Day Camp Program 2025: All Mass Camps 781-484-2101 [email protected]
Camp season: These contacts are available for text, call, email during the summer months; we will respond as soon as we can, as our "office" is wherever we are at camp, as we are also organizing camp activities, etc.
For URGENT text or call, contact Allan Gillis at 617-461-1063 who will reply as soon as possible.
Reminder: Cancellations after March 1st lose $50 deposit per session/per week. For waitlist campers, there may be more openings after March 1st.
2025 DATES
Week 1 July 7-11
Week 2 July 14-18
Week 3 July 21-25
Week 4 July 28- Aug 1
Week 5 August 4-8
Week 6 August11-15
If your child will need to take medication while at camp (Inhaler, Epipen, etc.), please complete the Medication Form AND mail with your child's current Medication order from your child's Primary Care Physician ASAP. This needs to be approved in advance before child spot is approved for camp.
Day Camp takes place at DCR’s property Camp Nihan, located at 131 Walnut Street Saugus, MA 01906
Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, $185 per week.
For half days, Monday-Friday 8am-12pm, $90 per week.
Full refunds for 2025 season are available until March 1; after that date, refunds, minus the $50 deposit are available until May 1; no refunds after May 1st.
PARENT HANDBOOK (2025 Parent Info Zoom Session Slides)
Lots of info on camp polices, schedules, routines, what to pack. There are also important links below to sites that help prepare your child for camp.
Our Day Camp offers a variety of activities including swimming, kayaking, fishing, nature walks, recreational games, sports, and crafts. Dress for the weather, as we will play, swim, etc. outside even in the rain, except when stormy (we do have cabin space for stormy weather).
This program runs Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm for Boys & Girls, ages 8-13; half day program runs 8am-12pm. Our team of staff includes camper alums, local teachers and college students, high school students (juniors and seniors) and certified lifeguards whose goal is to offer campers an enriching summer full of new friendships and new adventures.
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE DAY:
· A water bottle with the camper’s name on it is required. There will be water available at camp at all times.
All participants of DAY CAMP should also bring the following:
· Bring your own Lunch! and snacks for our busy day outside. We ask NO NUTS be brought to camp. We also ask that you think about the environment: Reusable sandwich and snack containers are great! We introduce Leave No Trace and try to keep trash at a minimum. We recycle and reuse all that we can. No straws if possible (especially those little ones that go along with juice boxes, as that little plastic straw cover can harm the wildlife and pond life at camp.) And we’d love to hear ideas from campers on how we can all improve the impact we have on camp.
· Backpack to carry belongings
· Sunblock (SPF 50 or higher): For full day campers, we will remind campers to put sunblock 1-2x on in the morning and 1-2x again in afternoon. Staff will help campers if parent signs permission form to do so (sunblock spray only if staff are assisting, camper will rub that spray in).
· Hat for sun protection is highly recommended
· Sneakers or appropriate footwear (toes and heels covered except when at beach). Please note: If camper wears open-toed sandals, flip flops, etc., they will miss out on a number of activities, as we want to prevent toe and foot injuries. See more below.
· Change of clothes and swim wear- we swim every day, rain or shine...except in stormy weather. We use cabins to change.
· Tick checks: We will remind campers to do regularly and ask that you also do daily at home. The State of Mass. recommends campers bring bug spray with 10-15% DEET to protect from ticks.
NOTE: Sandals and flipflops are not allowed for ANY of our activities except when swimming, as our campers are active throughout the day. They are allowed on the beach but NOT in activities such as hiking, outdoor games, sports. Sneakers are the best way to prevent foot and toe injuries.
Please leave valuables, electronic devices (cell phones, videogames, Ipods, etc.) and other unnecessary or inappropriate items at home. We aim to be a tech free camp. AMC is not responsible for any lost, damaged items. In today’s world, many campers will have their own phone but it is not needed at camp. We don’t allow them to use phones except if they ask for permission to call home. The staff have phones that campers can use to call home as well.
MORNING DROP OFF: All Mass Camps runs a “rolling” Drop Off and Pick Up. We meet in the first parking lot of Camp Nihan, which is the first large blacktop space after the entry driveway. We will run check in from 7:45am-8:15am, so that there is space for all cars to safely drop off and pick up. For the safety of all, please drive 5mph and wait in the parking lot LINE of cars for pick up and drop off. Do not leave until your child has been checked in with staff.
If you will be later than 8:15am, you can park in that lot, and walk your child to the fork in the road/picnic table area inside the camp (continue to follow the same blacktop road, about 25 yards) to check in with staff, but please be extra careful as we may start a game in the parking lot at that time. Please let us know if your child will be arriving later than 8:15am, as we will begin to reach out to families to ensure child is safe/on the way. And same goes if you need to leave early (before 3:30pm): Park in lot and walk to fork in the road/picnic table area (about 25 yards) where staff will bring your child to meet you for dismissal. Be aware that we also dismiss half day campers at 12noon.
During “rolling” Drop Off and Pick Up, do not park on the small bridge near the parking lot. The road narrows there and we need to ensure that State and Emergency vehicles can fit through at all times. It also makes space for passing cars.
AFTERNOON PICK UP: Only the people who are listed on the Camp Application or Summer Permission Form will be able to pick up your child. If you need to add people to this list, please put in writing (note, text, or email) and give to Camp Director or pick up/dismissal team staff. No campers are allowed to walk home unless a) Parent has given written permission, and b) child is ages 10 & up. For all others, meet again in parking lot for “rolling” Pick Up. Please stay in vehicle and we will bring child to you for dismissal. For the safety of all, please drive 5mph. For those attending half day, we will arrive at parking lot around 12:00pm. For full day campers, we will bring campers to parking lot area at 3:45pm and check out continues until 4:15pm. Again, this window of time for dismissal is so that there is space for all cars to safely drop off and pick up. Please do not park in this lot any time after 3:30pm (you can wait in car for pick up, but please don’t park and leave your car as it will create challenges for rolling pick up); you are welcome to park in lot and walk down to the picnic table area any time before 3:30pm, just be sure to check in with staff. If you do pick up early, we will do our best to have your child meet at the picnic table area as quickly as possible, but please patient as we are also trying to ensure a safe, fun, enriching experience for all.
Please note: Camp check in begins at 7:45am. Please do not leave your child unsupervised before this time. Camp is not responsible for your child until you check him or her in. We will continue Pick Up at end of day until 4:15pm. If there is a situation in which you will be later than that time, please contact camp to determine next steps. We will also try to contact you at that time if you are late; if unable to contact you, emergency contacts will be called, and if unavailable, emergency services may be called. Campers who are picked up late consistently may not be able to continue in the program. In the event an unregistered child arrives at camp, all attempts will be made to contact the child’s parent or guardian. Unregistered children will not be allowed to participate in camp activities. Emergency services may be called if unable to reach parents.
Parents, it is challenging to bring a camper to the lot to meet you at a time different than dismissal time, so we ask for your patience as we'll do our best to bring your camper to the fork in the road (area closest to the picnic table area) for pick up. You can park in the lot and walk the straight path to the fork in the road/picnic table area to meet us there. Call/text ahead.
For daily messages, text or call Lisa Gillis, Camp Director, at google phone 781-484-2101.
Email checked daily [email protected]
For urgent messages, text or call Allan Gillis, AMC Executive Director 617-461-1063
Please note, our “office” is wherever we are on camp. We’ll do our best to reply as quickly as possible.
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Social Health, Healthy Relationships, Mental Health: All Mass Camps encourages an all-welcoming environment, new friendships and respect for all. Please support this by encouraging your child to invite others to play, to be patient with those learning social skills. Bring to Camp Director’s attention if your child shares any challenges they are having at camp.
Your child will enjoy the activities most when he or she is taking care of his or her health, which includes drinking plenty of water, eating well, and getting a good night’s rest. A current physical (within past 18 months) and a copy of up to date immunizations are needed to ensure that the child’s physician has approved participation.
Be sure to highlight any FOOD ALLERGIES or other potential health problems at camp. If you have any concerns about your child’s health prior to or during camp, please contact the Camp Director. Our staff will always contact a parent about any health situations; if a parent is unavailable, then we will contact the adults listed as emergency contacts on the child’s application. Please keep those contacts current and be sure that you and/or those emergency contacts are available during your child’s stay.
(Swimming) Water Testing: Done weekly by the DCR. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/interactive-beach-water-quality-dashboard Check out this site to see all state-wide beach, lake, pond testing completed by DCR and state.
DCR makes the decision to close when test results are unacceptable for swimming BUT Lisa will also close (even when recent weekly test is clear) if weather has potential impact on water safety, regardless of testing times. We will offer lots of ways to stay cool and get wet, so wear bathing suit every day. FYI: Drinking water through Water Dept, Town of Saugus.
Heat: Camp has shade in all areas, as well as water in all areas. Most space on camp is 5-10 degrees cooler than outside of camp. On 90+ degrees days= less active games, more water and shade breaks, more water games. Encourage campers to bring water bottle with NAME ON IT every day and refill all day.
Phone Use: "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt has great data on challenges that social media has created for youth, teens, and young adults. Phones can stay home, AMC is not responsible for lost/wet/damaged/missing phones. More importantly: Let’s work on making this a phone free/social media free summer.
MEDICATION POLICIES
Health Care Supervisors: Allan Gillis (EMT) , Lisa Gillis (FA/CPR/LG)
Care of Mildly Ill Campers: Campers with mild colds may be permitted to attend camp, if parent and Health Care Supervisor and Camp Director review. However, campers with a fever will not be permitted to attend camp. Campers who are mildly ill or become mildly ill will be monitored by the Health Supervisor(s). Parent may be contacted for camper to go home at the discretion of the Health Supervisor should the illness become more severe. Mildly ill campers may be allowed/encouraged to have more frequent rest periods during the camp day, increase water intake, not participate in certain activities.
Administration of medication: All Mass Camps’ Health Supervisor are only approved to administer emergency medications on camp, such as EpiPen and Inhaler. Before any medication is administered at camp, the following conditions must be met. These requirements are mandatory for self-medicating campers (Inhaler).
· Parent Authorization Form: A signed authorization from the parent to give medication while at camp
· Licensed Provider Medication Order: A signed medication order from camper’s licensed prescriber (one for each medication)
· If child is allowed to keep medication (only acceptable for inhaler or diabetic/insulin needs) and self-medicate, both the Provider and the Parent need to sign this on the Medication form. Otherwise, staff will store medications in proper location. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ALL EMERGENCY MEDS LIKE INHALER, EPIPEN, BE KEPT ON CAMP MEDICATION SITE. Self-carry means that staff may need to locate a bag in a different area of camp to find medication when it is needed most, and this is not best practice.
· If other medications are needed while at camp, additional requirements need to be met, including training and approval by Health Care Consultant. This may include parent assigning family member (adult) to administer meds or AMC staff transporting camper to approved medical facility for medication distribution, with parent covering costs of transportation. Many families have either worked with child’s doctor to change medication administration times to work outside of camp hours, or have an adult family member visit camp during the time that medication is to be administered.
· All medications must be in their original container, with child’s name and medication’s name on it.
· Any use of inhaler must be monitored by Health Care Supervisor, who will record use and contact family of use. If EpiPen is needed, 911 will also be called in addition to the family.
Storage of Medication: Emergency medications, Epi-Pen or inhaler, if not kept on self (camper), must be stored in a secure location that is accessible in case of emergency. All other medications must be in a secure cabinet or locked box in refrigerator. More info on Medication Administration available in AMC Policies that are part of the Town of Saugus permit requirements.
If a diabetic child requires his/her blood sugar to be monitored, or requires insulin injections, and the parent or guardian and the camp Health Care Consultant give written approval, the camper, who is capable, may be allowed to self-monitor and/or self-inject him/herself. Blood monitoring activities and self-injection must take place in the presence of the Health Supervisor.
In case of Medical Emergency: In the event a medical emergency arises, staff will ensure the safety of all campers while First Aid/CPR certified camp staff and Health Care Supervisor(s) manage the situation. In all cases, parents will be notified as soon as possible. All Camp Counselors minimally have current American Red Cross CPR/First Aid certification.
Please review the Meningococcal Disease & Immunization provided by the State of MA. Dept. of Health. More info at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/meningococcal-disease.
ALLERGIES- NUTS, PEANUTS: All Mass Camps will not serve any nut nor peanut products. However, we cannot ensure that all campers do not have nut products. We call our program NUT-AWARE, as we will ask all campers to keep all nut or unknown products away from our picnic tables and to be aware of what they are eating and who they are eating with. If you have any concerns about nut or any other food or environmental allergies, please contact the camp to determine best safety strategies.
TYPICAL DAILY SCHEDULE
7:45am-8:15am Check in
8:00am-9:30am Period 1
9:30am-10:30am Period 2 (Snack break during this period)
10:30am-11:30am Period 3
Lunch takes place at 11:30am
(12:00pm Half Day Campers are dismissed)
12:15pm-1:30pm Period 4
1:30pm-2:30pm Period 5
2:30pm-3:30pm Period 6
3:30pm Prepare for Dismissal (Snack break)
3:45pm-4:15pm Dismissal
Each Period, one age group will participate in activities in one of three areas: Waterfront, Picnic Table, and Up Top.
· Waterfront Activities: swimming, fishing, kayaking, table games, lawn games, beach games, crafts
· Picnic Table Area Activities: board games, field games, tournaments, recreational games, crafts, nature walks, hikes, educational games, and more
· Up Top Activities: large group games, basketball, field games, sports/lead up sports (street hockey, whiffleball, mini-lacrosse), table games, hikes, and more
· Additional program space: We’ll also travel around Camp Nihan’s DCR property for nature walks and hikes, as well as hikes to Eagle Rock at Breakheart Reservation
At the end of the Period, each group travels to the next area, where there will be variety of activities to choose from.
Thursday is our special event day! Watch the bulletin board for themed activities, including what colors to wear or how to dress for the event. This is the only day that we may provide a special treat, so please be sure to remind your camper (and staff!) about allergies, etc. We avoid all nut/peanut products, and will do our best to offer substitutes for wheat, dairy, fruit, other allergens.
If you or your child have any concerns or questions in regards to schedule, specific activities, dietary needs, or program expectations, please see the camp staff as soon as possible.
RAINY DAYS: We do our best to stay outside on rainy and cooler days, so please dress for the weather. If your child does not want to participate on days like this, we do understand, but please encourage them to join us for fun outside activities, such as swimming, fishing, hiking, playing games, other outside adventures. If the weather turns stormy, DCR provides us with three cabins, which we'll rotate throughout the day if we are unable to stay outside. In more severe weather, we may end up staying the same cabin for a longer time; we'll only go outside when it is safe (no thunder or lightening for 30+ minutes).
Bathrooms/More on the Cabins: FYI The cabins do not have toilets, so we use port-a-potties, located at several different program areas. We do not typically use the cabins for any time but rainy days (and to store supplies). We do use the changing stalls and tents to change in or out of bathing suits (one girls cabin, one boys cabin), but it is helpful if your child is wearing their bathing suit when they arrive, so they can head right to the waterfront for their group’s first swim.
Behavior Expectations: Three rules of camp are: BE SAFE- Make decisions that keep yourself and others safe. This includes staying with group, playing/swimming with a buddy, sharing with staff anything or anyone that makes you feel unsafe, supporting each other, using equipment properly, drinking water, using sunblock, etc. BE RESPECTFUL- Take care of your own property and yourself, do not use others property without permission, respect the camp property, take care of our supplies and equipment, show respect for staff and camp rules, be thoughtful of others feelings and differences, dress appropriately, etc. BE NICE- Be friendly, invite others to join in the game, help out new campers, be supportive of younger members or those that need help, be welcoming, be inclusive. (More specific examples of this are reviewed on first day of camp during orientation in each program area space.)
If your child is having behavior challenges, our staff’s typical approach is several tries to redirect, then give a short break (time out), then meet with Team Leader, which is typically when we will involve parent; if behavior continues, camper may need to take a break from program area, or take time away from camp.
If a child has made camp unsafe for himself or others, this may not be an appropriate program; the Camp Director will discuss with parent and staff to determine next steps. If there is an immediate unsafe situation, parent may need to pick up child immediately. This would include, but not limited to, violent incidents, destruction of property, possession of/use of weapons or drugs, bullying, etc. This may also lead to termination from camp.
Other General Camp/Policy Info:
Below are AMC Policies for your information. If you need additional information, parents have the right to review AMC Policies for background checks, health care, discipline policies, and grievance procedures upon request.
Background checks: Background checks, including CORI and SORI are completed for ALL staff and volunteers. No person is allowed to work until all the required background checks have been performed and the Director has been notified of the staff’s clearance to work with children.
Staff Training: All staff will attend orientation and receive training prior to camp start. The training will include review of the camp mission, positive behavior management, and group management. The staff will be trained on all emergency procedures and medical policies. All camp staff will have (minimally) certification in CPR/FA; additional support staff will also have CPR/FA. Staff will be trained on Recognizing/Preventing and Reporting Abuse and Neglect. All staff are considered mandated reporters in the event that abuse and/or neglect is suspected. Aquatics Staff will hold additional certifications as lifeguards and CPR/FA for the professional rescuer.
Sunblock Policy: All Mass Camps strongly urges parents to pack sunblock (SPF 50+) for your child daily. We recommend that sunblock is put on in the morning before camper arrives, as we will begin outdoor and waterfront activities at camp start. We will remind campers to put sunblock on again before each waterfront period and at lunch time. We will also post reminders throughout camp about the important of sunblock, and share educational information about making health decisions while being outdoors. Part of the Summer Permission Form is a question about Sunblock: Is your child able to put sunblock on him or herself? And if not, or if you prefer that staff assist, please sign off on Permission for AMC staff to help child put sunblock on throughout the day. Staff only use sunblock spray if they are helping; they will direct younger campers on how to ensure they cover skin with that sunblock.
Bug Spray Policy: A similar permission is needed for Bug Spray. Ticks have been a growing problem in Massachusetts. The DCR staff typically do a great job of keeping grass low in the areas that we use daily, but we do use a number of the trails around the camp for nature walks and hikes. While we have not had a problem with many campers getting ticks, we have had a camper or staff have to have a tick removed now and then. Lyme Disease is on the rise in Massachusetts, and we will remind campers about bug spray when we go on a nature walk or hike, as well as when they will be participating in activities in any woods, fields, or grassy areas. We’ll also educate campers about how to avoid ticks and how to do a tick check. For more info, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tick-borne-disease-prevention
If you have rabbits, skunks, field mice, birds in your neighborhood, you also have ticks in your neighborhood. So while we expect to watch for ticks at camp, please be aware that it’s helpful anytime you go outside even in your own backyard to learn what to do for protection and how to handle when you have a tick.
Bees/Hornets: Always a challenge as we return each summer. We tackle nests as we find them; DCR assists with this as well.
CIT (Counselor-in-Training) Program Info
Day One of each session: Meeting for CITs. Day Camp program runs for ages 8-13; 14 year olds can choose to continue one more year as a camper or choose CIT; campers who have attended the camp in the past can register at age 14 & 15 as a Counselor In Training.
Volunteering at camp half day, with the other half having fun with peers and younger campers. All Day! CITs are leaders and role models: positive behavior, attitude, and participation at all times.
If complete the week, receive a small gift. Help prepare areas, cleaning, with program activities and special events.
CITs typical day: Preparing the camp morning (taking boats out of shed, getting games and sports equipment ready for first period); cleaning up areas at the end of the period; helping to carry supplies, such as sporting equipment, playground balls, crafts, special games, for different areas around camp; helping at fishing dock or with a special art project with younger campers; put all waterfront gear and boats away for lock up at end of each day; organize and lead games and activities on special event days.
Second year CITs: If interested in being a Group Leader or Program Assistant, let Lisa know.
Interested in working with youth? Junior Counselor at 16. Not interested? Great for resume and recommendation
Grievances: The Camp Director will immediately investigate all complaints/grievances and will take all steps necessary to remedy the situation. Grievances will be discussed with camp counselors and necessary steps taken to continue camper safety.
Refund Policy: Full refunds are available through March 1st; partial refunds, minus the $50 deposit, are available until May 1st. If you sign up later than this date, we ask that you cancel at least 30 days before your session for full refund and at least 2 weeks before your session for partial refund, minus $50 deposit. We hire staff and invest in supplies based on the number of campers registered and cancellations make it more challenging to meet our budget needs. As a small non-profit, we appreciate your support for this policy.
All Mass Camps- Allan Gillis, Executive Director Lisa Gillis, Camp Director
Year Round “Office” [email protected]
40 Brunswick Street 781-484-2101 (summer time daily text/call
Lowell, MA 01852 617-461-1063 (summer time URGENT text/call)
This camp complies with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the local Board of Health. (105 CMR 430.190(C))