Our programs are designed to meet as many of the developmental needs of our campers as we can. We are here to help children grow, not simply have fun.

Ponkawissett aims to increase our campers’ ability to make choices, to try new things, to feel like a part of a community, to feel supported by adults and peers, to gain an understanding and openness of others and their differences, to have their parents be more involved in our community, to act responsibly with honesty and integrity, to express themselves, to gain an understanding of their world, and to gain an awareness of their impact on their environment.

At Camp Ponkawissett, campers have the opportunity to learn and have fun in a beautiful natural setting of ponds, woodlands, and wildflower meadows while making friends with other children from all over Boston and neighboring communities. Your child will become a part of a multi-cultural, inclusive, and diverse community which practices mutual respect. We look forward to welcoming your child into this unique and enriching camp community.

Camp Themes

While themes will give a focus to each session, each day will be filled with swimming, arts and crafts, games, nature, and Choose Your Own Adventure program and will be overseen by our caring well trained staff who make Camp Ponkawissett such a special place each summer.

Session 1 June 20-July 2 (1 week) Magical Mystery Tour

This session is all about magic in all its forms. Magic tricks, food magic, finding the magic around us. Explore the magic of Camp Ponkawissett through friendship, nature, art, music, swimming, and games. You will be amazed when you see all Ponkawissett has to offer.

Session 2 July 5-16 (2 weeks) Super Heroes and Super Sleuths

Find the hero in you and your community. We’ll have fun with super hero games and crafts and solve mysteries throughout this session. Find out how modern day crime fighters use their technological super powers to solve crimes.

Session 3 July 19-30 (2 weeks) Gameapalooza

This session we will play games of every kind and even get to make and invent our own games. Get ready for team building, sports, adventure, drama games, and lots of fun. We will play old favorites and learn lots of new ones. If you have a game you love bring it to camp to share.

Session 4 August 2-13 (2 weeks) Wet and Wild

We’ll make it through the August heat with lots of water. This session is all about water and wildlife. Find out about all the amazing things water can do, explore the wetlands, and find out more about the wildlife of the Blue Hills. You know we’ll be playing drip, drip, drop this session.

Session 5 August 16-20 (1 week) Totally Incredible Camper Week

We think our campers are the best and we want them to know it. The last week of camp will be all about all your favorite things from the summer and a final chance for you to shine. This sessions special day will be decided by the campers and include fun activities and a talent show. Whether you are at Ponkawissett all summer or just this session, this week is sure to be incredible.

Activities

Our camp site facility offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature study and outdoor fun! The site also offers 2 outdoor pools, sports courts, playing fields, ropes course and covered pavilions for inclement weather.

Our daily program will consist of swimming, swim lessons, nature activities, arts & crafts, team building, games, sports and drama as well as our Camp Fire USA outdoor adventure program.

Children are placed in small, age appropriate co-ed groups with two camp counselors each session. Staff are hired to work with the specific aged campers. Our campers have a strong voice and are decision makers in choosing daily activities with the support of their staff. Our certified lifeguards, nature & team building specialist and program director support our counselors by providing daily programs for the different groups. A sample day is listed below.

Our first and last camp days are slightly different to incorporate site, staff and group orientations and celebrations.