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Help for Parents

We know how hard it is to make the decision to send your child to overnight camp! After all, they're going to be away from home, and away from you, for almost two weeks—or maybe longer! Rest assured that we're professionals at this—it's our job to make camp a home away from home.

At Crossroads for Kids, we're fortunate to have a number of different programs for young people with limited resources. When we say we serve “at-risk youth,” what we mean is that we make camp an amazing, affordable, socially comfortable and diverse experience for all children.

If you've never sent a child to a Crossroads for Kids camp before, we suggest you visit Choosing a Camp . Many of your questions about camp, and the Crossroads camps, will be answered if you click on Ask the Registrar (FAQ). If you'd like information about how we can help make camp more affordable, click on Financial Assistance , or if you're all ready to sign up for camp, click on Applications and Forms to request that a brochure and application be sent to you. And if you want to know exactly how many pair of socks to pack—or how to help manage homesickness—click on Getting Ready for Camp .

Of course, you can always call us directly at 781-834-2700, or toll-free at 888-543-7284.

Choosing A Camp

Every child is different. And we're thrilled that you want to send yours to Crossroads for Kids. Our  summer camps serve mainly Massachusetts children from socio-economic environments that put them at risk for developing youth-related problems such as violent acts, alcohol and drug use, low self-esteem and a low regard for learning.

Our programs are based on a youth development model which encourages character development, personal and emotional growth, initiative and leadership, social competency and skill development Our targeted prevention program extends the learning year to improve academic success, and provides opportunities for positive and meaningful relationships, enhanced self-esteem, conflict resolution, social skills, and healthy risk taking. As a result, participation in our programs can lead to a reduction in developing youth related problems.

We do this at two very different camps. The question is, which camp—Camp Wing/Duxbury Stockade, or Camp Mitton (previously called Camp Lapham)—will be right for your child?

There are some significant differences between the two camps. Size-wise, Camp Wing/Duxbury Stockade is much larger—home to 200 campers per session, while Camp Mitton has a maximum of 64. Location, too—Wing is located in Duxbury, MA (on the South Shore of Boston), and Mitton is in Brewster, on Cape Cod. There are some other differences too, but the main one is that they serve two different types of campers.

Camp Wing/Duxbury Stockade is “a safe place and supportive community for boys and girls ages 7-13 to develop healthy social behaviors and have fun.” To accomplish that goal, campers participate in a variety of “traditional” camp activities such as instructional swimming, team sports, creative arts, and outdoor pursuits, including the climbing wall and high and low ropes courses. The program incorporates literacy development into activities such as journal writing, radio, and the camp newspaper in a way that makes learning fun. Special programs like WiredWoods (computer and multimedia technology), sailing and nautical instruction at the Duxbury Bay Maritime School , as well as special events celebrating the Olympics, Carnival, and holidays allow campers to expand their imagination and horizons to see the opportunities available to them.

 The average camp Wing/Duxbury Stockade Campers:

· Are virtually independent with regards to daily living skills

· Have the social skills to be part of a larger camp community (approximately 200 campers) without becoming “lost” or anxious

· Can build esteem over time by working towards a larger goal, i.e. recognition for improvement in archery over a three-week session

· Are able to participate in longer activity blocks and/or need less step-by-step direction for individual tasks

· Are considered at-risk; they come from risky communities, are vulnerable to developing behavioral problems as a result of their environment, and may not be able to afford a recreational camp experience elsewhere.

Camp Mitton (previously Camp Lapham) is “a small, family-style environment teaching boys and girls ages 7-12 healthy ways to cope with stressful situations.” Since children in crisis situations experience a low self-image, feelings of hopelessness, and an inability to understand and communicate their personal feelings, our program intervenes by providing a safe and stable environment, a personal relationship with caring adults, and an opportunity to experience success. The daily program focuses on teambuilding and communication in a group setting. Activity groups are small and concentrate on helping the campers express themselves through a variety of outlets including outdoor pursuits (biking, hiking, and nature exploration) and the creative arts (drama, music, arts and crafts). Therapeutically focused activities in music and art increase opportunities for campers to express their feelings safely and learn about themselves. Advancing through levels in swim lessons provides campers the chance to work towards a goal and build their self-esteem. Our goal is that, as a result of our intervention programs, children will be better able to cope with their situations, have a healthier self-image, and a chance for bolder dreams.

Many campers at Camp Mitton have or are currently experiencing crisis situations such as homelessness, abuse, or neglect. Many have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care, approximately 25% are homeless with their families, and 70% are involved with DSS. Children are mainly referred through agencies such as DSS, Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Department of Mental Health, the Mental Heath Services Program for Youth, and approximately 20 homeless shelters across the state. 

The average Camp Mitton campers:

· Need more individualized attention for daily living skills

· Do not have (or need special attention to develop) social skills for relating to other campers

· Have limited coping skills; feel more secure or less anxious/overwhelmed in a smaller physical environment, and/or a smaller group of people

· Need more day-to-day or short-term esteem tasks for personal development; thrive in an environment with a positive-reinforcement behavioral goals system, i.e. rewards for positively participating in one period of archery instruction

· Need more structured steps for accomplishing tasks within a given program/activity

· Use recreational experiences as the mode to accomplish behavioral, emotional, and social gains

· Have moved from being “at-risk” to actively experiencing behavioral and/or emotional concerns

· May be in a special program or classroom at school addressing behavioral or social needs

· May be better able to handle shorter sessions of camp

You know your child best—and we would like to get to know him or her. If you have questions about which camp is more appropriate for your camper, please don't hesitate to contact us. It may also be helpful to show this information to any social services workers who are helping your child or family or could assist you with choosing the right camp program.

Both of these camps offer financial assistance and use the same camper application. For information about financial aid at Crossroads for Kids, click here . To request an application or forms, click here .

Financial Assistance

Crossroads for Kids is a non-profit organization which exists to provide opportunities for all children to attend summer camp, regardless of financial status or need. We provide almost 95% of our campers with financial assistance to attend camp.

We have tried to make the application process as simple as possible. The financial assistance application is part of the Admissions Application.  When you send in your form, you will also need to supply supporting documentation such as tax forms from last year or pay stubs, or your aid letter from any funds you receive from Social Security. Full directions are included with the application. Our main goal in asking for this paperwork is to help our Financial Aid committee get as clear a picture of your family's financial need as possible, so that we can award you the right amount of financial aid.

Please call our camp office toll free at 888-543-7284 should you need any assistance with the forms for financial assistance. We're here to help.

Helping Your Child (and yourself) Get Ready For Camp

Camp can be an amazing experience—and something that can lead to a lot of questions! We believe that the more prepared your child is for camp, (and lets face it, the more prepared your child's parent or guardian is!) the more successful your camper will be at camp and the more fun he or she will have. Here are some pieces of information we think you'll find helpful as you get ready for camp!

Our Packing List - Click here to see everything your child needs for camp

The American Camp Association—Getting Ready For Camp Parents Page - Some great help from the ACA.

Good Reading: Preparing Your Child for Group Life

Going away to camp for the first (and in some cases even second or fifth) time is something children anticipate with both excitement and some anxiety.  This is normal, since there are many new things to learn all at once---new routines, new friends, being dependent on others, being more on your own, mastering new songs, skills and activities and so on.

One major aspect of camp is interacting in a group with other children.  Once at camp your child will acquire a host of “brothers” or “sisters” ---their group mates--- with whom they must cooperate and work out differences.  Group interaction is one of the most significant areas of potential growth for every child at camp, as this is where they learn to work out conflicts that naturally arise, make new friends, and become more flexible and tolerant of individual differences. 

You can prepare your child to make the most of this opportunity by having brief, but clear talks about some of the following themes:

  • Your counselor is there to help you.  If you are feeling left out, unhappy, or are having trouble with other campers, talk to your counselor.  You can ask for help.   You do not have to fight or argue.  You do not have to “go it alone.”
  • If you feel your counselor does not understand you or is not helping you, go to the director or any adult at camp that you feel comfortable talking with and tell them.
  • Remember that being part of a group means that you have to do your part to help out.  That means being part of clean up, following the rules and helping each other.  Don't be afraid to stand up for what you know is right if other children are being mean or rude.
  • Be respectful of other people's space and things.  Ask permission before you take or use something that belongs to a counselor or another camper.
  • (Adapted from “Preparing Your Child for Group Life” by Robert Ditter, M.Ed., LCSW, 72 Montgomery Street, Boston , MA  02116)