction and have solid reputations. Families who are “in-parish,” that is, who live within the schools’ official parish boundaries or volunteer and participate regularly in the parish, get first priority. Otherwise, the application procedures are similar to independent schools.
When considering private school education, think about these benefits:
High academic standards. Private schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, and encourage critical thinking. A larger percentage of students at private schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public.
Small classes and individual attention. Private schools have low student-teacher ratios that encourage close connections with students. The median ratio in schools that are members of the National Association of Independent Schools in 2024/25 was 8.1 students to 1 teacher.
Excellent teachers. Educators usually teach in their areas of expertise and are passionate about what they do. With more
autonomy within the classroom, teachers are able to develop a full understanding of how each student learns and what motivates and inspires each child.
Greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree. Independent schools nurture not just students’ intellectual ability and curiosity but also their personal and social growth and civic conscience. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits, and school leadership experiences.
Education for the whole child. Private schools nurture not just students’ intellectual curiosity but also their personal, social growth and civic purpose. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits and school leadership offerings.
Inclusiveness. Schools maintain diverse and vibrant student communities and welcome and respect each family. In 2024–25, non-white students were 34.1 percent of total independent school enrollment nationally.
A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education. Private schools promote regular communication among students, parents, and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals for the student.
The opportunity to choose a school with a mission. You can select a school whose philosophy, values, and teaching approach is right for your child.
The Advent School 15 Brimmer Street Boston • (617) 742-0520 www.adventschool.org
KIDS ARE PEOPLE TODDLER/PRESCHOOL PROGRAM SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 45 YEARS! *NEW* TODDLER ROOM NOW ENROLLING
We are centrally located in Kenmore Square. MBTA Buses and Green Line are right outside of our door Walking distance to major hospitals, BU, and the Fenway 5 colleges.
Schedule a tour today! 530 Commonwealth Ave Boston, MA 02215 617-266-0028 kidsarepeopleschool@aol.com
East Sandwich • (508) 888-0489 www.riverviewschool.org
Fitchburg
Applewild School
120 Prospect Street
Fitchburg • (978) 342-6053 https://applewild.org
Hardwick
Eagle Hill School
242 Old Petersham Road Hardwick, MA • 413-477-6000 www.eaglehill.school
Eagle Hill School is the premier college preparatory boarding school for students in grades 8–12 with diverse learning profiles such as ADHD and dyslexia.
250 Waltham Street West Newton • (617) 630-2300 www.fessenden.org
West Roxbury
Holy Name Parish School
535 West Roxbury Parkway West Roxbury • (617) 325-9338 www.holynameparishschool.org
Wilbraham
Wilbraham & Monson Academy 423 Main Street
Wilbraham • (413) 596-9107 www.wma.us
Winchester
Acera School
5 Lowell Avenue
Winchester • (781) 729-3489 www.aceraschool.org
Worcester
Bancroft School
110 Shore Drive
Worcester • (508) 853-2640 www.bancroftschool.org
French, German, Welsh, Mandarin and Japanese $69,000 - $69,500 MAAPS and DESE accredited. AANE, AISNE
AISNE, DAS, MINT, Official German School Abroad (internationally recognized high school diploma)
A LEADER IN EDUCATING EXTRAORDINARY STUDENTS
Riverview School is an independent boarding and day school on Cape Cod for students ages 11–22 with complex language and learning challenges.
Abilities-first approach: The understanding that every student is unique; meeting students where they are helps us prioritize individual strengths and focus on nurturing the whole student.
Comprehensive growth: Committed to supporting student development across all areas—academic success, vocational readiness, independent living skills, social-emotional learning, and overall wellness.
Supportive environment: Students thrive in a structured and predictable setting, surrounded by peers who share similar experiences and challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Small class sizes: 8:1 studentto-teacher ratio for personalized learning.
