How Camp Hale Builds Brighter Futures for Boston’s Youth

by David Lattimore, Marketing Coordinator

For over a century, Camp Hale has been raising up young leaders through challenging outdoor experiences for urban youth from all over Boston. Camp Hale is set apart by its diversity, as youth from all backgrounds - race, religion, income, and orientation - attend camp together and form friendships that break down prejudice, build empathy, and promote inclusivity.

Register your child for Camp Hale today!

Toni's Story

Five years ago, when we first began offering girls sessions at Camp Hale,  a 7-year-old student in USES's after school program named Toni signed up for her first camp experience. Camp Hale was certainly out of her comfort zone at the time, as she had grown up in the city and was unfamiliar with the camp environment. Nonetheless, Toni was quick to excel at Camp Hale, as she learned to swim, climb mountains, and face her fear of spiders. Most importantly, Toni made friendships to last a lifetime at camp, and learned to always dream big and never underestimate herself.

Now age 12, Toni continues to spend portions of her summers at Camp Hale, and has grown to become an exemplary student and a mentor for younger campers. Last year, she was accepted on a full scholarship to the Rivers School, a college preparatory school for grades 6-12 in Weston, MA. She says, “Camp Hale has made me more confident by showing me I can do things I didn’t think I could do, like getting into the Rivers School.” Now in her second semester of classes, Toni is thriving at the Rivers School and enjoys playing on the field hockey team in her free time. 

Toni is certainly not alone in experiencing personal development at Camp Hale. In fact, 92% of our campers report feeling more independent after their camp experience, and 82% report improving their teamwork skills. Just like Toni, four of her siblings have also had positive experiences at Camp Hale, and have returned as both campers and counselors. As Toni’s older brother Malik puts it, “Camp Hale has provided us with role models, stability, and a community that feels like family.”

What's New in 2017?

This year, we are continuing to develop our programming at Camp Hale to create an environment that is engaging and fruitful for all our campers. We have even added a new activity to the agenda: woodworking! We've also added Trip & Travel weeks to our schedule this year, where kids will have the opportunity to truly experience all that the White Mountains have to offer. Trip & Travel activities will range from sleeping under the stars in the mountains to battling the rapids while white water rafting!

With new programming and lots of amazing counselors ready to provide a great time, we are so excited for the upcoming summer season at Camp Hale. If your child is interested in having a summer full of fun activities, challenging adventures, and life-changing experiences, sign them up for a session! All children are welcome at Camp Hale, and financial assistance is available. Click here to register your child today!

Here are a few upcoming dates to keep in mind:

Camp Hale Registration Days
Bring in payments and paper-work, meet other campers, do your new camper interview, talk with admin staff, and Q & A. Light refreshments will be served.

Saturday, April 29,  2:00-4:00 pm
48 Rutland Street, Boston

Saturday, May 13, 2:00-4:00 pm
48 Rutland Street, Boston

Meet the Staff Day
Come meet families, staff and the Camp Hale Alumni Association before the summer kicks off!

Saturday, June 24, 1:00-4:00 pm
48 Rutland Street, Boston