Family Information
Rates
Beech Tree Traditional Camp
$800 per two-week session, with the exception of Session 1, which is $400.
Enrichment Camps
$950 per two-week session, with the exception of Session 1, which is $475.
Speciality Camps and Programs
Varies by program.
Residential Camps
Varies by program.
Morning & Evening Care
Morning Care
$90 per two-week session and runs 7:30 – 9 a.m., with the exception of Session 1, which is $45.
Evening Care
$90 per two-week session and runs 4 – 5:30 p.m., with the exception of Session 1, which is $45.
Policies
Registration Policies
What’s Included
For all our Summer@WMA camp programs, tuition includes lunch and one snack each day.
How to Cancel or Switch Weeks
All cancellations or requests to switch programs must be submitted in writing to our Camp Director: vwarner@wma.us.
Balances may be transferred to another program based on availability.
Balances may also be applied to another immediate family member.
Payment Options
Pay in Full
The full balance, including the required deposit, is processed at the time of registration using the electronic payment method submitted with your application.
All registrations completed after May 1 require payment in full at the time of registration.
Payment Plan
A deposit is processed at the time of registration:
- $100 per week or $200 per two-week session.
The remaining balance is divided evenly and automatically processed on the first of each month between February and May, depending on your enrollment date.
Payments are charged to the electronic payment method submitted during registration.
Balances may be paid off at any time before May 1, 2026 with no early payment penalty.
All account balances must be paid in full by May 15, 2026. Unpaid balances may result in forfeiture of your camper’s spot.
Refunds
2026 Refund Policy
Before May 15
- Any tuition paid is fully refundable, minus a $100 deposit per session, per child.
After May 15 and up to two weeks before your program begins
- A 25% refund is available.
Within 2 weeks of the program start
- No refunds will be issued.
Additional Refund Notes
No refund or credit is available for late arrival, early departure or partial attendance due to behavioral issues or illness, including COVID-19.
Changes
1. Registration Changes (General Adjustments)
Families may request changes to their camper’s registration (such as updating contact information, switching activities within the same week, adding extended care, etc.) at any time, pending availability.
- Changes must be submitted in writing via email (info@summerwma.us).
- Administrative changes that do not affect scheduling or capacity are free of charge.
2. Switching Weeks (Session Transfers)
Families may request to move their camper from one session to another under the following guidelines:
A. Deadline for Week Changes
- Session-change requests must be submitted at least 14 days before the start of the originally registered week.
- Requests submitted after the 14-day window will be reviewed but are not guaranteed due to staffing, ratios and supply planning.
B. Availability Requirement
- Session changes are granted based on available space in the requested session.
- If the preferred session is full, the family may join the waitlist.
C. Fee Structure
- One complimentary session change per camper is permitted each summer.
- Additional week-change requests cost $25 per change to cover administrative time.
- If switching to a more expensive program or specialty camp, or from a one-week to two-week session, families must pay the difference in tuition at the time of the change.
- If switching to a less expensive session, or from a two-week session to one-week session, the difference will be credited to the family’s account (or refunded if your camp offers refunds).
3. Changes Due to Medical or Emergency Reasons
If a camper is unable to attend their registered week due to illness, injury or a family emergency:
- Families may switch weeks without penalty, pending availability.
- A doctor’s note or written explanation may be required for medical exemptions.
4. Day-of or Same-Week Changes
- Changes requested after a session has started cannot be accommodated except in documented emergencies.
- No prorated refunds or credits are issued for missed days.
5. How to Request a Change
All requests must be submitted via:
- Email: info@summerwma.us
- Please include camper’s name, current registered session, current registered camp and desired new session or camp.
6. Confirmation
Families will receive a confirmation email once:
- The change has been approved.
- The new session has been secured.
- Any fee or tuition differences have been processed.
7. Exceptions & Director Discretion
The Camp Director reserves the right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances, while maintaining fairness and staffing compliance.
Waitlists
We strongly encourage you to add your camper (at no fee or risk) to the waitlist.
If you are on a waitlist, here are a few important things to know:
- A waitlist spot only opens in Beech Tree Traditional Camp if:
- a currently enrolled camper cancels that program.
- A waitlist spot only opens in Enrichment Camps if:
- a currently enrolled camper cancels that program.
- we are able to open an entirely new, additional week of the Enrichment and Specialty Programs by securing more staffing, facilities, etc.
In either case, we cannot predict when the waitlist will move or how long your camper will remain on the waitlist, as we have no way of knowing when or if someone will cancel.
If you get off the waitlist for a 2-week Enrichment Camp and you are enrolled in a 2-week Beech Tree Camp, you may enroll in the Enrichment Camp.
- There is no scenario in which we would not contact you if a space opened up and you are next on the list. Please do not call the office to check if a space has opened. We receive several of these calls each day and need to keep the phone line open for on-campus operations.
Feel free to request your child’s waitlist position by emailing info@summerwma.us. - If you are next on the waitlist, we will reach out to the email addresses listed in your account and give you 24 hours to respond. Please make sure the emails listed are current and checked regularly. If we do not hear back within that window, we will move on to the next family on the list.
Discounts
Sibling Discount
Each additional sibling receives $20 off their full tuition.
9-Week Discount
Register for all 9 weeks of the season and receive 5% off your full tuition.
Registration considerations
For the safety and well-being of all campers, we require clear and complete emergency and pickup information at the time of registration. If parents are separated or divorced with joint custody, both parents must provide written consent for all individuals listed as Emergency Contacts and Authorized Pickups. Campers will only be released to parents, legal guardians or those explicitly authorized on the registration form and photo identification will be required at pickup. Families should also provide at least one emergency contact and indicate if both custodial parents should receive email notifications.
Health Information
This camp is in full compliance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations and is licensed by the local Board of Health.
Behavior Management Policy
At Summer@WMA, our goal is to ensure a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience for every camper. We expect campers to follow directions, move safely with their group, respect personal space, and engage positively in all activities. Staff use clear, consistent expectations and positive reinforcement to foster a welcoming and structured environment.
When a camper’s behavior disrupts the camp community or compromises safety, staff will use developmentally appropriate behavior-management strategies. These may include redirection, distraction, gentle reminders, offering choices, outlining natural consequences, and—when necessary—brief “Renewal Time” away from the group to regain self-control.
Behaviors that jeopardize the physical or emotional safety of any camper or staff member will result in the following responses:
First Occurrence: On-site behavior intervention with a staff member to discuss the behavior and identify appropriate alternatives. Parents/guardians will be informed at pickup.
Second Occurrence: An incident report will be completed and given to the parent at pickup time. A conference may be requested to discuss the situation and foster a clear line of communication between the camp, the camper and the parent.
Third Occurrence: An incident report will be completed and parents notified. The camper may be temporarily removed from camp activities for 1–3 days, depending on severity.
Fourth Occurrence: An incident report will be completed and parents notified. The camper may be dismissed from camp for the remainder of the session.
Note: Violent, threatening, or obscene behavior may result in immediate removal from the program. If a camper is dismissed from Beech Tree Camp due to behavior, refunds will not be issued.
If a child is unable, in our opinion, to productively and safely enjoy the camp experience, we reserve the right — after consultation with parents — to request their withdrawal. Families are encouraged to speak with the Camp Director if their child is having difficulty adjusting to camp.
Summer@WMA is committed to partnering with families to create a safe, positive and inclusive camp environment. We welcome communication and collaboration to support each camper’s success.
Late Pickup Policy
Summer@WMA staff are committed to ensuring all campers are safely supervised until they are signed out each day. To support this, we require that all campers be picked up within the designated pickup window – between 3:30 and 4:15 p.m.
If a camper is not picked up by the end of the pickup window, staff will contact the parent/guardian unless the camper is registered for After Care. Ten minutes past the pick-up window, a $15 aftercare fee (the cost of a full day of aftercare) will be applied.
If a camper has not been picked up by 5:30 p.m., an additional $25 late fee will be charged.
All fees will be added to the family’s account. Summer@WMA reserves the right to refuse services to any child who is repeatedly picked up after 5 p.m.
Thank you for supporting our staff and ensuring a smooth dismissal process for all campers.
Late Payments
If payment in full is not received by May 15, your camper’s registration may be cancelled. We appreciate and request that you communicate with our office regarding any additions, deletions or changes to your camper’s registration.
Find your Camp
Alphabetically
- Adventures in Coding (Innovation)
- All-Sports (Recreational Sports)
- Art in Nature (Arts, Theater & Music)
- Beech Tree Traditional Day Camp
- Budding Entrepreneurs (Innovation)
- Ceramic Creations (Arts, Theater & Music)
- CodeREV Robotics (Innovation)
- College Essay Writing (Specialty)
- Darkroom Photography (Specialty)
- Day Trippers (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
- Drone Together (Innovation)
- Dungeons & Dragons Camp (Role Playing Games)
- Farm-to-Table Adventure (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
- Fashion (Specialty)
- Finance Club (Innovation)
- Flag Football – Coed (Recreational Sports)
- Guitar Studio (Arts, Theater & Music)
- Hiking Adventures (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
- Junior CEOs (Innovation)
- Lego Masters (Innovation)
- Mountain Biking – Intro to (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
- Mountain Biking – Advanced (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
- Magic: The Gathering Camp (Role Playing Games)
- Math Refresher (Specialty)
- Orchestra & Percussion Camp (Arts, Theater & Music)
- Pickleball – Coed (Recreational Sports)
- Roblox Studio Game Design (Innovation)
- Rock Band (Arts, Theater & Music)
- Stock Market Bulls & Bears (Innovation)
- Summer Theater (Arts, Theater & Music)
- Tennis Camp – Coed (Recreational Sports)
- Trailblazers Leadership (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
- Ultimate Frisbee (Recreational Sports)
- Vocal Music Academy (Arts, Theater & Music)
- Wizards Camp: A Hogwarts Adventure (Role Playing Games)
By Theme
- TRADITIONAL DAY CAMP
- Beech Tree Day Camp
- OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & LEADERSHIP
- Day Trippers
- Farm-to-Table Adventure
- Hiking Adventures
- Mountain Biking – Advanced
- Mountain Biking – Intro to
- Trailblazers Leadership
- INNOVATION
- Adventures in Coding
- Budding Entrepreneurs
- CodeREV Robotics
- Drone Together
- Finance Club
- Junior CEOs
- Lego Masters
- Roblox Studio Game Design
- Stock Market Bulls & Bears
- ARTS, THEATER & MUSIC
- Art in Nature
- Ceramic Creations
- Guitar Studio
- Orchestra & Percussion Camp
- Rock Band
- Summer Theater
- Vocal Music Academy
- RECREATIONAL SPORTS
- All-Sports – coed
- Flag Football – coed
- Pickleball – coed
- Ultimate Frisbee – coed
- Tennis – coed
- ROLE PLAYING GAMES
- Dungeons & Dragons Camp
- Magic: The Gathering Camp
- Wizards Camp: A Hogwarts Adventure
- SPECIALTY
- College Essay Writing
- Darkroom Photography
- Fashion
- Math Refresher Camp
By Grade
Grades designation is determined by the grade the child will enter during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Kindergarten
Beech Tree Traditional Day Camp
Grade 1
Beech Tree Traditional Day Camp
Grade 2
Beech Tree Traditional Day Camp
Grade 3
Beech Tree Traditional Day Camp
Budding Entrepreneurs (Innovation)
Drone Together (Innovation)
Finance Club (Innovation)
Lego Masters (Innovation)
Grade 4
Beech Tree Traditional Day Camp
Budding Entrepreneurs (Innovation)
Drone Together (Innovation)
Farm-to-Table Adventure (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Finance Club (Innovation)
Lego Masters (Innovation)
Roblox Studio Game Design (Innovation)
Grade 5
Adventures in Coding (Innovation)
All-Sports – coed (Recreational Sports)
Art in Nature (Arts, Theater & Music)
Beech Tree Traditional Day Camp
Budding Entrepreneurs (Innovation)
CodeREV Robotics (Innovation)
Drone Together (Innovation)
Dungeons & Dragons Camp (Role Playing Games)
Farm-to-Table Adventure (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Finance Club (Innovation)
Flag Football – coed (Recreational Sports)
Lego Masters (Innovation)
Magic: The Gathering Camp (Role Playing Games)
Pickleball – coed (Recreational Sports)\
Roblox Studio Game Design (Innovation)
Tennis Camp – coed (Recreational Sports)
Ultimate Frisbee – coed (Recreational Sports)
Wizards Camp: A Hogwarts Adventure (Role Playing Games)
Grade 6
Adventures in Coding (Innovation)
All-Sports (Recreational Sports)
Art in Nature (Arts, Theater & Music)
Beech Tree Traditional Day Camp
Ceramic Creations (Arts, Theater & Music)
CodeREV Robotics (Innovation)
Day Trippers (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Drone Together (Innovation)
Dungeons & Dragons Camp (Role Playing Games)
Farm-to-Table Adventure (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Flag Football – coed (Recreational Sports)
Guitar Studio (Arts, Theater & Music)
Hiking Adventures (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Junior CEOs (Innovation)
Lego Masters (Innovation)
Mountain Biking – Intro (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Mountain Biking – Advanced (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Magic: The Gathering Camp (Role Playing Games)
Math Refresher (Specialty)
Orchestra & Percussion Camp (Arts, Theater & Music)
Pickleball – coed (Recreational Sports)
Roblox Studio Game Design (Innovation)
Rock Band (Arts, Theater & Music)
Stock Market Bulls & Bears (Innovation)
Summer Theater (Arts, Theater & Music)
Tennis Camp – coed (Recreational Sports)
Ultimate Frisbee – coed (Recreational Sports)
Vocal Music Academy (Arts, Theater & Music)
Wizards Camp: A Hogwarts Adventure (Role Playing Games)
Grade 7
All-Sports (Recreational Sports)
Art in Nature (Arts, Theater & Music)
Beech Tree Traditional Day Camp
Ceramic Creations (Arts, Theater & Music)
Day Trippers (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Drone Together (Innovation)
Dungeons & Dragons Camp (Role Playing Games)
Farm-to-Table Adventure (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Flag Football – coed (Recreational Sports)
Guitar Studio (Arts, Theater & Music)
Hiking Adventures (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Junior CEOs (Innovation)
Mountain Biking – Intro (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Mountain Biking – Advanced (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Magic: The Gathering Camp (Role Playing Games)
Math Refresher (Specialty)
Orchestra & Percussion Camp (Arts, Theater & Music)
Pickleball – coed (Recreational Sports)
Rock Band (Arts, Theater & Music)
Stock Market Bulls & Bears (Innovation)
Summer Theater (Arts, Theater & Music)
Tennis Camp – coed (Recreational Sports)
Trailblazers Leadership (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Ultimate Frisbee – coed (Recreational Sports)
Vocal Music Academy (Arts, Theater & Music)
Wizards Camp: A Hogwarts Adventure (Role Playing Games)
Grade 8
All-Sports (Recreational Sports)
Art in Nature (Arts, Theater & Music)
Beech Tree Traditional Day Camp
Ceramic Creations (Arts, Theater & Music)
Day Trippers (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Drone Together (Innovation)
Dungeons & Dragons Camp (Role Playing Games)
Flag Football – coed (Recreational Sports)
Guitar Studio (Arts, Theater & Music)
Hiking Adventures (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Junior CEOs (Innovation)
Mountain Biking – Intro (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Mountain Biking – Advanced (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Magic: The Gathering Camp (Role Playing Games)
Math Refresher (Specialty)
Orchestra & Percussion Camp (Arts, Theater & Music)
Pickleball – coed (Recreational Sports)
Rock Band (Arts, Theater & Music)
Stock Market Bulls & Bears (Innovation)
Summer Theater (Arts, Theater & Music)
Tennis Camp – coed (Recreational Sports)
Trailblazers Leadership (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Ultimate Frisbee – coed (Recreational Sports)
Vocal Music Academy (Arts, Theater & Music)
Wizards Camp: A Hogwarts Adventure (Role Playing Games)
Grade 9
Ceramic Creations (Arts, Theater & Music)
Darkroom Photography (Specialty)
Fashion (Specialty)
Guitar Studio (Arts, Theater & Music)
Orchestra & Percussion Camp (Arts, Theater & Music)
Rock Band (Arts, Theater & Music)
Summer Theater (Arts, Theater & Music)
Trailblazers Leadership (Outdoor Adventure & Leadership)
Vocal Music Academy (Arts, Theater & Music)
Grade 10
Ceramic Creations (Arts, Theater & Music)
College Essay Writing (Specialty)
Darkroom Photography (Specialty)
Fashion (Specialty)
Guitar Studio (Arts, Theater & Music)
Orchestra & Percussion Camp (Arts, Theater & Music)
Rock Band (Arts, Theater & Music)
Summer Theater (Arts, Theater & Music)
Vocal Music Academy (Arts, Theater & Music)
Grade 11
College Essay Writing (Specialty)
Darkroom Photography (Specialty)
Fashion (Specialty)
Grade 12
College Essay Writing (Specialty)
Darkroom Photography (Specialty)
Fashion (Specialty)
fAQ
have any questions for us?
Will Beech Tree Camp be different this year?
| Beech Tree Camp remains the same award-winning experience families have loved for the past 25 years. This year, we’re excited to enhance the program by offering additional opportunities through Summer@WMA, including enrichment camps, specialty programs, and residential camps. These additions are designed to complement the classic Beech Tree experience, providing more ways for campers to grow, explore, and have fun, while maintaining the traditions and values that make Beech Tree special. |
What payment options are available, and how do they work?
| We offer two payment options for Summer@WMA: Pay in Full and a Monthly Payment Plan. Families select their preferred option during registration and enter their credit card or bank information at checkout. If you choose Pay in Full, the full balance—including the required deposit—is processed at the time of registration. Please note that all registrations completed after May 1 require payment in full at the time of registration. If you choose the Payment Plan, a deposit is processed at the time of registration ($100 per week or $200 per two-week session). The remaining balance is divided evenly and automatically charged on the first of each month between February and May, depending on your enrollment date, using the electronic payment method submitted during registration. Families may pay off their remaining balance at any time before May 1, 2026, with no early payment penalty. All account balances must be paid in full by May 15, 2026. Accounts with unpaid balances after this date may have their camper’s spot dropped. |
How will the transition to two-week sessions affect my child’s learning, friendships, and experience compared to the previous one-week model?
Stronger Bonds
While a one-week session can serve as a simple “trial run,” a two-week commitment provides the crucial time needed for deeper friendships, increased personal growth, and greater skill development, the foundational elements of a truly transformative camp experience.
Deeper Friendships and Community
Choosing the two-week option ensures your child gets more than just a quick visit; they gain a community.
With a second week, campers in Beech Tree or our Enrichment programs have more shared experiences, from team challenges on the fields to collaborative projects in the classroom. This face-to-face interaction helps solidify friendships and create lasting connections.
- More Time to Settle In: For many campers, especially those new to WMA’s campus, the first few days are spent adjusting to new surroundings, a new routine, and new people. A one-week session can feel like a “whirlwind,” ending just as a camper starts to relax and feel at home. Two weeks provides the necessary cushion for this transition.
- Stronger Bonds: With a second week, campers in Beech Tree or our Enrichment programs have more shared experiences, from team challenges on the fields to collaborative projects in the classroom. This face-to-face interaction helps solidify friendships and create lasting connections.
- Enhanced Community Feeling: Camps with multi-week sessions build a strong community that campers are proud to be a part of. This sense of belonging, often established during sessions that last two weeks or more, fosters higher camper retention rates, making the Summer@WMA experience richer year after year.
Richer and Deeper Activities
- Our program is designed to build on itself, making the second week highly valuable for skill mastery.
- Greater Skill Acquisition: Two weeks allows campers to move beyond a beginner’s introduction to an activity. Whether it’s perfecting an art technique in an Enrichment Camp studio, advancing a swimming stroke in Beech Tree, or mastering a coding sequence, the longer session provides critical time to practice and advance to a higher skill level.
- Wider Range of Options: Longer sessions often unlock more structured choice and activity options across both Beech Tree and Enrichment tracks, providing campers with the flexibility to experiment with more specialty clinics or truly specialize in one area.
- Natural Program Progression: Summer@WMA programs are designed to build and grow over a two-week period. As campers become comfortable during the first week, they are better able to explore advanced concepts and activities in the second week, leading to more impactful memories and a better overall experience.
With the program expanding from 6 weeks to 9 weeks, how do you ensure consistent quality and attention across all sessions?
At Summer@WMA, maintaining high-quality programming and consistent camper experiences is our top priority. Our expanded nine-week season is supported by a dedicated leadership team with deep experience in education, youth programming and camp management.
The program is overseen by James Gouin, Director of Auxiliary Programs, who transitions to this role after more than a decade as a Middle School Science Teacher at Wilbraham & Monson Academy. During his time in the classroom, James built an award-winning science program, leading students to a first-place finish at the 2025 New England Future City Regionals and a top-45 international placement out of more than 70,000 teams. He also founded WMA’s From Garden to Table summer program and the WMA Garden Club, both designed to inspire curiosity, sustainability, and hands-on learning. James brings that same creativity, structure,and passion for learning to the vision and growth of Summer@WMA.
This summer, Victoria Warner joins WMA as our full-time Camp Director and Assistant Director of Auxiliary Programs, alongside Erika Whipple, who will continue as Assistant Camp Director. Victoria brings extensive national experience leading camps in Arizona, Hawaii, Virginia and California, managing everything from staff training and safety to high-adventure programming and youth leadership. Erika’s continued presence ensures strong continuity and a welcoming, organized camp environment that families and returning campers know and love.
With a dedicated year-round leadership team, enhanced staff training, and a commitment to engagement and consistency, Summer@WMA delivers a safe, enriching and high-quality experience across all nine weeks. Every session reflects the same thoughtful planning, enthusiastic staff, and focus on fun, learning and personal growth.
How does the new CampBrain registration system improve the enrollment experience, and how secure is my child’s information?
We are thrilled to introduce CampBrain, a powerful and secure registration system designed to make the Summer@WMA experience easier and more connected for families. CampBrain allows parents to manage every part of the registration process in one place, creating a true “one-stop shop” for all camp needs. Families can register multiple children for multiple camps at once, set up deposits and payment plans, and store household information securely for future summers.
Behind the scenes, CampBrain also helps our staff deliver a more personalized and safer experience for every camper. Counselors and administrators can easily access up-to-date medical forms, emergency contacts, and camper schedules, ensuring that each child receives the right level of attention, care, and supervision throughout the day. The platform also supports group messaging, allowing us to send timely updates and important information to parents and the camp community.
When it comes to data protection, CampBrain uses industry-standard encryption and secure cloud storage to keep your family’s information safe. Access is limited to authorized Summer@WMA personnel who are trained to manage camper information responsibly and confidentially.
By combining convenience, communication, and safety, CampBrain enhances every part of the Summer@WMA experience, from the moment you register to the moment your camper heads home each day. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to making camp easy, transparent, and secure for every family.
What specific enrichment or specialty programs will foster my child’s creativity, critical thinking, or leadership skills?
At Summer@WMA, our enrichment, specialty, and athletic programs are intentionally designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and strengthen leadership skills in every camper. Each experience blends hands-on learning, teamwork, and fun, helping students grow both in skill and in character.
For creative and curious minds, programs such as Arts, Theater, and Music; Art in Nature; and Ceramic Creations encourage self-expression and imagination. Innovation-focused camps like Robotics, Coding, Lego Masters, and Drone Together challenge campers to think critically, solve problems, and explore technology in meaningful ways.
Our leadership and adventure programs, Trailblazers Leadership Camp, Outdoor Adventure & Leadership, and Hiking Adventure—focus on teamwork, communication, and resilience. Campers learn to lead by example, take responsibility, and work collaboratively in dynamic outdoor settings.
Sports and fitness also play an important role in developing character and discipline. From soccer and basketball to pickleball and lacrosse our athletic camps emphasize skill development, sportsmanship, and teamwork, guided by coaches who model the values at the heart of WMA.
Every Summer@WMA program is shaped by our school motto: Live clean, Work Hard, Speak True, and Play Fair. Whether your child is coding a robot, performing on stage, climbing our high ropes course, or competing on the field, each experience encourages them to think boldly, act with integrity, and discover the best in themselves and others.
How are first-time campers supported to adjust socially and emotionally, especially with new activities like the high ropes course?
At Summer@WMA, we understand that starting camp for the first time can feel exciting and a little intimidating, especially when tackling new experiences like the high ropes course. That’s why we’ve designed our two-week sessions to provide an extra layer of support, giving first-time campers more time to settle in, build confidence, and form meaningful connections.
From the moment they arrive, campers are paired with trained counselors who focus on creating a welcoming, supportive environment. Counselors lead icebreakers, small-group activities, and intentional social exercises that help campers make friends quickly and feel included. Structured check-ins throughout the day allow campers to express any concerns, celebrate successes, and reflect on their experiences in a safe, encouraging space.
Our approach to new or challenging activities, like the high ropes course, which follows a gradual, scaffolded method. Campers are introduced to skills step by step, with plenty of demonstration, practice, and positive reinforcement. Counselors provide individualized support, ensuring each camper moves at their own pace while learning to trust themselves and their peers. By the end of the two-week session, first-time campers not only gain new skills but also experience a strong sense of accomplishment, belonging, and social confidence that lasts well beyond camp
How is camper safety prioritized during high-risk activities such as the high ropes course or specialty adventure programs?
Camper safety is our top priority, especially during high-risk activities like the high ropes course and specialty adventure programs. Our programs are staffed by professionals trained and certified through High 5 Adventures, a leading authority in challenge course safety and training.
All high ropes instructors complete a minimum 4-day, Level 1 skills-based training workshop, ensuring they have the technical knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to lead activities safely. For courses with high elements, Level 2 certified staff are present to supervise, mentor, and coach Level 1 staff, as well as to handle rescues, gear retrieval, and other high-risk situations. Many of our staff continue professional development through multiple workshops and certification exams, keeping their skills current and ensuring safe, competent programming.
Safety is reinforced through structured progression: campers learn skills gradually, receive clear instructions and safety briefings, and are always under close supervision with low camper-to-staff ratios. Properly fitted helmets, harnesses, and other safety equipment are mandatory, and our staff monitor both emotional and physical readiness so every camper can challenge themselves safely.
By combining rigorous training, professional oversight, and strict safety protocols, we provide an environment where campers can confidently explore adventure activities while developing resilience, teamwork, and confidence.
How are campers’ individual interests and abilities assessed so they are placed in the most appropriate activities or skill levels?
We make sure every camper is placed in activities that match their skills and interests. Before camp, families share information about their child’s past experiences, preferred activities, and areas where they might need support. Once at camp, our trained staff observe campers during activities and use these observations to guide placements. Staff continually adjust as campers grow and try new things, ensuring each child is challenged appropriately, feels confident, and has a positive, engaging experience. This is also one of the reasons we have incorporated enrichment camps. These programs give campers more opportunities to explore their individual interests, discover new passions, and develop skills in areas they may not have experienced before.


