Boston-Area Summer Programs for Middle School-Age Students:
General Academic, Reading and Creative Writing, Technology, Science and Engineering, Music, and Media Courses
(This list does not imply an endorsement; please check sites to verify information.)
Master List: visit www.massgifted.org, Mass. Association for Gifted Education, view lists of after-school, summer and vacation enrichment programs under the "information" tab
Summer HSSP (High School Studies Program ( MIT, Cambridge MA)
Summer HSSP is a six week academic program that runs on Sundays starting about the second week in July and running through the 2nd week in August. Classes both academic and non-academic are offered in 3 timeblocks for rising 7-9th grade students between 11 A.M. and 3:30 PM. In 2015, classes included Intro to Quantum Mechanics, Improv Comedy, and Make a Website. To see the catalog and to register: https://esp.mit.edu/learn/HSSP/
Kaleidoscope Institute for Thinking Evidence (KITE)
A one-week full-day advanced program for high-ability learners in grades pre-kindergarten through grade 7, held at the Pike School in Andover, MA. Class size average 12 students. The program has been running for thirty years.
www.Kaleidoscopekids.com or 978-475-1422
Camp Emerson (Hinsdale, MA)
A residential summer camp for highly motivated girls and boys who are looking for a traditional camp experience with a gifted emphasis. Campers create their own schedules from over 50 activities including arts, athletics, science, adventure activities, etc. Ages 8-15. www.campemerson.com
College Academy (Winchester, MA)
“Build, Create, Design, Experiment, Explore, Invent, Imagine & Investigate.” For those entering grades 5-9. Classes held at Winchester (MA) High School. Commuter only, 9-2:45; extended day option available www.collegegate.com
Summer Institute for the Gifted (Amherst, MA)
“The mission of the Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG) is to provide the highest quality educational and social opportunities for academically gifted and talented students through programs designed to meet their abilities and needs.” Grades 4-11, 3-week programs, held at Amherst College (as well as other, more distant colleges); residential, day, and Saturday programs available www.giftedstudy.org
READING & CREATIVE WRITING
Grub Street (Boston, Winchester, Newton)
variety of writing programs for teens ages 13-18, including a teen writing camp (fee charged) and free Saturday sessions. Class schedules for the summer term are posted in April. Most classes held in Boston, Steinway Building 162 Boylston St., 15th floor, very near the Boston Common, some classses held in Winchester and Newton. www.grubstreet.org
Great Books Summer Program (Amherst, MA)
Read and discuss selections from classic and contemporary literature with college professors and faculty at Amherst College. Co-ed, residential program for grades 6-12. Also, writing, film, music and art. www.GreatBooksSummer.com
icamp (Belmont, Lexington, Concord, Newton, Wellesley, Weston)
Children’s Technology Workshop “provides children in grades 2-8 with the chance to author their own day camp experience. Children complete applied technology adventures that are customized to their skill level. Activities occur both on and off the computer with a focus on engineering and robotics, video game creation, animation and graphic design. During the first activity at camp children select 3-6 projects that they will complete during their session from 10 theme-adventures. Our highly trained adventure guides help children to select programs that suit their age, area of interest and skill level to maximize the fun and the thrill of success.” Locations listed above. For ages: 7-14 www.ctworkshop.com
iD tech camps (Cambridge, North Andover, Waltham)
Computer camps held at MIT and Harvard University (Cambridge MA,) Smith College, (Northampton, MA,) and Bentley College (Waltham, MA). Classes are grouped by ages (age range 7-18, beginners to advanced). Courses include Video Game Design, Programming, Web Design, and Animation. Commuter and residential. www.internaldrive.com
Emagination Computer Camps (Waltham)
“Our programs deliver the wonder of technology balanced with traditional summer camp activities. Campers design a web page and go for a swim….build Legos® and play capture the flag. Tech Talk, LAN Parties, Carnival Night, Weekend Trips-it's all part of the fun and learning.” Co-ed, ages 8-17, held at Bentley College in Waltham, MA. Day and overnight programs. www.computercamps.com
CyberCamps (online courses only)
Ages 10-18. Students choose from online technology courses in gaming, graphics, computer programming, web design, engineering, and digital arts. www.giantcampus.com
Offers multiple award winning science kit subscription program. Children receive a complete science kit every month that focuses on hands-on activities. Ages 4-12. www.theyoungscientistsclub.com
Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (for girls) (North Hampton)
“The program welcomes applications from students with all levels of previous science training. Students need not have taken advanced science training, but must have a strong record of academic achievement, a high level of motivation and a willingness to explore.” Grades 8-11 www.smith.edu/summerprograms/ssep
DesignCamp (Lowell, MA)
A science and engineering camp for students grades 5-10. One-week sessions; some courses are girls only. Held at Future Engineers Center, UMass Lowell. www.designcamp.org
Science and Engineering Summer Programs Master List
http://web.mit.edu has an extensive list of local free, low-cost, and charge-fees engineering programs for middle school students held at MIT, UMass Boston, New England Aquarium, Harvard, BU, Northeastern, Wellesley College, Wheelock, and others.
Center for Creative Youth at Wesleyan University (CT)
Ages 14-18; 6 weeks, residential. Campers choose from ten arts disciplines, including creative writing, visual arts, dance, filmmaking, music, musical theater, photography, technical theater, and theater. Students will gain practical experience from a staff of professional artists and teachers. www.crec.org/ccy
New England Music Camp (ME)
Ages 12-18, 3, 4, or 7 weeks, residential. Classes in theory, harmony, composition, conducting, sight singing, jazz appreciation, improvisation, and piano literature. Orchestra and band seating rotated weekly www.nemusiccamp.com
DayJams (Newton, MA)
Ages 9-15; 1-5 weeks, commuter only. Learn guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, vocals, or horns from professional musicians and teachers in a curriculum-based environment. Students play in a band, write an original song, perform in a rock concert, and record a CD. www.dayjams.com
Paul Green School of Rock (Boston area)
Ages 7-17; 1-week sessions (commuter) in the summer; the school also operates year-round. Private lessons, coached band practice, culminating show. Past shows have included tributes to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, and the Beatles. www.schoolofrock.com
Music On The Hill (Belmont, MA)
Ages 9-14; commuter camp, four-week chamber music program which emphasizes small ensemble performance. The program balances a stimulating musical program with supervised recreational activities and a choice of art and drama workshops. www.powersmusic.org
BDS Rocks (Belmont, MA)
Grades Pre-K through 8. A program of Belmont Day School’s Summer Session; projects include developing musical scores for film and creating a podcast. Led by Belmont Day School faculty who specialize in the arts and technology. www.belmontday.org