Why Summer Camp Here is the Best!
We know we’re biased, but these camps have a reputation for being magical!
Ask adults about their summer memories and a common thread emerges: a sense of carefree adventure. For nearly half of American adults, those memories also include summer camp, the laughter, lessons, and lasting friendships that shaped who they became.
At Gardner School, we believe summer camp is an opportunity for growth, connection, and the kind of formative experiences that echo long after the last camp song is sung.
What Makes Camp Special
While unstructured time is vital to creativity and development, well-designed summer camps offer something more. They provide scaffolding for:
Finding new friends. Camps give students the chance to meet peers from different social and cultural groups — forming friendships based on shared interests rather than proximity.
Exploring new passions. From ceramics to robotics, camps cover topics that might not fit in a traditional school day. And without grades or homework, children can engage curiosity without fear of failure.
Building teamwork. Camp experiences emphasize inclusivity, collaboration, and the importance of working together toward shared goals.
The Gardner Difference
Our summer camps are led by Gardner faculty — classroom and specialist teachers who design programs around their own passions and expertise. This means campers learn from experienced educators who know our philosophy, our environment, and our students.
But that's just the beginning of what makes Gardner camps unique:
Our core values in action. Curiosity, Creativity, Connection, and Courage guide every camp experience.
A school-based environment. DCYF-certified areas, well-developed safety protocols, and equipment designed for children.
Mixed-age magic. Campers interact across camps during three daily recesses, maintaining friendships even when enrolled in different programs.
Nature without travel. Our 5-acre campus includes natural wetlands and trails
Limited screens. We believe children learn best from real-world experience, so personal devices stay home.
Time for reflection. Teachers build in opportunities for students to assess their own growth and celebrate what they've gained.
Structure Without Strictness
The best summer camps balance freedom with framework. At Gardner, that means giving campers room to explore while providing the guidance to make good choices. It means fostering independence while maintaining a safe, supportive environment.
The result? Memorable, foundational experiences that children carry with them for a lifetime.
Registration for summer camps opens soon. Learn more about our programs.
