Parent FAQs
Where is Camp Harbor View?
Camp Harbor View is located on Long Island, in Boston Harbor.
What are the qualifications for a child to become a camper?
Campers must live within the City of Boston. They must be between the ages of 11-14 on July 1st. There are a certain number of slots per neighborhood in the city and the campers are accepted on a first come first serve basis in each of those neighborhoods. We work with community agencies to identify the campers who are most appropriate and most need Camp Harbor View.
What fees are involved?
The tuition for four weeks is $5.
Who runs the camp?
Camp is run by Executive Director Cara Gould the Director of Operations/Social Worker Greg Stoddard and their carefully chosen staff of over 65 exceptional counselors. Most of the counselors are college students who grew up in different parts of Boston or the surrounding area.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is provided by the Boston Public School bus company. There are 14 different pick up spots throughout the city.
What kinds of activities does Camp Harbor View have?
The activities that CHV provides fall under five different focus areas: The Arts, Aquatics, Leadership Development, Sports & Fitness and Knowledge is Power. In each program area there are tons of activities, including but not limited to sailing, rock climbing, kayaking, swimming, dance, music, crafts, group games, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, golf, tennis, baseball, biking… the list goes on and on.
What if my child gets hurt or feels sick?
There is a nurse on staff and an infirmary where the campers can rest and be treated if they are sick or injured mildly. Anytime a camper comes to the nurse the parent is notified. If the injury or illness is more serious, arrangements are made to bring the child home or to a local hospital. Staff will remain with the child until the parent arrives.
How do I apply for my child?
There is a pre-application that should be filled out and returned to:
Camp Harbor View
50 Congress St., Suite 730
Boston, MA 02109
Once we receive the pre-application we will send out a full application. No child is guaranteed a slot until the full application is received in it’s entirety and the family is notified that a spot is available.
Do you accept children with disabilities?
Yes, we accept children with disabilities. If your child does have a disability it is important that you include any relevant information in the application so that we can make sure that any special needs your child may have are met at the camp.
Does the camp have any religious or political affiliation?
No, the camp does not have any religious or political affiliations.
What kind of background checks and training do your staff go through?
All of our staff go through both the national and state Criminal Offender Registration Info (CORI) check and the Sexual Offender Registration Info (SORI) check.
The staff receive two weeks of training prior to the start of camp. This training includes CPR/First Aid, Child Development, Leadership Development, Positive Discipline and much more.
What if my child doesn’t like swimming/can’t swim?
We have a pool and trained lifeguards who will teach your child to swim. We strongly encourage all the campers to try to participate in every activity, including swimming. It is important that the campers come prepared to get in the pool every day.
Does the camp provide lunch?
We serve three meals a day at Camp Harbor View. The food is provided by City Fresh Foods, and the campers and staff all report that it is really good. All of the meals are healthy well balanced meals, and are yummy.
Can my child attend both sessions?
Unfortunately your camper can not attend both session, each camper must choose one. In limiting the campers to only one session we are able to serve twice as many youth.
Is Camp Harbor View licensed?
Yes, the camp must comply with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.