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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.

Ponkiwanee 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 Ponkawiwanee, 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 the south shore and Boston 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 Specialties

Our camp specialties will provide a focus to each session, each day will be filled with swimming, arts and crafts, games, nature, fishing and will be overseen by our caring well trained staff who make Camp Ponkiwanee such a special place each summer. Campers may choose our general program if they are not interested in the week's specialty program.

Session 1 June 25-June 29 So Sporty

This week will feature games and sports of all kinds including teambuilding, soccer, capture the flag, relays, tag, baseball and volleyball. In honor of this summer’s Olympics. Friday will feature a camp-wide Olympics special day.

Session 2 July 2-6 No Camp at Ponkiwanee

All of our campers are invited to attend ZooCamp at the Franklin Park Zoo while Ponkiwanee is hosting a special week of camp for children with William’s Syndrome and their siblings. Williams Syndrome is a form of Autism, participants must be a part of the William’s Syndrome Association Bi-Annual National Conference.

Session 3 July 9-13 A Wizard's Life

Learn how to be a wizard with magical potions, solve dilemmas, dress like your favorite wizard, and wizard games including a version of Quidditch.

Session 4 July 16-20 Ponkiwanee's Got Talent

Learn the latest cool dance, make up your own stories and share your talent this week.We will play drama games, create skits, and make props and costumes.Friday features a camp-wide talent show.

Session 5 July 23-27 Crazy Science Creations

We'll make all kinds of fun crazy concoctions this week and explore the world around us. May include, gak, oobleck, making ice cream and cool critters.Older campers will solve mysteries using CSI techniques, make ice cream, gak, lava lamps, and even build a roller coaster.

Session 6 July 30-August 3 Outdoor Adventure

This week will feature outdoor cooking and fire building, build a fort in the woods, critters up close and even a fishing derby.

Session 7 August 6-10 Art Extravaganza

Campers will create a variety of projects that may include mosaics, sculpture, painting, recycled and found objects.

Session 8 August 13-17 Summer's Favorites

Celebrate the summer all week.  This session will feature the summers greatest hits as well as opportunities to try new things before the summer is over.In addition to choosing activities, campers in the oldest group will have an opportunity to share their special skills with younger campers.

Activities

Our camp site facility offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature study and outdoor fun! The site also offers a sparkling, sandy pond, playing fields, woods to explore, cabins and covered pavilions for inclement weather.

Our daily program will consist of swimming, swimming enrichment lessons, nature activities, arts & crafts, team building, games, sports, canoeing, fishing 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.

Camp Open Houses

If you would like to meet our camp director and a few of our summer staff as well as tour the camp site and have your questions answered, please come to one of our open houses. We ask that you RSVP to our open house in case of weather cancellations.

February 22, Wednesday  3:45-4:30pm (after school vacation program)

March 15, Thursday  5-6pm

April 19, Thursday  3:45-4:30pm  (after school vacation program)

May 5, Saturday  10:30am-12pm

June 9, Saturday  9-10:30am