How do I contact camp?
Great communication with our staff, families, and supporters is important to us. Always feel free to reach out to us! You can reach the camp office at 781-461-9721 or shoot us an email at hola@hale.education.
Are Hale’s camps peanut-free?
We are not peanut-free, but we discourage campers from bringing foods that contain common allergens like peanuts. We inform counselors of campers’ allergies so they can take measures to prevent contact with allergens.
If my camper has an EpiPen, inhaler, or other medication, who administers it?
Our camp nurses or health care supervisors will be administering all medications. Medications will be stored at the Wellness Center or the HOLA office. Older campers who can self-administer inhalers and/or epi-pens will keep these items in their day pack.
How many counselors will my camper have?
All groups have two counselors. All of our camper-to-counselor ratios meet or exceed ACA guidelines and standards set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Are meals provided?
Hale coordinates with BPS to provide breakfast and lunch to all campers.
What if my camper forgets sunscreen or insect repellent?
Sunscreen with SPF30+ is available for campers who forget to bring their own. We also stock insect repellent with a maximum of 15% DEET, as the Department of Public Health recommends. If you do not want sunscreen and/or insect repellent applied to your child, or if they have an allergy, please indicate that on their Health Form. We encourage all campers to arrive wearing sunscreen and insect repellent if they choose.
Will my camper have swimming lessons every day?
Campers should come prepared to swim each day camp is in session. Changing facilities are provided for campers to change into and out of their swim gear before and after their swim period.
Does my camper carry their supplies with them all day?
This is a campers' decision. They can bring their backpack with them throughout the day, or they can leave their bag behind at their camp's designated location. Campers' bags should return home with them each day. Please remember that campers should not bring anything that cannot be replaced, as items may get lost or stolen since belongings are not stored in secure locations.
Should I label my camper’s belongings with their name?
Yes! Please label everything they own with their first and last name. Unclaimed items are donated or discarded at the end of each session.
Can my camper bring a cell phone or other electronic devices?
Cell phones or other electronic devices are not allowed at our site. If your camper brings one, it must remain in their backpack all day. If a camper needs to get a hold of a parent, they may call on the office phone. HOLA is not responsible for any lost or damaged devices.
Can my camper bring personal comfort items or toys with them to camp?
We ask that campers leave their comfort items (blankets, etc.) or toys (figurines, dolls, stuffed animals, etc.) at home. These items may be lost, damaged, or even destroyed, given our campers are changing locations frequently throughout the day and we are in an outdoor environment. These items also tend to lend themselves to arguments between campers. If a camper brings one of these items to camp they will be asked to leave it in their bag, or a counselor will hold it until the end of the day. If you’d like to speak with a member of our leadership team about this or a specific item, please call the office or email us.
Packing List
A key component to a great summer experience is making sure everyone is prepared for each day! Our camp staff make sure to have all things prepped and ready at camp, so here is what you’ll need to be ready to join us.
Prepping for Camp
All campers should wear durable, weather-appropriate clothing and sneakers since we will be active and outside all day long. Campers engage in camp activities in all types of weather; high temps, and even rain. Please be sure to have your camper dressed appropriately and bring extra clothes.
At HOLA, breakfast and lunches are provided for all campers, but you are more than welcome to send your camper with meals and snacks if you choose!
What to Pack Daily for Camp
Even with the help of counselors, many campers tend to leave personal items behind. Please label ALL personal items with your camper’s first and last name!
Backpacks are an essential tool at camp. We suggest packing them with the following items:
Reusable water bottle with camper's name on it
Hat/sunglasses
Extra clothing – camp can be messy!
Swimsuit and towel
Sandals (only for the beach)
Rain gear (light jackets, rain pants, rain boots, etc.)
Snacks—we do not offer refrigeration, and please avoid foods with nuts
Waterproof sunscreen
Bug spray
Prescription medication (inhaler, epi-pen, insulin, etc.—Med Form Required)
If Desired - Multiple Face Coverings - not a camp requirement
What to Leave at Home
If your camper will be upset if something gets lost or broken – leave it at home! Hale is not responsible for lost or stolen property at camp. That said, the following items are not permitted at camp and will be confiscated if campers bring them to Hale:
Technology (phones, smart watches, tablets, radios, gaming devices, etc.)
Personal Toys (stuffed animals, action figures, etc.)
Candy, gum, energy drinks, coffee
Money, valuables, jewelry, makeup
Any apparel that may be explicit, derogatory, or offensive
Firearms, pocket knives, matches, lighters, or anything that could be used as a weapon
Alcohol, tobacco, and non-prescription drugs
Household pets that are not certified service animals
Personal sporting equipment
If you have any questions about items or are still wondering what to pack (or leave at home), please email the Camp Director or the Camp Office for assistance: hola@hale.education.