2024 Cambridge Summer Camps

for Young Children 3-6 Years Old

This guide contains information on summer camp opportunities for children ages 3 to 6 years old for Cambridge residents. This guide will be updated as new information about camps becomes available.  Please check the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood Page on Find-It Cambridge for the most up-to-date guides.

The Mission of the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood is: to connect the Cambridge early childhood ecosystem; to align early childhood services and information; and to advocate for and advance the needs of all young children, their families, and the early childhood workforce.

Please click here to learn more about the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood.   

For support in finding summer programs and questions about this guide, please contact: Yadling Richemond, Cambridge Office of Early Childhood at 617-349-6885 or yrichemond@cpsd.us 

This Summer Camps Guide was compiled in collaboration with FindItCambridge.org. Find these programs and more opportunities for those who live, work and play in Cambridge! Call, text, or email Andrew Liedtka, the Find It Manager, if you need help finding summer activities and other resources. You can reach him at 617-686-2998 or info@finditcambridge.org.

Cambridge Department of Human Services

All camps run Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:30pm, during one mini session and three 2-week sessions.

Who: Open to rising Kindergarten-4th graders (*Must have completed 1 year of Junior Kindergarten (JK) in Cambridge Public Schools)

• Applicants must be Cambridge residents or children of City of Cambridge employees.
• Applicants must be entering 1st through 5th grades in September 2024 or entering Kindergarten in September 2024 after completing a year of Junior Kindergarten.
• Camps will be filled by lottery system.

Mini-session: Week 1, July 1-5 (closed July 4)

Session 1: Weeks 2 and 3, July 8th –19th

Session 2: Weeks 4 and 5, July 22nd – August 2nd

Session 3: Weeks 6 and 7, August 5th – August 16th

The "mini-session" from July 1-5 is 1 week. All other sessions are 2 weeks. Applicants cannot split or combine sessions.

To Enroll:

• Submit your application through the DHSP Summer Lottery (used for both Community School and CYP Programs). The lottery window ended Sunday, March 3rd, although applications can be submitted later for the waiting pool.

Program Cost: Affordable fees based on a sliding scale (view tuition rates: bit.ly/4byZQsj). Visit website for more information: cambridgema.gov/SummerCamps

Questions:  In-person help available on Monday, February 5, 12 and 26, 5 – 7:30 p.m. at 51 Inman Street

Contact: 617-349-6200, askdhsp@cambridgema.gov

Cambridge Public Schools

CPS SOARS! Camp (Formerly Title I)

In Person, July 8th-August 2nd, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-2:00pm

The CPS SOARS! Camp is a free summer academic support and enrichment program for Cambridge students currently in Grades K-4, who have been invited by their schools for additional support in Math and English Language Arts. Students will maintain and grow their ELA and Math skills during the summer months by participating in hands-on learning with peers.

Programs will be located at three sites: the King Open, Morse, and Peabody Schools. Students will be assigned to a program site based on their school.

Breakfast, lunch and transportation will be provided to program participants. Students must be able to participate in all four weeks of the program. Eligible students will be notified by their schools by April 1st. Eligible students can  register here.

Amigos SOARS! Camp

In Person, July 8th-August 2nd

A 4-week IN-PERSON program that helps rising K-8 students maintain their skills in Spanish and English Language Arts as well as Math during the summer months. Students work with experienced bilingual educators in fun, hands-on learning activities. In addition to practicing the skills they learned during the school year, students will participate in fun activities including Latin dance, art, outdoor play, and field trips. Eligible students can  register here.

Office of Student Services – Summer Services & Programs

In Person, July 8th-August 2nd, | Start and End Times vary by program

Summer services through the Office of Student Services are provided to students with documented risk for significant regression during the summer months. These services are recommended by the student's IEP team, and cannot be signed up for without an IEP outlining the services needed. Questions about summer services eligibility should be directed to your school based IEP team. Details >>

ELL Summer Enrichment Program

In Person, July 8th-August 2nd, | 8:30AM - 2PM

The ELL Summer Enrichment Program is a 4-week IN-PERSON summer program for students currently enrolled in CPS English Language Learners (ELL) programs, who will be in grades 1-8 in September 2023. Students will receive instruction in English language development: Listening, speaking, reading, and writing, mathematics, and social skills. Transportation, breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided.

Space is limited and registration will close on April 14th. You will receive a confirmation letter of your enrollment as soon as possible after April 14th. Eligible students can  register here.

If you have any questions or are unable to complete this form electronically, please call 617-349-6468 or email Claudia Cossio, Department of Multilingual Learners, at ccossiolopez@cpsd.us.

Programs in Cambridge Preschools

Cambridge Ellis

Location: 80 Trowbridge Street, Cambridge

Dates/Times:   Session A: June 17th-July 5 8:30-12 PM or 8:30-3:00 PM

 Session B: - July 8th- July 26th  8:30-12 PM or 8:30-3:00 PM - Extended day is not available for     both sessions for summer 2024.

Primary Program Activity:

• Young Explorers English Summer Camp - Explore a variety of topics including arts, music and movement, nature, and science. They include CES traditions such as weekly cooking projects and lots of outdoor play
• Globetrotters - Language Immersion Summer Camp - We offer Spanish, French, and Mandarin language programs for children who are completely new to foreign languages, fluent, or anywhere in between.

Ages served: 

• Young Explorers English Summer Camp 1.9 and older  
• Globetrotters - Language Immersion Summer Camp 3 and up

To enroll: https://cambridgeellis.campbrainregistration.com/

Cost:  Please contact for rates.  Financial assistance may be available.  Apply for assistance here - https://sssandtadsfa.force.com/familyportal/FamilyLogin?startURL=%2Ffamilyportal

For more information:

• Office Manager, Michelle Phoenix at Michelle@Cambridge-Ellis.org if you have any questions about the registration process.
• Summer Program Coordinator, Katie Clark at Katie@Cambridge-Ellis.org with any other questions regarding Summer Camp.
• Visit website https://cambridge-ellis.org/programs/summer-programs

Cambridge Friends School Summer Program

Location: 5 Cadbury Road, Cambridge

Dates/Times:   June 17th- August 23rd, Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm

Primary Program Activity: Each week, explore a theme and participate in activities, games, projects, arts and crafts, and more to inspire learning and the development of new skills. In keeping with the mission of Cambridge Friends School, the Program will nurture the whole child, foster positive connections, cultivate critical thinkers and inspire compassionate leaders.

Ages served:Rising K-8th graders, ages 4-13

To enroll: Register online: cambridgefriendsschool.org/summer

Cost:  Week 1: $600, Week 2: $360, Week 3-8: $600. A limited amount of financial aid is available. To apply for financial aid, please contact CFSsummer@cambridgefriendsschool.org before completing the online registration.

For more information: Contact 857-357-3313 or 617-354-3880 ext146, CFSsummer@cambridgefriendsschool.org. Visit website: cambridgefriendsschool.org/summer

Cambridge Nursery School

Location: 6 Hillside Place Cambridge

Dates/Times:   June 24 – August 2, 9 am - 1 pm (No School: July 1st - July 5th)

Registration begins: End of April

Primary Program Activity:  A relaxed time for children involving lots of outdoor play and nature exploration in our shady, breezy playground.

Ages served: 2.9-5 year olds

To enroll: Call  (617) 547-7288, or visit website https://www.cambridgenurseryschool.org/programtuition.html

Cost:  $375 per week

For more information: Contact 617-547-7288,  director@cambridgenurseryschool.org  Visit website: https://www.cambridgenurseryschool.org/

JAMI Rock and Roll Daycare Summer

Location: 6 locations across Cambridge

Dates/Times:   June— August 31st, 8:30-5:30 PM daily

Primary Program Activities: Lots of age appropriate activities, plus music lessons every day!

Grades/Ages Served: Ages 3 months — 6 years old for temporary summer care.

To Enroll: Register online by writing in the notes that you need Temporary Summer Placement: http://www.jamirrdc.com/admission/ 

Deadline: ongoing enrollment 

Cost:   Full-Time Costs: Infant- $3099/ month ; Toddler- $3025/ month ; Preschool- $2449/ month.  There is no financial assistance at this time. JAMI Rock and Roll Daycare Broadway accepting childcare vouchers.

For more information: http://www.jamirrdc.com/

Passport at Cambridge Montessori School

Location: 161 Garden Street, Cambridge

Dates/Times:  Sessions last 1-8 weeks (varies based on child’s age). Programming for all ages is from June 24th-August 16th. There is no camp on July 4th or 5th. Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm

Primary Program Activity:  Provides opportunities which introduce children to unique experiences in creative arts, music, sports, STEAM, and more.   

Ages served: 18 months - 11 years old

To enroll: Register online: cambridgemontessori.org/passport-extended-programs/passport-summer-camp

Deadline: Registration open until June 24th and if space available through the summer.

Cost: Varies

For more information:  Contact Krissy Canastar, 617-308-9458, passport@cambridgemontessori.org. Visit website: cambridgemontessori.org/passport-extended-programs/passport-summer-camp

Pine Village Preschool Spanish Immersion Summer Camp

Location: 2 locations in Cambridge (Porter & Kendall Squares)

Dates/Times:   July 1th-August 23rd, split into two separate sessions, from two- to five-day schedules

Primary Program Activities: Dancing, crafts, cooking, cultural exploration, and games. ¡Todos en Español!

Grades/Ages Served: Ages 15 months-6 years old

To Enroll: Register online: https://pinevillagepreschool.com/application-process/

Deadline: No deadline, summer admissions are rolling.

Cost: $1000 - $3000/session depending on your child's age and schedule.

For more information: https://pinevillagepreschool.com/

Two Little Owls Summer Explorers

Location: 501 Cambridge Street, Cambridge 

Dates/Times:  Monday - Friday 7:30-5:30 PM

Session 1: June 5-30

Session 2: July 3-28 (Closed July 4th)

Session 3: July 31- August 25

Primary Program Activities: Stem, Music, Yoga, Field trip, Water play at the park

Grades/Ages Served: 2.9 - 6 years old

To Enroll: https://www.twolittleowlsschoolhouse.com/summer-programming

Deadline: Sign up is ongoing

Cost: Full time rates Toddler $3,800; Full time rate Preschool $3,000; Full time rate Pre K $2,800. Part-time options are available.  No financial assistance.  Part-time options available, lunch and 2 snacks provided.

For more information: Contact Alicia DeGusto, 617-945-0071, director@twolittleowlsschoolhouse.com Visit our website at www.twolittleowlsschoolhouse.com

Cambridge-Based Programs

Baldwin Outback Summer Program

Location: 20 Sacramento Street, Cambridge

Dates/Times:  8 one-week sessions, July 1st-August 23rd, Monday-Friday. 8:30 AM-3:00 PM (Regular Day),  8:30 AM-5:45 PM (Extended Day)

Primary Program Activities: Sports, games, arts and crafts, ceramics, and dance. Choice-based program with a variety of activities

Grades/Ages Served: Rising Kindergarten - rising 6th graders

To Enroll: Register online: agassizbaldwincommunity.asapconnected.com/?=org=3440

Deadline: 

Cost: Cost varies, scholarships and vouchers available

For more information: Contact Sadun Yapa, 617-465-2940, registration@agassiz.org. Visit website: agassiz.org/childrens-programs/outback-summer-program

Cambridge Adventure Day Camp

Location: Nashoba Brooks School, Concord MA

Dates/Times:   July 8th- August 9th, Monday- Friday, 9AM-3PM

Primary Program Activities: Trips to area farms, nature center, state parks, and beaches, swim lessons, tennis lessons, art, cooking, sports, and science activities

Grades/Ages Served: 5-13 years old

Eligibility:  Cambridge area resident, priority given to under-resourced families

To Enroll: Register online: cambridgecamping.org/cadc

Deadline: Registration open until July, but fills up before that

Cost: Sliding scale. Includes free bus transportation within Cambridge city limits. (Please note: Cambridge Camping covers 100% of cost for all 5 year old campers to attend Adventure Day Camp).

For more information: Contact  617-864-0960, Visit website: cambridgecamping.org

Cambridge Community Center: Cowemoki

Location:  Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

Dates/Times: July 1st-August 23rd, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Primary Program Activities: Swimming, Soccer, Middle-School Hip Hop, Art Classes, Tech Lab Activities

Grades/Ages Served:         JK-8th Graders, Ages 5-13      

To Enroll:  Enroll online at https://www.cambridgecc.org/cowemoki.html

Deadline: March 22nd

Cost: $325/week or $80/day, scholarships, sliding scale, vouchers available

For more information: http://www.cambridgecc.org/, Latifah & Rachel, 617-547-6811 or rachelk@cambridgecc.org / latifahj@cambridgecc.org

Cambridge Daybreak Day Camp

Location: Nashoba Brooks School, Concord MA

Dates/Times: July 8th-August 16th, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-3:00pm

Primary Program Activities: Campers enjoy 3 field trips each week and on-site activities including visiting performer workshops, crafts, biking, athletics, multicultural events and structured choice times.  

Grades/Ages Served: Ages 5-13
Eligibility: Children who need a smaller setting with more adults available to support participation and connections

To Enroll: Contact Shilpa Kulkarni, 617-864-0960, shilpa@cambridgecamping.org. The Daybreak Director will meet with interested families to determine a child's eligibility for program

Deadline: Registration open until July but camp typically fills up sooner

Cost: Cost is on a sliding scale based on income, scholarships available

Transportation:  School busses for pickup and drop off

Other:  Daybreak believes that children learn new skills, make friends, and find success when they feel a sense of belonging and a connection to a community that celebrates who they are.

For more information: Contact Shilpa Kulkarni, 617-864-0960, shilpa@cambridgecamping.org

Visit website: cambridgecamping.org

Cambridge Youth Enrichment Program

Location: Cambridge local schools: Baldwin & Kennedy Longfellow Schools (to be confirmed)

Dates/Times: Registration opens Mar 1st. Potentially July 1st-August 8th, Monday-Friday: 9am-4pm

Primary Program Activities: Day camp, learning, field trips, recreation, community

Grades/Ages Served: Rising 1st-8th graders, ages 6-13

Eligibility: Priority to Cambridge residents of affordable housing communities, or those who are free or reduced-lunch eligible

To Enroll: Register online: https://www.pbha.org/sup

Deadline: May 15th,  Rolling admissions after that until camp is full

Cost: $100 (scholarships available, no family turned away)

For more information: Contact Talia Leavitt, 978-850-2534, cyep@pbha.org

Visit website: https://www.pbha.org/sup

Other: We also have several other Boston-based camps. We can refer interested registrants if CYEP fills up.  

Camp Rainbow

Location: Cambridge Street Upper School

Dates/Times: TBD, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm

Primary Program Activities: Camp Rainbow serves children and youth (ages 6-22) with disabilities by providing a super fun summer program full of outdoor activities, swimming, field trips, crafts, cooking, and more!

Grades/Ages Served: K-12th grade

To Enroll: Applications will be available online in March 2024: https://www.cambridgema.gov/-/media/Files/DHSP/Recreation/camprainbow/camprainbowapplicationmarch2024.pdf

Deadline: Open until filled, when filled, applicants will be added to a waitlist.

Cost: Full-day attendance (9:00am-3:00pm) is TBD and half-day attendance (12:30pm-3:00pm) is TBD

Transportation: Yes

For more information:  https://www.cambridgema.gov/DHSP/Recreation/specialneeds/camprainbow

Contact Erin Quinn, Camp Rainbow Director, at 617-892-5478 or CampRainbow@cambridgema.gov

Community Arts Center: ArtRocks!

Location: Community Art Center - 119 Windsor Street Cambridge, MA 02139

Dates/Times: TBD, (usually runs all summer, full day programming)

Primary Program Activities: Visual arts, theater, media arts, dance, outdoor exploration

Grades/Ages Served: Ages 5-12

To Enroll: Register online: schools.procareconnect.com/register/2612f3a6-04f4-4bf4-a71c-815361495032

Deadline: Registration begins April 15

Cost: Cost is calculated on an income -based sliding scale.  Vouchers are accepted.  For information about financial aid and scholarships, please email Michael Matfess, michael@communityartcenter.org

For more information: Website: https://www.communityartcenter.org, Contact: Jada Alleyne, Phone: 617-868-7100 x 125, Email: ​​jada@communityartcenter.org

Crimson Soccer Camp for Girls

Location: Harvard Athletic Fields 65 N. Harvard Street Cambridge

Dates/Times:   Week of June 24-28,and week of July 8-12, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Primary Program Activities: Crimson Soccer Camps are a great opportunity for fun and soccer development. The experienced coaching staff will lead a developmental clinic with the emphasis on skill instruction in a fun environment. Current and former collegiate soccer players will support coaching staff as counselors and act as great role models for younger players.

Grades/Ages Served: 6-13 years old, girls only

To Enroll: Complete online registration form: crimsonsoccer.us/youth-camps1.html

Deadline: Registration mid- April

Cost: $499-$579 sibling discount and multi week discount available

For more information: Contact Directors Chris and Mike, 857-362-7709, info@crimsonsoccer.us

Visit website: crimsonsoccer.us

East End House School Age Summer Program

Location:  105 Spring St, Cambridge, MA

Dates/Times: Weekly Sessions: Dates TBD, Monday-Friday,7:30am-5:30pm

Primary Program Activities: Arts, crafts, pool, STEM, reading

Grades/Ages Served: K-5th graders, ages 5-11

To Enroll:  Reach out to see if there is space available.

Deadline: Rolling

Cost:$50 per day, $250 weekly, scholarships available, vouchers accepted

For more information: Contact Jessica Camenzuli (Program Director) 617-876-4444, jessica@eastendhouse.org, Visit website: eastendhouse.org

JOYweavers Day Camp

Location: TBD in a Cambridge Public School

Dates/Times: July 8th-August 9th, 5 week session. Monday-Friday, 8:30am-2:30pm

Primary Program Activities: Crafts, sports, frequent field trips, nature, STEAM

Grades/Ages Served: Ages 5-12, (must have completed JK).

Eligibility: Program serves children who need additional support to feel successful and connected, prioritizing families with limited financial resources. Children and families involved in JOYweavers Day Camp have access to programming, resources, and events throughout year

To Enroll: Email Mia Klinger mia@joyweavers.org 

Deadline: The program is full but they are taking names for waiting list

Cost: TBD, scholarships, sliding scale

Transportation: available for Cambridge and parts of Somerville

For more information: Contact Mia Klinger, 617-686-3579, mia@joyweavers.org Visit website: https://www.joyweavers.org/programming

Steve and Kates Camp

Location: 2 locations in Boston (Hyde Park and Fenway) and one location in Somerville

Dates/Times: June 17th-August 23rd, Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm

Primary Program Activities: Coding, baking, sewing, arts & crafts, daily specials and inflatables, water play, sports, movie making, robotics stem and more!

Grades/Ages Served: Ages 4-12 (must be potty trained)

To Enroll: Register online: bit.ly/3kVNODH

Deadline: 

Cost: $122 per Daily Pass or $3,660 for Summer Pass, financial aid for qualifying families. Fill out form requesting aid and hear back within a week

For more information: Tyler, Director, 617-245-0410, cambridge@steveandkate.com Visit website: steveandkatescamp.com/cambridge

Summer @ Buckingham Browne & Nichols Classic Camps

Location: 80 Gerry’s Landing Road, Cambridge

Dates/Times:  8 weeks of camp available, June 17th-August 9th, Monday-Friday.

Day runs from 8:15am-3:30pm (Early Drop Off @ 7:15 am and Late Pick-Up @ 5:30pm available for extra fee)

Primary Program Activities: Traditional day camp experience with rotating activities each day like arts and crafts, sports, theater, hands-on fun, water play, and archery

Grades/Ages Served: Pre-Kindergarten - 10th grade

Deadline:

To Enroll: Register online: bbnsummer.com/registered-families/register

Cost: $417-$775, scholarships available

For more information: https://bbnsummer.com/, call 617-800-2784 or email summer@bbns.org

Y.M.C.A Cambridge

Location: 820 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139

Dates/Times: July 1st-August 23nd, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Primary Program Activities: structured, fun-filled activities and outings to local parks, as well as weekly field trips to museums, movies, beaches, and other exciting locations in the Boston/Cambridge area.

Grades/Ages Served: Ages 5-13 (must have completed one year of Kindergarten and will be going into 1st grade in fall). (Must be fully potty trained)

To Enroll: Register online: https://www.cambridgeymca.org/child-care/summer-program/

Cost: $300/week, prorated for July 4th week. Non-refundable deposit of $150/week required. Scholarships available, vouchers accepted

For more information: Contact Roxanne Campbell, Childcare Director, 617-661-9622 x 707, rcampbell@cambymca.org , Visit website: cambridgeymca.org/child-care/summer-program

Overnight Camp through Cambridge Camping Summer Camp Referral and Scholarship Program

Cambridge Camping works with several accredited overnight camps in New England to provide camp sessions at substantially reduced rates.  Two of the camps they have partnerships with serve younger children.  

THE SUMMER CAMP

A 10-day is a fun and welcoming introduction to camp life, activities, adventures and skills. For most girls, this is their first opportunity to spend time away from home and join a community of peers who, while from different places, share many common life experiences. Counselors guide girls with unconditional acceptance and understanding, as each experiment explores and builds self-confidence. Summer Campers sleep in rustic cabins with nine girls their age and three counselors. Days are filled with canoeing, kayaking, swimming, sailing, dance, land sports, photography, drama, archery, pottery, knitting, sewing, arts and crafts, science explorers and adventure day trips. Evening activities include talent shows, scavenger hunts and dancing. Each bunk group spends a night camping in a tent and roasting marshmallows for s’mores over an open fire.

• Ages Served: 6-12
• Genders Served: Girls
• Dates: June 21st - August 17, Monday-Friday, Dates and hours vary by camp
• Location: RZeadfield, Maine
• Transportation: Bus from Boston
• Cost: No cost upon acceptance
• Read more about The Summer Camp

CAMP HALE

Two-week sessions for youth ages 5-15. (One-week "rookie" sessions available for first-timers) Sessions are gender-specific. Cabins are assigned based on age and experience. Each week has specialized programs, hikes, and challenges. Rookie camp is ideal for first-time campers ages 5-11 years old. This session is combined with core sessions so campers can connect with the full camp community. Most rookies sign up for a full session the following year!

• Ages served: 5-15
• Genders Served: Girls & Boys
• Dates: Rookie Boys session: June 16-22; Rookie girls session: July 21-July 27; Session 1 Boys: June 16-July 29; Session 2 Boys: June 30-July 13; Session 3 Girls: July 21-August 3; Session 4 Girls: August 4-August 17
• Location: Squam Lake, New Hampshire
• Transportation: Please enquire
• Cost: Sliding scale
• Read more about Camp Hale

To Enroll:  Register at  https://camphale.campmanagement.com/p/request_for_info_m.php?action=enroll

For more information: cambridgecamping.org  Melody Valdes, Chief Program Officer

at (617)375-8144 or mvaldes@uses.org

If you are reading the print version of this guide please note that this guide is updated regularly.  Please visit the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood Page on Find-It Cambridge for the most up-to-date information.

Please check out the Agenda for Children Out of School Time JK-8th Grade 2024 Summer Opportunities Guide  for summer opportunities guides for older children.