JOYweavers Day Camp
By JOYweavers Inc.
We offer accessible programs for children, work experiences for teens, advocacy and resources for caregivers, and most importantly, community through afterschool, summer camps, and other activities.
Monday, July 8 – Friday, August 9
Our daily schedule is 8:30AM-2:30PM. Registration is for one, 5-week session.
Ages: 5 to 12.
Eligibility is based on age. Our summer program is for ages 5-12. 5 year-olds must have completed Junior Kindergarten to be eligible. Some CIT positions may be available for high school-age youth.
JOYweavers serves children who benefit from a smaller environment and additional support to find success at camp. The executive director will talk with interested families to determine whether JOYweavers might be a good match before any applications are completed.
Application required
- Sign-up is ongoing
JOYweavers Camp Information Page.
Our summer program is full but we are taking names for our waiting list (the program is full by January each year). Some counselors-in-training positions (ages 14-17) available. Contact us for more details or to place your name on our waiting list.
Cost
Most families pay $150-$625. We are prioritizing families with limited financial resources. The exact cost has yet to be announced. Sliding Scale will be available, no one will be turned away for financial reasons.
- Financial Aid and/or Scholarship Available
- Sliding scale based on income
Location
The program location changes over time.
- In-person only.
Exact locations of camp are TBD. We include participants from Cambridge and the nearby area. The program will most likely take place in a Cambridge Public Schools building.
Wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
Our summer programming includes activities such as: Crafts, STEAM activities, frequent trips, swimming, workshops on site (music, dance, animal encounters)
JOYweavers’ five-week summer camp provides community, mentoring relationships, and programming that promotes social-emotional development, learning and JOY. It is a place that celebrates children’s strengths and successes, and one that recognizes that every child may experience moments of dysregulation. Our low camper-to-counselor ratio ensures that we can provide one-to-one support as needed and the “in the moment” coaching that helps children find success in group activities. For campers, JOYweavers offers the chance to feel comfortable playing, learning, and exploring without a fear of failure or exclusion.
JOYweavers celebrates joy, learning, and the wonder of childhood. We create trauma-sensitive environments that foster strength, and are designed to anticipate, support and respond with empathy to children’s challenging moments. The result is a place where children feel free to be themselves and open to new experiences and relationships. We are committed to problem solving with children and caregivers to ensure accessibility and maximize each child and family’s engagement and sense of belonging.
Sometimes, invisible disabilities like anxiety, attentional needs, trauma, or learning difficulties are dismissed, misunderstood, or met with punitive practices including loss of recess, seclusion, restraint or suspension. Such interventions are disproportionately used with children of color, those facing poverty, and children with disabilities; and, they rarely improve behavior or lead to growth. As a model of inclusive practice, and through advocacy, and collaboration, JOYweavers will be a voice for systemic change in the care and engagement of children and families.
Last updated February 26, 2024.