Top Kids Summer Enrichment Camps in South Shore, Massachusetts for 2026
Not Your Average Summer Camp
What is our camp like?
It is 5 days of summer camp fun but through an Occupational Therapy lens. This means each camp week is divided up into small groups; 3 adults to 6 children, giving a high ratio of support and allowing us to focus on optimal child development skills.
Does your child receive Occupational Therapy services during the school year? If so, this is a great opportunity to give your child the “camp” experience but in a supported environment! *If your child requires 1:1 support, please reach out. We can welcome additional staff members for your child to be as successful as possible at camp.
Our Why
Many children with diagnosed needs are often left out of “typical” summer camps because the environment can feel unstructured, overwhelming, and hard to navigate without the right supports. At EXPLORE, we believe every child deserves the joy, friendship, and confidence-building that come with a true summer camp experience.
That’s why our camp is led by trained pediatric specialists who understand sensory needs, big feelings, and moments of overwhelm. If a child becomes overstimulated or has a meltdown, our team is prepared with calming strategies, visual supports, and compassionate guidance—so campers can reset and rejoin the fun. Parents can relax knowing their child is not just safe, but genuinely supported in an environment designed for them to thrive.
“Spending 120 minutes in nature is an antidote for stress: It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.”
Citation: Yale Environment 360, ‘Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health’ by Jim Robbins
The positive effects of nature exposure include improved cognitive functioning (including increased concentration, greater attention capacities, and higher academic performance), better motor coordination, reduced stress levels, increased social interaction with adults and other children, and improved social skills.
Citation: American Public Health Association. Movement to reconnect children & nature. 2007 Retrieved November 25, 2007
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, behavior problems, and depression stand out as the most prevalent mental health diagnoses among children, reflecting a significant concern for public health and pediatric care.
Citation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health,” 2022
Nature based occupational therapy
Who is this camp for?
Top Kids Summer Enrichment Camps in South Shore, Massachusetts for 2026 are great for ANY child! It is especially great for children who need extra support from a trained pediatric specialist. This means your child may already have a diagnosis, is on a 504 Plan or IEP at school, is in the process of undergoing testing and evaluation, or you know in your gut that your child would feel overwhelmed by traditional camp. In traditional summer camp, the people in charge are generally high school or college students who may not be equipped to handle dysregulation or emotional distress.
Empowerment
Our aim is to nurture a profound sense of confidence, self-reliance, and joy in every child, utilizing our distinctive, nature-inspired approach to occupational therapy.
Holistic Approach
What makes us unique? Our therapy adopts a play-based, holistic approach, conducted outdoors. This setting allows children to bond with nature and fosters a passion for physical activity
Valuable Techniques
We understand the importance of the family unit, so we equip family members and caregivers with therapeutic techniques and strategies to integrate into daily routines at home.
Summer enrichment camp Benefits
Nature Based Pediatric Therapy Enrichment Camp
- Specialized Approach: A unique summer camp experience through an Occupational Therapy lens, ensuring activities are beneficial for development.
- Continuation of Therapy: An excellent opportunity for children receiving Occupational Therapy to extend their learning into the summer.
- Outdoor Activities: 100% outdoor camp to promote connection with nature and encourage physical activity.
- Inclusive Curriculum: Activities designed to be accessible for all children, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy
- Structured Yet Flexible: Led by pediatric therapy specialists prepared to support children through any challenges.
- Top Kids Summer Enrichment Camps in South Shore, Massachusetts for 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this summer camp considered “occupational therapy?
No, this camp is not a therapy camp. This is an enrichment camp. The camp is staffed with pediatric specialists including Occupational Therapists, OT Students, and Special Educators. Therefore, we are prepared to support children who do receive therapy services throughout the year and would benefit from unique support in a camp environment.
Is camp cancelled in “bad weather”?
We will have camp rain, or shine with a couple of exceptions: If there is severe thunder & lightning during the hours of camp (9a-12p) we would not have camp. Families will be notified via email the morning of camp by 8am.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your registration before March 1, 2024, there will be no fee or penalty. If you cancel your registration after March 1, 2024, a 25% processing fee will occur.
What is the toileting situation like?
We use a pop-up potty tent which is large enough for adult assistance should your child require additional help with toileting. We do not have actual bathrooms or toilets; this is very much like camping in the woods!
Can my child change their clothes at camp?
Yes, we have a changing pop-up tent where children are welcome to change their clothes. We can provide adult assistance if needed but do try to encourage as much independence as possible (we are OT’s after all!)
What does my child need to bring to camp?
Your child must attend camp with appropriate gear. They will need a backpack that has a secure chest strap so they can wear their backpack down the trail and back at the end of camp. We do not have enough staff or room on the wagon to carry every child’s backpack. Additionally, your child will need a snack, water, sunscreen, bug spray, a change of clothes and a towel.
My child requires rest time and/or regulation time. Can that be achieved at your camp?
Yes! We have an entire hammock swing section at camp for our quiet “corner.” Children are welcome to come and go as they need to this area of camp. There are many hammocks hung, so multiple children can access this space. The hammocks can be used for quiet time as they are big enough to be completely covered like a cocoon, or they can be used like a swing.
My child is non-speaking and uses a communication device. Can you support this type of communication style at camp?
Yes. We do review this on a case-by-case basis during our parent interviews. Our goal is to provide a welcoming inclusive environment for all children, and we do our very best to accommodate all communication styles.
My child is a flight risk. Are they appropriate for your camp?
No, unless they attend camp with a 1:1 support person or therapist. We do not have enough staff to safely welcome children who cannot stay with a group or may run from the group. It is a safety concern.
My child has food allergies. How can you support this?
We allow children with food allergies to have their snack in the hammock instead of on the snack tarp, or we simply have them sit a few feet away from potential allergy risks. Whatever the family is most comfortable with.