MONTHLY EMAILS

January 2025

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Dear Camp Howe Families,
 

Welcome to the Camp Howe family! For our returning families, welcome back—we’re so excited to see you again! And to those joining us for the first time, we’re thrilled to have you on this adventure. You’ve registered at the perfect time, as programs are filling quickly, and some sessions are already waitlisted! At Camp Howe, we are committed to creating a safe, fun, and inclusive camp experience for all youth. We can’t wait to welcome your camper(s) and help them make memories that will last a lifetime.
 

Between now and summer, we’ll send you monthly emails to help you feel prepared and excited. These updates will include everything from packing tips to helpful hints about avoiding homesickness. They’re quick reads but packed with important details, so be sure to add us to your contacts so they don’t land in spam! Most of the information to be covered can be found on our website https://www.camphowe.com/questions
 

Things to look forward to (Dates TBD)

May: Join our Zoom meeting to meet key staff and ask any questions.

June: Come to our Open House, tour the camp, meet the team, and see where the magic happens.

 

Double-Check Your Registration Details:

Please take a moment to review your child’s information—date of birth, gender, program, and session—to ensure everything is accurate. As programs fill up, it becomes more challenging to accommodate changes to cabin assignments or sessions.

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Feel free to email us if you’d like to switch sessions—we’ll do our best to accommodate you if there’s space available.

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Gender-Inclusive Cabins:

We’ve received some questions about who can sign up for our gender-inclusive cabins. At Camp Howe, we offer youth the opportunity to choose a camp environment that best supports their gender identity. Campers are welcome to choose a male, female, or all-gender cabin.

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For some, the gender-inclusive cabin provides a space where they feel most comfortable; for others, it’s simply a way to share the camp experience with siblings or friends of different genders. These cabins are designed to be inclusive, safe, and fun for everyone.

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If your camper is interested in switching to a gender-inclusive cabin, please let us know—we’re happy to assist!

 

Themes for 2025:

We’ve got some amazing themes lined up this summer—here’s a sneak peek:

• Session 1: Festivals of Fun

• Session 2: Pirates and Unicorns

• Session B (3&4): Passport to the World

• Session 5: Nature's Playground

• Session 6: Enchanted Adventures

• Session D (7&8): Time Travelers

 

Need Financial Aid?

If you’re interested in applying for financial aid, reach out to us via email, and we’ll send over an application.

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Meet the Team:

Director Nora is back for her 19th season, leading an incredible team that’s already planning an unforgettable summer. Want to get to know them? Check out our team https://www.camphowe.com/our-staff

Join the Fun Online: Get a glimpse of the magic by following us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/camphowe Instagram https://www.instagram.com/camp_howe/

 

Help Us Find Nurses for the Summer:

We’re still looking for nurses to join our summer team! If you or someone you know is interested, please have them reach out to us or apply online here.

Thank you for trusting us with your camper’s summer. We’re beyond excited to help them create lifelong friendships, grow their confidence, and just have the time of their lives!

 

Warmly,

Terrie Campbell

Executive Director

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Top 10 reasons Camp Howe is s good choice for your child’s summer

1. Create Lifelong Memories - The experiences at Camp Howe—filled with laughter, discovery, and joy—become cherished memories that last a lifetime.

2. Safe and Caring Environment - With well-trained staff, careful supervision, and a nurturing atmosphere, parents can trust their children are in good hands. The camp’s inclusive and supportive environment allows campers to feel safe, valued, and free to be their authentic selves.

3. A Camp for Every Personality - Whether your child loves sports, art, adventure, or learning new skills, Camp Howe offers something for everyone.

4. Professional and Passionate Staff - Passionate and experienced team members ensure every camper feels valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.

5. Be Part of a Rich Tradition - With over 90 years of history, Camp Howe blends time-honored traditions with modern programming, ensuring every camper feels part of something special.

6. Focus on Social-Emotional Growth - With trained staff to support social-emotional needs, Camp Howe helps campers build resilience, empathy, and communication skills.

7. Discover New Interests and Skills - From arts and crafts to adventure courses and team sports, Camp Howe offers a wide range of activities that spark curiosity and creativity.

8. Grow Independence and Confidence - Through new experiences and challenges, children learn responsibility, self-reliance, and gain a sense of accomplishment.

9. Unplug and Reconnect with Nature - Campers take a break from technology and social media, allowing them to fully engage with nature, activities, and the people around them.

10. Build Lifelong Friendships - At Camp Howe, campers create meaningful friendships in an inclusive and welcoming environment that celebrates diversity and individuality.

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February 2025

 

Dear Camp Howe Families,

 

Roses are red, violets are blue, summer is coming, and we can’t wait to see you! 💙

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With Valentine’s Day upon us, we just wanted to send a little love your way and let you know how excited we are for the upcoming camp season. Summer may still feel far off, but it will be here before we know it!

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Attached, you’ll find the Family Handbook—your go-to guide for everything Camp Howe. If you have questions and don’t find the answers inside, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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This month, we’re focusing on all things finances to make sure everything is set for your camper’s best summer ever. Below are answers to some common questions:

• Camp Howe requires the final payment of camp fees by June 1, but at the latest, payments must be received at least four weeks before the start of the session.

• Families paying by check should make it payable to Camp Howe Inc.

• A payment plan is available to ensure all youth have the opportunity to attend Camp Howe. This plan allows families to spread out payments, but full payment must still be completed no later than four weeks before the session begins. The payment plan option is available during registration.

• The refund policy includes a non-refundable deposit of $100 per week to reserve a camper’s spot. Since staffing, program organization, and supply purchases are based on enrollment, tuition becomes non-refundable after May 15. If a camper cannot attend due to a medical issue, tuition (minus the deposit) may be refunded with a signed doctor’s note and a written explanation addressed to the Executive Director.

• Cancellations must be submitted in writing to the Camp Office or through Campdocs. Insurance is available through CampDocs at the time of registration.

• Refunds are not provided for dismissal, homesickness, or voluntary withdrawal. Any form of physical violence will result in immediate dismissal.

• For tax purposes, Camp Howe’s Taxpayer Identification Number is 04-2258213. Camp fees may be tax-deductible for some families, and this number is included on the camper confirmation form, which serves as a receipt of payment. If an additional receipt is needed, families can contact the camp office by phone or email.

 

As we near the end of our hiring season, we are excited to welcome an incredible team for the upcoming summer! If you’d like to learn more about our staff, you can check out our team on our website: Camp Howe Staff and on our facebook and Instagram accounts.

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Next month, we will focus on topics related to physicals, medications, and required paperwork.

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Warmly,

Terrie Campbell (Executive Director), Nora Hill (Camp Director) and all of the amazing staff of 2025

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Fun Facts About Summer 2025 Staffing

🌟 Almost Fully Staffed: We’re nearly ready for summer! Just looking for nurses and a couple of kitchen staff to complete the team.

🌍 Diverse Representation: Our staff hails from 10 different U.S. states and over 15 countries—from Massachusetts to California and 6 of the 7 continents represented.

📊 Age Stats: The average staff age is 23, with a median age of 21.

🏕️ Returning Faces: 61% of staff have attended Camp Howe before, and 55% of this group were once CITs here!

🎉 New Talent: At least 50% of our new staff have worked at other camps, bringing experience and fresh ideas to the team.

✨ 100% Committed: Every staff member is dedicated to making this a magical summer!

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March 2025
 

Spring is here, and that means summer is just around the corner! Only 102 days until our first campers arrive for the summer. We know that the world can feel unpredictable at times, and our kids are feeling it too, even if they don’t always express it. But here’s the good news—camp is on the horizon, and we’re ready to create a summer filled with adventure, laughter, and connection.

This year, more than ever, camp will be a place where kids can unplug, recharge, and just be kids. At Camp Howe, we believe in the power of community, nature, and positive role models to create a space where every camper can grow, thrive, and find joy.

We are thrilled that Kimi will be returning for her 22nd summer at Camp Howe! Her dedication and experience in coordinating our summer health care ensure that campers stay safe, healthy, and well cared for throughout their time at camp. While Kimi will be leading the way, we are still looking for nurses to help fill gaps throughout the summer. If you or someone you know is a nurse and would love to spend time in a fun, supportive camp environment, please reach out to us—we’d love to connect!

Getting Ready for Camp: What You Need to Do Now

We want to make sure both you and your camper feel fully prepared for an incredible summer. Here’s your updated checklist to ensure your child is medically ready for camp:

✅ Schedule a Physical Exam – If your child hasn’t had a physical within the past 18 months, book an appointment now. Doctor’s offices get busy in the late spring and summer with camp and sports physicals.

✅ Complete Medical Forms – Log in to your CampDocs account and fill out the Health History tab within six months of camp. Be sure to sign and date it to allow us to provide medical care if needed. For all sessions you can fill it out now and closer to the summer you can go in and put in any updates.

✅ Check Medication Requirements – If your child takes any medications (prescription or over the counter not listed on our standing orders), you’ll need:

• A physician’s order for each medication (including why it is given, dose, and timing).

• For any over the counter medication NOT listed in Campdocs on the medication tab, you must obtain a medication administration order from your child’s doctor. This also includes vitamins, homeopathic or other supplements.

• A signed and dated parental consent form on the Campdocs page.

• Medications in their original packaging.

• For liquid medications: If there is a chewable or pill alternative, please send that instead. Administering liquid medication to a large number of campers can be challenging, and chewable options help ensure timely and accurate dosing.

• Hand and deliver medications to the Health Supervisor on the first day of camp.

✅ Review Immunization Records – Massachusetts state law requires all campers to have up-to-date immunizations. Verify that your child’s immunizations records are up to date according to Massachusetts state regulations:

• Two MMR’s (measles, mumps, and rubella)

• At least 3 doses polio vaccine. If a mixed (IVP/OPV) schedule was used, four doses are required

• At least 4 doses of DTaP

• One dose of Td (Tdap preferred) is required if it has been more than 10 years since the previous dose of Td.

• 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine or laboratory evidence of immunity if born in 1992 or after.

• 2 doses of Varicella

• MenACWY (Meningococcal Vaccine): 1 Dose for grades 7-9 and 2 doses for grades 11 and above

If your child has not received immunizations or doesn’t see a doctor for a physical, be prepared to provide a medical waiver signed by a physician or sign a religious exemption waiver. Be aware that if your child isn’t fully immunized and there’s a disease outbreak of any kind, you’ll need to pick them up from camp immediately.

✅ Check for Allergy & Dietary Needs – If your child has allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform us as soon as possible so we can make the necessary accommodations.

• Food Allergies: Let us know the severity of your camper’s allergies and whether they can be around the allergen or if strict avoidance is necessary (e.g., airborne sensitivity or cross-contact concerns).

• Nut Awareness: Camp Howe is a nut-aware facility. We ask all families not to send any food, snacks, or personal care items (such as lotions, shampoos, or lip balms) that contain or may contain any nuts. This helps us maintain a safer environment for all campers.

• Dietary Restrictions & Preferences: We strive to accommodate a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. If your child has specific food restrictions, please communicate them in advance so we can work with our kitchen team to provide appropriate meal options.

• Severe Allergies & Emergency Plans: If your camper has a severe allergy requiring an EpiPen or other emergency medication, please provide clear instructions and ensure that their health forms are up to date. If additional precautions are needed, reach out to discuss how we can best support your child.

✅ Contact Us for Special Needs – If your child has unique medical, physical, or emotional needs, reach out to discuss accommodations.

We can’t wait to welcome your camper to another summer of adventure, growth, and unforgettable memories! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions.

Warmly,

Terrie Campbell (Executive Director), Nora Hill (Camp Director), & the Amazing Camp Howe 2025 Team

💡 Need to review past emails? You can find them all here: Camp Howe Monthly Emails. Mark Your Calendar: Important Dates

📅 May 7 – Family Zoom Gathering

📅 May 15 – Last day to withdraw without full tuition due

📅 June 1 – Full payment & completed paperwork due in CampDocs

📅 June 21 (1-3 PM) – Open House

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April 2025

Hi Camp Howe Families,

After what felt like a never-ending winter—including one last surprise snowstorm just last week—we are thrilled to say the snow has finally melted, and with yesterday’s sunshine, we’re officially declaring it SPRING! With the change in seasons, our team is buzzing with energy as we get ready for another unforgettable summer. This year will feature new and exciting program ideas alongside all your camper’s classic favorites.

In this month’s email, we're shining a spotlight on camp life—from cabins and daily schedules to hygiene and screenfree living. If you missed earlier emails or want to refer back to something, you can always find our email series here https://www.camphowe.com/monthly-emails, and the family handbook is also attached for easy reference.

🌟 Staffing Update

We are so excited to share that our summer staff roster is almost full! Our returning team members and new hires are bringing loads of energy, compassion, and creativity to Camp Howe 2025.

One very special returning face is Kimi, who will be joining us for her 22nd summer as our camp nurse. Her extensive experience and deep care for our campers make her an irreplaceable part of the Camp Howe family.While Kimi will be leading our health center, we are still looking for additional nurses, LPN's or even recent nursing graduate to help cover gaps throughout the summer. If you or someone you know is a nurse who would enjoy spending time in a supportive, fun, and nature-filled environment, please get in touch—we’d love to connect.

You can also get to know more about our amazing staff https://www.camphowe.com/our-staff.

🗳️ Vote for Camp Howe!

We’ve been nominated in multiple categories in the Boston Parents Paper’s Best of Awards! It only takes a minute to vote, and your support helps more families discover our special little camp in the woods. Vote here: https://bostonparentspaper.com/boston-family-favorites-ballot/#/gallery?group=511896

🌲 Life at Camp

Accommodations

Camp Howe’s rustic wooden cabins put your camper right in the heart of nature. Each cabin holds 12–18 campers and is equipped with electricity, screens, doors, and bunks with mattresses (you just need to bring bedding—a sleeping bag and a sheet work great!). While the cabins are unheated, the experience of living unplugged in the woods is part of what makes camp so special.

🛏️ Cabin Assignments

Campers are assigned to cabins based on age, grade, and program eligibility. Families can choose between male, female, or all-gender cabins. We intentionally mix returning and new campers to foster new friendships and broaden social circles. Junior and teen campers stay in different areas of camp and use shared bathroom facilities within their units, but single-stall restrooms are available throughout camp for added privacy.

To help your camper thrive in their cabin, consider:

• Talking about how to make new friends and include others.

• Preparing them for shared living and how to manage challenges.

• Encouraging open communication with their counselors (two live in every cabin), and letting them know the Camp Director, Assistant Director, and Unit Directors are also always around to help.

🏕 A Day at Camp Howe

• No day is truly “typical”—each day is full of new activities to keep campers engaged and excited, all within a structure that supports fun and growth. Each day is thoughtfully structured to provide a balanced mix of activities, rest, and community engagement, ensuring a fulfilling experience for all campers.

🌅 Mornings

• Early Interest Groups (optional): Campers get to choose activities such as swimming, walking, music, or yoga-style movement.

• Morning Flag (7:45 AM): Community gathering with announcements, songs, and fun facts about a state or country.

• Breakfast: Outdoor meals (weather permitting); Day Campers arrive afterward.

• CIA (Camp Improvement Acts): Everyone pitches in to help take care of camp.

• Five-Day Activity Block: Campers choose one area (e.g., sports, arts, animals, aquatics, archery, ropes, hiking) to explore all week.

☀️ Midday & Afternoons

• Cabin/Group Activities: Juniors do fun, age-appropriate activities with their cabins like boating, archery, ropes, or special staff-led programs. Teens have a more indedependence through choice-based blocks.

• Lunch: Shared community meal.

• Camp Store: Cabin visits throughout the week during scheduled blocks —shop souvenirs like towels, water bottles, or croc jibbitz. Candy is availalbe but limited.

• Siesta: Cabin rest time—write letters, nap, read, or chat quietly.

• Interest Groups: One-day activities for all ages followed by Juniors activity blocks with cabins; Teens select from various options.

• Day Campers depart before dinner.

🌇 Evenings

• Evening Flag: More fun facts or cultural exploration of the day’s featured place.

• Dinner: Another camp-wide, outdoor-friendly meal.

• Evening Program: Cabin bonding (first night) or all-camp fun like scavenger hunts, talent shows, mystery nights, or themed dances.

🌙 Nighttime Routine

• Nighttime Reflection - After the evening program, juniors head to their cabins for quiet time and cabin chats, reflecting on their day and sharing experiences. Teens enjoy a second evening program tailored to their interests and developmental needs, followed by their own cabin time and chats. This routine ensures campers are well-rested and ready for another fun-filled day.

• Lights Out: Everyone gets much-needed sleep to recharge for the next big day!

🧼 Hygiene, Sun, and Safety

We want campers to stay healthy and feel confident. Here are a few tips to prep: • Showers & Swimming – Most campers won’t shower daily but will rinse off after swimming. Teach your child when and how often to wash up.

• Sun Safety – Pack SPF 25+ sunscreen and teach your camper how to apply it.

• Hydration – A reusable water bottle is a must!

• Insects & Ticks – Send insect repellent and talk about daily tick checks.

🌸 Menstruation & Bodily Changes

Campers may get their period for the first time at camp—or already be managing it regularly. Help your child feel prepared:

• Pack pads, tampons, or period underwear, even if they haven’t started yet but are close to puberty (We have seen campers as young as 9 start their period while at camp).

• Include extra underwear . • Let them know their counselors and the health team are there to help without embarrassment or shame.

🛏️ Bedwetting or Incontinence

This is more common than many realize. We handle these situations discreetly and without stigma:

• Let us know ahead of time on the health form if this is common for your child.

• Pack extra bedding or nighttime pull-ups, if needed. We keep extra bedding at camp so if you aren't sending extra, share with your campers that they can chat with staff who will support them.

• Speak opening with your child that this may happen and what to do if it does to support their confidence.

🧺 Laundry Camp is full of adventure—and dirt, mud, sweat, and mystery stains! Here’s how laundry works at Camp Howe: • Campers will not have access to laundry, so please pack enough clothes (plus a few extras!) to get them through their session. o Label EVERY item clearly with your camper’s name or initials. o Pack a laundry bag that can be easily carried and closed (a mesh or drawstring bag works well). You can also use a garbage bag that is clearly labelled with their name so it doesn't get confused with trash.

📴 Screen-Free Living

One of our core values is giving campers a break from screens. This means no phones, smartwatches, or other electronic devices that have access to the internet. We know this can be tough, but the benefits—friendship, confidence, being present—are huge. If you or your camper is nervous about unplugging, we’re happy to help talk through it.

As we like to say: “There’s no reception in the woods, but you’ll get a stronger connection!”

📷 Photos & Camp Store

We share photos periodically on Facebook and Instagram to give you a glimpse of the fun, but we don’t guarantee individual camper photos. Our staff are focused on creating experiences, not curating galleries.

Cabins sign up to go to the store as a group. Campers can purchase essentials, snacks, and souvenirs. Families are encouraged to deposit at least a couple of dollars spending money into their camper’s account. Unused funds can be withdrawn or donated to our campership program.

📅 Important Dates

• ASAP – Log into CampDocs to update your camper’s t-shirt size

• May 7 @ 7 PM – Family Zoom Gathering (details coming soon)

• May 15 – Last day to withdraw without full tuition being owed

• June 1 – Final payment and paperwork due in CampDocs

• June 21 (1–3 PM) – Open House

🎉 2025 Sessions & Themes – More details will be sent out closer to the summer.

• Session 1 (June 22–27): Festivals of Fun

• Session 2 (June 29–July 4): Pirates & Unicorn

• Session B (July 6–18): Passport to the World

• Session 5 (July 20–25): Nature’s Playground

• Session 6 (July 27–August 1): Enchanted Adventures

• Session D (August 3–15): Time Travelers

Thanks for reading and getting ready with us! We can’t wait to welcome your camper to Camp Howe this summer for nature, friendships, laughter, and adventure.

If you have questions, need support, or just want to say hi—don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warmly,

Terrie, Nora and the Amazing Team of 2025!