Best Massachusetts Band Camps Summer 2026-27 Directory

CAMP FACILITIES: Brooks School is New England’s leader in summer programs. Situated on the idyllic Brooks School campus with its manicured fields, beautiful lake, and extensive amenities, participants have access to a variety of recreational, educational, and creative experiences. Our 270-acre campus offers summer programs the use of dorms, a full-service dining hall, an athletic complex, pools, boathouses with lake access, modern classrooms, and a professional performing arts center. Designed to meet diverse interests, abilities, and needs, our portfolio of programs is unmatched. At Brooks School, participants will find an environment that fosters a culture that creates a physically and emotionally safe, enriching environment.

After more than two years of construction, Brooks’ state-of-the-art Center for the Arts opened its doors to students, faculty and staff for use on October 30, 2018. The $28 million facility has transformed the school, bonding the visual, musical, and performing arts together and placing them on display at the center of campus.

The Center for the Arts consists of three structures: one each for performance, music, and visual arts. Connecting all three is a shared indoor “arts street” and outdoor courtyard. The two-level interior street offers gathering and seating areas for small groups, providing space for informal exchange, collaboration, discussion, exhibitions and receptions before and after events. The walls serve as a gallery, highlighting the arts as every member of the Brooks community passes through the building.

Performances, teaching and community gatherings have a spacious, comfortable home in the theater, designed to fit the entire student body with 387 seats. Its stage connects to a scene shop and a 1,200-square-foot Black Box theater, which provides a flexible teaching space and an additional performance venue. A costume shop, changing room and green room are included as well. Sliding barn doors increase visibility and connection in the Arts Street, as well as allow overflow standing room for large events.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: We’re more than a summer camp. Our wide array of programs for children ages 4–18 help young people develop skills for a successful future. While participants are engaged in daily activities, something else is happening; they are gaining self-confidence, social skills, and the qualities of being a leader. Brooks School prides itself on offering summer programs that have a purpose and long-lasting impact on each child.

Broadway at Brooks is our premier theatre camp, which is perfect for young artists looking to take their theatrical training to the next level. The two-week summer theatre workshop is for children ages 9 through 14. Theatre professionals with an invaluable depth of knowledge and years of experience in the field provide a meaningful and long-lasting experience for our students. This is a chance for students to learn from the best the area has to offer and become a triple threat performer.

ARTvernturers is a weekly themed program that allows participants to explore theatre, visual arts, and music! In this integrated arts program, participants rotate daily through three creative components, as they collaborate on a creative showcase that combines all of their artistic experiences. Outdoor activities complement and balance the arts’ focus to provide a well-rounded, immersive, and fun experience.

Brooks School Summer Programs is fully licensed and permitted by the Town of North Andover and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We work hard to bring together a talented and dedicated team of youth development professionals who love what they do and are excited to share their passion and diverse experiences with your camper. We would like to speak with you personally to learn about your family and to help you create the perfect experience for your child.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Please visit our website to learn more and signup!

Perfect for students ages 12 to 14 who want to develop their acting and singing skills and improve their stage presence. Broadway at Brooks brings together theatre professionals with an invaluable depth of knowledge and years of experience in the field to truly provide a meaningful and long-lasting experience. Participants will gain artistry skills, increasing their ability to execute excellent technique, through instruction from our experienced and diverse team. Learn the elements of performing in a musical with blocking, acting instruction, scene and character study, vocal technique, and movement- for beginners to pros! Every student will be challenged and take away valuable performing, public speaking, and social skills.

2021 Season:

Frozen Kids, July 26-August 6, Ages 9-11

High School Musical Jr., July 19-July 30, Ages 12-14

Matilda Jr., August 2-August13, Ages 12-14

In ARTventurers the only limitations are one’s imagination. Come to explore theatre, music, and visual arts, leave with a new appreciation and understanding. The carefully crafted schedule seeks to maximize exposure to the visual and performing arts while offering a balance with outdoor play. Participants will find the opportunity to engage in traditional camp activities ranging from organized games to crafts. All activities are led by dedicated youth development professionals.

July 19-August 13, Ages 6-8

Week 1 - Fairytale Frenzy: Little Red Riding Hood, Peter Pan, and Goldilocks are just a few characters we will explore as we bring the world of fairy tales to life onstage! Participants will add a new spin to class tales through music, dance, art, and acting.

Week 2 - Off to Oz: Join Brooks as we journey down the yellow brick road! Participants will explore all of the magic and joy of The Wizard of Oz through music, dance, art, and acting.

Week 3 - Under the Sea: From seashells to seahorses, participants will craft their own sea creations! There is no lack of inspiration as participants sing, dance, acting, and artfully explore the world of Under the Sea.

Week 4 - Monster Mash: We’re gonna mash, monster mash our way through a week of song, dance, art, and acting inspired by any type of imaginable monster! Big, small, furry, funny, scary, silly – All monsters are welcome! Don’t worry, “you’ll catch on in a flash”!

July 19-July 23 & August 9-August 13 - Ages 9-11

Brooks TV: Become a screenwriter, director, and movie star as you write and produce your own short film! From camera angles to cameos, from b-roll to bloopers, this program will get the ‘on set’ experience as you work as a team to take over the big screen. Participants will share a bit of their process in a showcase on Friday afternoon, and the final films will later be distributed via email. July 19-July 23, 2021.

Fractured Fairytales: No role is too small as you write, act, and produce your own short works of theatre! Experience the journey of a play from idea to performance as you draft scripts, create characters, design sets, and more in this fast-paced class. Participants will share their creations in a showcase for family and friends. August 9-August 13, 2021.

CAMP FACILITIES: Grossman Camp is located on 75 acres in the Hale Reservation in Westwood, Massachusetts. This natural, rustic setting affords many opportunities to observe and learn from the environment as we go about the camp day. Grossman’s modern, well-maintained facilities include:

- Fully equipped waterfront for swimming, fishing and boating
- Large playing fields and courts
- Lodge and shelter buildings
- Street hockey rink
- Ropes/challenge course
- Climbing walls and zip line
- Amphitheatre
- Arts & crafts complex, housing arts & crafts, jewelry-making, sewing and ceramics
- Wrestling center
- Strictly kosher food service provided for overnights and special events

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Grossman campers have varying interests and abilities, and at camp they have lots of choices.

Once they arrive, boys and girls participate in the program at a pace appropriate to their age. As they mature, they have more elective choices. Everyone receives Red Cross-approved instructional swim and participates in free swim under the supervision of trained instructors and lifeguards.

Leadership:

Stuart Silverman, Assistant Vice President, Camping Services

Stuart Silverman directs JCC Grossman Camp and also oversees JCC Camp Kingswood and JCC Kaleidoscope Creative Arts + Science Camp. He began his career at Grossman in 1977 as a counselor, then moved on to Unit Head and Assistant Director before being promoted to the Director position in 1990. Stuart retired as a veteran guidance counselor at Lexington High School in 2009 to devote himself full time to the JCC camps. He received a BA in History from The George Washington University; a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Springfield College; and an MA in Educational Administration from Boston College.

Sue Green, Assistant Director of Camping Services

Sue Green has been at Grossman for more than 25 summers; during the cooler months she works in the JCC Camping Services office and is also responsible for the JCC School Vacation Programs. At camp, she supervises the Lower Camp, the Kehillah Unit, and Jewish programming. In addition, Sue teaches hebrew school at Temple Emanuel. She received her BA's in Sociology and Education from Clark University and an MSW from Boston College. A Jewish educator at heart, she spent many years as the principal of a synagogue religious school.

Leslie Hochstein, Assistant Director

Leslie Hochstein has been at Grossman since 2007 when she started as a Unit Head. In 2009 she was promoted to Specialist Supervisor and in 2011 Leslie joined the JCC year-round as the Coordinator of Special Events and Recruiting for JCC Camping Services before becoming an Assistant Director in 2012. Leslie now supervises Intermediate Village and the Kibbutz program, as well as all of the camp Specialists. She is also responsible for coordinating Empow Workshop at the JCC. Prior to working at Grossman, Leslie stayed home with her young children after retiring from her first career as a criminal defense trial attorney with The Legal Aid Society in Brooklyn, New York. She received a BA in Politics from Mount Holyoke College and a JD from Boston College.

David Wolf, Assistant Director

David Wolf joined the Grossman staff in 1983 and currently oversees Upper Camp. He is often better known as "Mr. Maccabiah". In the off-season, he works at the Solomon Schechter Day School in Newton, where he teaches fifth grade and is the head of the Intermediate Division. He received a BA from Trinity College.

Sharon Lane, Transportation Director and Business Manager of Camping Services

Sharon Lane joined the summer Grossman staff in 2009. In 2012 she became Assistant Director of Transportation and then assumed the position of Director of Transportation in 2013. In addition, she joined the JCC year round as Business Manager of Camping Services in the fall of 2012. She received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UMass, Amherst and an MBA from Bentley University.

Diane Saltzberg, Special Needs Director

Diane Saltzberg has been involved in camping for more than 25 years, and has been Special Needs Director at Grossman for more than 15 summers. Diane retired from the Weston Public Schools after 40 years as a School Adjustment Counselor and more recently retired from Striar Hebrew Academy in Sharon. In the off-season she is taking some well deserved time off.

Josh Shapiro, Waterfront Director
Josh Shapiro has overseen the Grossman waterfront for more than 40 summers. When he’s not swimming, Josh teaches seventh grade at the Dexter School in Brookline.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Counselors in Training (CITs), for boys and girls entering grade 10, learn the tools necessary to become counselors at Grossman Camp, while building personal leadership and communication skills, doing community service work, and participating in Maccabiah, a summer-long, lightly competitive activity that includes athletic and non-athletic challenges. CITs are assigned work with groups of campers, under supervision, in addition to their own recreational activities and skill sessions. Most Grossman Camp Junior Counselors are graduates of the CIT program.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: The JCC, together with generous individual and foundation donors, offer some financial assistance for campers on the basis of financial need only. For more information and a confidential conversation, please contact the Camp Office at 617-244-5124.

To access the financial form, click on: Our Camp Website Link: bostonjcc.org

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
JCC Grossman Camp

SUMMER 2014 DATES AND FEES

DATES
1. June 23-June 27
2. June 30-July 3 (no camp on July 4)
3. July 7-July 11
4. July 14-July 18
5. July 21-July 25
6. July 28-August 1
7. August 4-August 8
8. August 11-August 15
9. Special Week August 18-August 22 (alternate transportation applies)

For more information please visit: Our Camp Website Link: bostonjcc.org

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Camp Nurse
Specialists : Basketball, Boating, Climbing Wall, Dance, Jewelry Making, Waterfront and Wrestling

For application visit: Our Camp Website Link: bostonjcc.org

Contact Sue Green at sgreen[AT]jccgb.org for additional information

CAMP FACILITIES: Outdoor Facilities:
Heated In-ground Swimming Pool
Playing Fields (2)
Playground
Nature Station
Archery Range
Courtyard
Gaga Pit
Four square court

Indoor Facilities:
Air-Conditioned Chase Building
State-of-the-art Theatre
Dance Studio
Arts & Crafts Room
Music Studio
Thompson Gymnasium
Ceramics Studio
Lego Room
Game Room

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Brimmer and May Day Camp is specifically designed with the younger child in mind. Our goal is to enrich your child's summer experience through play, success, and engagement with other children and with our committed staff. All of our Head Counselors and Specialty Counselors are over 21 years old and most specialize in early childhood education and development. Every day each child from 3 to 10 years old will do a variety of activities: Music, Arts and Crafts, Sports and Games, Drama, Lego, Clay, Nature, Swimming.

Every child at Brimmer and May Day Camp swims every day in our heated pool and no one needs to come to camp knowing how to swim. We will teach your child how to swim!

Our Specialty Programs are taught by Brimmer and May faculty who have designed their program to enhance your child's summer learning in a creative way. They will be encouraged to attempt new things, test themselves and learn new stuff! They will get an hour of free swim in our heated pool every day.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: The Counselor-in-Training program at Brimmer and May will provide an opportunity for students entering ninth and tenth grade to teach and work with younger campers as apprentice counselors while learning the ropes. CITs (also known as Campers-in-Transition) are under the supervision and direction of experienced professional staff. CITs will get an opportunity to work with each age group, and when appropriate, be asked to lead activities. Weekly meetings provide feedback and guidance throughout the summer.

CIT applicants must be available for the full camp day (8:15-4:15 p.m.) and can select either a full summer (all 8 weeks of the program) or either of two four-week sessions (first or second half of summer). CIT's are also required to attend pre-camp staff orientation.

See our website for more details!

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Brimmer and May offers siblings discounts and 8-week discounts for families registered for all 8 weeks of the Day Camp.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Specialty Camps run between June 15 - 19 and again August 17-21.

Day Camp runs in two week sessions beginning June 22. Campers can sign up for one or more sessions.
Session One: June 22 - July 3
Session Two: July 6 - 17
Session Three: July 20-31
Session Four: August 3-14.

Extended Day options are available for Day Camp and for most of the Specialty Camps.
Please see our website for pricing information.

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
At Brimmer and May Camps we are always looking for dynamic, responsible people to work with us!

We hire COUNSELORS who work directly with a group of campers and SPECIALISTS who lead activities (Music, Theater, Arts & Crafts, Clay, Sports & Games, Swimming), Nature, Karate, Movement (yoga, zumba, dance).

Contact Director, Cassie Abodeely at camp[AT]brimmer.org with questions or send a resume and completed Application, available at: Our Camp Website Link: www.brimmersummer.org to Cassie. 

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Our renowned instructors will spend a week working with young fiddlers and string players to hone the skills that allow creative freedom, innovative playing, and fun!

Please visit our website to learn more about our faculty and staff.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Financial Aid is available for this program on a limited, rolling basis. Please visit our website for an application.

OTHER CAMP INFO: Mornings will be spent learning repertoire and styles on your instrument, including Scottish, Old Time, and Irish. After a break for lunch, the afternoon will be spent learning singing, dancing, and playing with harmonies, and learning to arrange the tunes in the context of small and large ensembles.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Dates:
July 20 - 24, 2020
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, July 24: Student & Faculty concert

Tuition: $550 through April 30
Summer registration fee: $15

CAMP FACILITIES: Facilities vary depending on location.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: The mission of US Performing Arts Camps is to promote and develop the growth of performing artists in America.

US Performing Arts Camps is considered the premier top tier summer program for training young people in the arts. Our programs are taught by the university or college departments and their professional faculty and guest professionals in their fields.

US Performing Arts offers programs in Animation, Computer Animation, Costume design, Directing, Film-making (including 4K High-definition), Dance, Hip Hop Dance, Musical Theater, Play-writing, Sit Com Writing, Sit Com Acting, Singing, Voice-over work for animation, movies and games, and we started the first College Audition Boot Camps for high school students.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: A limited number of partial scholarships are available through US Performing Arts. US Performing Arts will also work with parents on payment plans.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: College Audition Boot Camp for High School Seniors held in October-November.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Programs typically run June to August. Dates vary by program. Please see our website for specific program dates, or call our office at (888) 497-3553.

CAMP FACILITIES: Our school is made up of 4 buildings. We house 70 dorm rooms, a dining hall, classrooms, library, media centers and much more. We have 6 tennis courts, an outdoor pool, fitness center, art and theater areas. Outside we are set on 100 acres of land that include forest and vast open spaces. Our barn is our pride and joy and at this point is the home to 35 school horses.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Speak Up I: Introduction to Debate and Public Speaking Camp is designed for campers who have little or no experience in speaking in front of a group. Our goals are to have fun and learn some ways to use our voices effectively.

Speak Up II: This camp is designed for high school students ready to refresh, refine, and advance their public speaking skills. Gain confidence as you learn from and with others who are seeking to enhance their voice powers/amplify their voices? in a fun, supportive environment!

Performing Arts: Campers will take part in dance, voice and theater.

Bonnie Castle Equestrian: Premiere riding camp for beginner and experienced riders. This summer we will be offering the British Horse Society Program challenge awards, where campers will work at their own pace to complete learning opportunities as equestrians.

Campers are taught by Stoneleigh-Burnham staff. Counselors for the residential programs are CPR and first aid certified as well as we complete criminal offender and sex offender background checks.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Limited financial assistance to those that qualify. Please inquire to hgebo[AT]sbschool.org for application.

OTHER CAMP INFO: Camps Offered: Speak Up I & II, Performing Arts, & Bonnie Castle Riding Camp (equestrian)

Speak Up camps are for debate and public speaking. Campers will learn the art of conversational and competitive speaking. As well as learn to use their voce for effective communication and advocacy.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Speak Up Camps: June 20-June 26, girls ages 10-16
Performing Arts: June 27-July 3, coed ages 10-18
Bonnie Castle Riding Camp: girls ages 8-16
Week 1 June 27-July 3
Week 2 July 4-July 10
Week 3 July 11- July 17