Summer camps for kids and teens,
located in Waltham, MA

We're here to help!

Below you will find answers to many frequently asked questions. If your question is not addressed here, please go ahead and contact the Camp Office! You can call us at (781) 314-0994 or email us at runningbrookcamp@chch.org.

The Basics

List of 18 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. What are the dates of summer camp?

    For Summer 2023, our programs are in session from June 26th through August 18th. Camp runs in four two-week sessions:

    Session 1: June 26th - July 7th * 
    Session 2: July 10th - July 21st
    Session 3: July 24th - August 4th
    Session 4: August 7th - August 18th

    * Please note that all Running Brook Camp programs are closed for the July 4th holiday.

  • Q. Can I schedule a tour of campus prior to the first day?

    Sure! We would love to meet you. In order to schedule a tour of campus, please send an email with your availability to Alyssa Nastri (anastri@chch.org) or call the Camp Office directly at 781-314-0994.

  • Q. What does my camper need to bring to camp each day?

    Check out a list of items to bring to Day Camp / Creative Arts Camp HERE! If your camper is enrolled in our Adventures program, you will receive a separate list of items to pack.

  • Q. Is the COVID-19 vaccination required for eligible campers?

    Yes! If you have a medical or religious exemption for all of your vaccinations, please reach out to our Camp Nurse (ajones@chch.org). Please note that those who submit an exemption will not receive a refund for camp days missed according to our COVID-19 Prevention and Response Plan. 

  • Q. Are friend requests guaranteed?

    No - but we do our very best! Our incredible team in the Camp Office works hard to accommodate requests, but it can be tricky due to the sheer number of campers we enroll each season. Please note that all friend requests must be mutual in order to be considered.

  • Q. Where is the Camp Office located?

    The Camp Office is located on the first floor of East Hall, which is the large gray Victorian house near the pools. You can pull into the first parking lot on the right after you enter campus. There are signs to direct you!

  • Q. Does my preschooler need to have any specific skills in order to attend Running Brook Camp?

    Yes! We have a few developmental requirements in place for safety and group management reasons. Please refer to this checklist to determine if your kiddo is ready for camp!

  • Q. Can I visit my camper during the camp day?

    No. Parents are not allowed to wander around campus to look for their camper at any time. Parents must come directly to the Camp Office when they arrive on campus, unless for regular car drop-off or pick-up.

    If you need to deliver a forgotten item to your camper, you may drop it off at the Camp Office and we will ensure it gets to your camper.

  • Q. What should I do if my camper will be absent?

    Please contact the Camp Office as soon as possible to let us know. You can call us at (781) 314-0994 or email us at runningbrookcamp@chch.org. 

    If you do not contact us prior to your camper's absence, we will follow up with a phone call upon receiving the group's attendance sheet.

  • Q. Do you offer transportation for summer camp?

    Yes! We offer bus transportation to several local communities through Local Motion bus company. Click here for more information about the bus!

    Please note that campers in our Preschool group must be accompanied by an older sibling in order to enroll in bus transportation. 

    If you are registered for bus transportation to and / or from camp, please refer to this Bus Info Sheet for additional information.

  • Q. What snacks are provided at camp?

    We provide each camper with one snack per day. We offer either a fresh fruit or a crunchy snack (e.g. pretzels or animal crackers).

    You are more than welcome to send your camper with additional snacks, as long as they are nut-free. Please consider doing this if your camper gets extra hungry during busy days!

  • Q. Is lunch provided at camp?

    Yes! Every camper is provided with a lunch each day. If your camper is not interested in the camp lunch offerings, you may pack a lunch for your camper as long as it is nut-free.  

    The lunch schedules for the 2023 season will be posted here when they are completed.

    Adventures campers will need to pack lunch each day (unless otherwise specified) because they will be off-campus.

  • Q. Where can I find my camper's schedule for Day Camp?

    We are working on developing the schedules for our 2023 season and will post them as soon as they are complete!

  • Q. Will I get regular updates about how my camper is doing?

    Not necessarily! We live by the "no news is good news" policy - with the size of our camp, we are unfortunately not able to provide regular updates about the ins and outs of each camper's day. If anything comes up at camp (e.g. behaviors, emotional needs, counselor questions, etc.), a member of the Leadership Team will reach out. 
    Please feel free to reach out to the Camp Office with any specific questions. They will connect you with a member of the Leadership Team who will be in touch with an answer or a plan within 24 hours.

  • Q. Can my camper bring technology (e.g. phone, smartwatch, etc.) to camp with them?

    No, thank you! We ask that our campers and staff members leave technology at home so they can fully focus on the joy of camp. Please note that campers may not use technology to contact their families for early pick-ups - all communication must go through the Camp Office to ensure camper safety at all times. 

  • Q. What should I know about swimming at camp?

    All campers in the Day Camp program have one hour of swimming  time (half lessons, half free swim) built into their schedule. 

    The swim program is leveled - lifeguards will evaluate campers on the first day of the session to ensure that they are in the correct lesson placement. Campers are grouped by skill, not age.

    If you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to our Pool Director (Sarah Coscia - scoscia@chch.org)!

  • Q. Are there any special themes or dress-up days I should know about?

    Why, yes! Thank you for asking! Click HERE to check out our schedule of Thursday dress-up days and Friday special events. Dress-up days are totally optional, so go with whatever your camper feels most comfortable with. 

    We also have Wacky Tacky Silly Sock Wednesdays every week!

  • Q. How do I care for the beautiful tie dye that my camper brought home?

    Great question! Here are the steps for washing out a tie dye:

    1. Let it steep in plastic bag for at least 8 hours.

    2. Remove from plastic bag and rinse with cold water. Leave the rubber bands on and use gloves for this step! Rinse until the water runs clear.

    3. Remove rubber bands and give it another rinse. Wring it out!

    4. Wash tie dye using detergent in hot water - be sure that it is the only thing you are washing, as there is likely still excess dye that will seep out. 

    5. Air dry and enjoy!

    Please note that you may have to repeat these step-by-step instructions a few times prior to washing your tie dye with other clothing.

Drop-Off

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

Pick-Up

List of 7 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. What time is car pick-up for summer camp?

    Car pick-up begins at approximately 3:40pm and ends at 4:00pm. Please be prepared to wait in the car line for a while - especially towards the beginning of each session - because we need to check the I.Ds for adults in each car for safety purposes.

    We ask that you print and fill out this windshield name card document in order to speed up the pick-up process. Please print out the PDF and fill it out with your camper's information (name and group).

  • Q. Who can pick my camper up from camp?

    Only adults who are on your camper's Authorized Grown-Up list can pick your camper up. You will have until June 15 to add or make changes to your camper's Authorized Grown-Up list on your CampInTouch account. After June 15, please contact the Camp Office with any changes you want to make.

    For the safety of all our campers, our staff will not release your camper to anyone who you have not previously authorized by following this process.

  • Q. Should I let the Camp Office know if I will be picking my camper up early?

    Yes, please! If you know your camper will need to be picked up early (e.g. doctor's appointment, travel plans, etc.), please contact the Camp Office via email or phone call. We ask for at least one hour's notice. This allows us to communicate plans with your camper's group and ensure that they are at East Hall for the early pick-up. The latest "early" pick-up time is 3:00pm - if you arrive after 3:00pm, you will be directed to the regular pick-up line. 

    For the safety of all of our campers, we require that all communication with us regarding any changes to their usual camp-day routine be done through the Camp Office.  Your adherence to this policy helps us to ensure the safety of all of our campers. Please do not attempt to inform us of any changes through conversations with bus monitors, Extended Day staff or through a note delivered by your child.

  • Q. Where do I go to pick my camper up early?

    You will meet your camper in the Camp Office for early pick-up.  Please do not wander around camp looking for your camper! At no time will we release a camper to you or any other adult without having them check-out through the Camp Office.

  • Q. Do you have an Extended Day program?

    Yes! Click here for more information about our morning and afternoon Extended Day programs.

    If you are enrolled in our Extended Day program, you can find a helpful Info Sheet here.

  • Q. How do I change my camper's end-of-day transportation plans?

    If you want to make a change to your camper's end of day transportation (car pick-up instead of bus / Extended Day), please contact the Camp Office before 2:00 p.m. on the day of the change. You may also let us know further in advance!

    We will be unable to offer a refund for changes or cancellations to bus service or Extended Day programming made with less than two weeks notice.

    For the safety of all of our campers, we require that all communication with us regarding any changes to their usual camp-day routine be done through the Camp Office.  Your adherence to this policy helps us to ensure the safety of all of our campers. Please do not attempt to inform us of any changes through conversations with bus monitors, Extended Day staff or through a note delivered by your child.

  • Q. Can my camper walk home from camp or the bus stop?

    Yes, but only if they have completed 5th grade or older. If you would like your camper to walk home, please complete the Walker Waiver form on CampinTouch for our records.

Adventures

List of 7 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. Is it possible for trips to be cancelled?

    Yes. Our trips are dependent on maintaining an appropriate counselor-to-camper ratio according to ACA standards. Trips are subject to cancellation if we cannot meet staffing expectations. Also, in order to provide participants with a rewarding group experience, each trip will require a minimum number of campers (typically 8 or more) in order to run. If a trip is going to be cancelled, families of registered campers will be notified by April 19, 2023. 

  • Q. What if I need to pick my Adventures camper up early?

    Early dismissals from Adventures camp are challenging to coordinate as the groups are off campus until at least 3:15pm every day. If your camper is in the Excursions or the Day Trekkers program, please contact Kirsten Alper (kalper@chch.org) to formulate an early pick-up plan. If your camper is in the Voyagers or Explorers program, please contact Eric Burke (eburke@chch.org) to formulate an early pick-up plan.

  • Q. What do Adventures campers need to bring to camp each day?

    Adventures campers should bring the following items to camp each day: lunch, snack, large water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, bathing suit, and towel. As activities change based on the weather, we ask that campers also come prepared with footwear for any activity (i.e. sneakers, socks and flip flops / water shoes).  

    I    n a confirmation packet you will receive prior to camp, there will be a letter detailing supplies needed for specific activities as well as a packing list for the camping trip.

  • Q. What about lunch?

    Each camper needs to bring their own non-refrigerated lunch, drink and snack each day during the day trip portion of the session. For overnight camping trips, campers need their lunch for the first day of the trip, as well as snack money. We supply the food for the remainder of the trip.

  • Q. Where do the campers go for their day trips?

    The day trip sites are all within a one-hour drive from camp. In past years, these activities have included rock climbing, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, beach days, high ropes, and museum visits. A detailed schedule of activities will be sent via email two weeks prior to your scheduled session.

  • Q. What if my camper has never tried some of the activities?

    We love helping campers experience new adventures and step out of their comfort zone! That being said, activities such as hiking and biking require some level of comfort to ensure that the whole group can move together at an appropriate pace. Please contact the Camp Office before signing up if you are not sure about your camper’s comfort level.

  • Q. Does every program have a camping component?

    The Excursions program does not have a camping component.

    The Day Trekkers program features one night of camping on the Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall campus. 

    The Voyagers program features a two-night camping trip beginning on the second Wednesday of each session. 

    The Explorers program  includes multiple nights of camping each session (three during the first session and four during the second session), making it ideal for campers who love to spend time under the stars.

    The camping trips are typically the highlight of the session and offer awesome opportunities for the campers to really engage in the experience. We work with campers to ensure that they are ready and comfortable with the camping trip. There is not an alternative on-campus plan for Voyagers / Explorers should they chose not to attend.

Creative Arts

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. Is there swimming in the Creative Arts program?

    No. Swimming is not included in our Creative Arts program due to pool capacity limitations. If your camper is primarily interested in swimming, we would recommend either enrollment in our Day Camp or afternoon Extended Day program. 

FYI

RUNNING BROOK CAMPS AT CHAPEL HILL - CHAUNCY HALL SCHOOL


785 Beaver St.
Waltham, MA 02452
Phone: 781-314-0994
Fax: 781-894-5706
Email: runningbrookcamp@chch.org

Director: Kenna Weber, L.M.F.T.

Office Hours: We are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please give us a call with any questions that you have, or to schedule a personal tour.
Running Brook Camps, located at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School in Waltham, MA, provides summer camps for children in preschool through high school.