BREAKWATER SUMMER CAMP 2026 Come experience the magic of Breakwater !
Breakwater Enrichment Center's Mission Statement
Table of Contents
age continuum ............p. 4 early childhood (EC) ....p. 6 g. 1-9 camps overview..p. 14 g. 1,2,3 camp info .........p. 20 g. 4-9 camp info ............p. 24 expeditions ...................p.30 aug. specialty camps....p.34 registration info ...........p. 36
Breakwater’s mission is to engage our students in an optimal learning experience that inspires them to live well on the planet, embrace their whole being, and realize their full potential. We accomplish this by empowering youth to explore and develop their interests, talents, and passions in a nurturing and safe environment.
Early Childhood Education at Breakwater dgorman@breakwaterschool.org phone: (207) 772-8689 x232 fax: (207) 772-1327 Breakwater Summer Camp summer@breakwaterschool.org phone: (207) 535-7437 fax: (207) 772-1327
Summer Camp
Campers who have completed Kindergarten and are on their way toward the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grades in the fall of 2026 are welcome to join our 1st - 3rd Summer Camp! Run by an exceptional team of summer counselors, this full-day camp explores the same themes offered to the “big kids” but at a pace that is developmentally aligned with the growth, curiosity, and emotional needs of our younger campers. Throughout the day there will be time to spend with older siblings and friends and to engage in a wide range of fun activities.
Toddlers/Rising Preschool 18 months - 3+ years
18 Months - Rising Kindergarten
Rising 4th - 9th grades Campers who have completed 3rd grade and are on their way to 4th grade or higher in the fall of 2026 are welcome to join a variety of camp options. Traditional Summer Camp offers four dynamic camp themes to choose from. Expedition Camps offer full day and overnight off campus adventures. And finally, new for the Summer 2026, one week Specialty Camps that bring new and fun topics, experiences, and skill building. Campers choose can choose camps that ignite their curiosity and wonder.
Our Toddler/Rising Preschool program provides a summer of fun for our youngest friends! It is an optional continuation of our academic year toddler program, providing consistency of care and environment to support young children’s development.
Breakwater Summer Camp: Age Continuum
Preschool/Rising Kindergartners 3-5+ years
Rising 1st - 9th Grade
Our program consists of two 4-week sessions available for 5 full or 5 half day enrollment options. We place a high priority on consistency of care in all of our early childhood programs. Therefore, The Toddler/Rising Preschool program is only open for families enrolled in Breakwater’s 2025-2026 or 2026-2027 academic year program. The Preschool/Rising Kindergarten program places the highest priority on families enrolled in Breakwater’s 2025-2026 or 2026-2027 academic year programs. In the event that there is space available, outside families can apply for admission to our Early Childhood Summer program. Contact Danielle Gorman, our Early Childhood Director, at dgorman@breakwaterschool.org for admission inquiries.
There are so many reasons to choose Breakwater Summer Camp! For 8 weeks this summer we offer rising 1st - 9th graders the chance to explore their interests, learn, and have fun all while following their curiosities. Each day is full of chances to play, make friends, learn from older mentors such as counselors and counselors-in-training, and engage with provocations set out by top-notch camp staff. When these explorations are done for the day there's still time for a variety of activities. From games to guest speakers, art shows to archery, camp fires, or walking in Fore River Sanctuary: every day has choice, adventure, education, exploration, connection, excitement, and snacks. Join us!
Our Preschool/Rising Kindergarten program is a play-based program filled with exploration in the arts, nature, water-play and summertime activities. Like our school year program, our summer program is inspired by Reggio Emilia pedagogy and other emergent, play-based curricular approaches to education. Sessions are taught by our early childhood lead teaching faculty who encourage each child’s creative spirit and expression in a safe, nurturing environment.
Early Childhood Summer Program
Rising 1st - 3rd grades
Summer at Breakwater celebrates the innate curiosity of each and every child. Our teachers will connect with your child, discover their individual passions and create provocations to spark further investigation and summertime adventure.
Early Childhood Overview
Danielle Gorman, Early Childhood Director dgorman@breakwaterschool.org
All of our early childhood summer programs take full advantage of our Breakwater campus with multiple playgrounds, gardens, areas for biking, and fields for games and water play.
Curiosity:
Community:
We celebrate each child as the complex and fascinating person they are. We model and foster gratitude, generosity, resilience, compassion, kindness, courage, and initiative.
SUMMER AT BREAKWATER, EARLY CHILDHOOD
We have intentionally designed our summer program with longer, 4- and 8-week sessions to cultivate meaningful and consistent connections throughout the year for our youngest members. We invest in a community of children, parents, and teachers as partners in a journey of learning, discovery, and delight.
"There is nothing better than walking alongside our youngest learners as they discover and embrace their world and themselves. Having the opportunity to continue our programming year-round, to introduce our children to their world throughout the cycle of all four seasons, allows the magic of the Breakwater Way to come to life in its fullest."
Our Toddler/Rising Preschool and Preschool/Rising Kindergarten programs pick up right where the school year leaves off – providing the same play-based, emergent curriculum rooted in a celebration of the natural world that we offer through our Breakwater Way. All programs are guided by our experienced, dedicated teaching faculty who bring their passions and talents in outdoor education, art, music, dance, and storytelling to our summer season. The Breakwater Way rests on its foundation of: curiosity, character, and community.
Character:
Toddler/Rising Preschoolers
8:00 AM Drop Off Outdoor Provocations 10:00 AM Bicycling, Field Games, or Gardening activities 11:30 AM Playground 12:00 PM Half day pick up 12:15 PM Lunch 12:30 PM Rest, Relaxation, Quiet Play Time 1:45 PM Outdoor Play; Art, Music, & Creative Movement 3:00 PM Pick up
8:00 AM Drop Off Outdoor Provocations 9:30 AM Snack 10:00 AM Adventures on Breakwater campus 11:30 AM Lunch 12:00 PM Half Day Pick up 12:15 PM Rest/Nap/Quiet Play time 2:15 PM Outdoor Play 3:00 PM Pick up
Preschool/Rising Kindergartners
Early Childhood Daily Schedule
Early Childhood Dates & Rates
Program Dates Two Four Week Sessions Session One: June 22nd - July 17th, closed on July 3rd Session Two: July 20th - August 14th Hours Full day: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm; Friday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Half Day: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Program Rates Session 1 (4 weeks, no camp July 3rd) Full Day $2945/ Half Day $2185 Session 2 (4 weeks) Full Day $3100/ Half Day $2300 Aftercare Monday-Thursday 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Friday 12:00-3:00 pm Aftercare is available to families for an additional fee. Details available upon registration. For more information , email Danielle Gorman , dgorman@breakwaterschool.org
Early Childhood Registration
Early Childhood Summer Program Cancellation and Refund Policy
All cancellations made by families before June 4th, 2026 will be refunded in full minus the registration deposit. Any cancellations after June 4th, 2026 are non-refundable. Breakwater will not issue refunds in the event of missed summer sessions days due to illness/injury, forgotten registrations, or behavior concerns. In the event of illness/injury or family emergency, Breakwater will evaluate the circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
Breakwater strives to provide an inclusive learning environment and welcomes students of all abilities. Our early childhood summer program does require specific physical, emotional, or cognitive abilities in order for children to be successful. Our Early Childhood Summer program staff ratios do not provide one-on-one support or guidance. If you have questions about how your child’s specific abilities will affect their summer experience, please contact the Early Childhood Director, Danielle Gorman, at dgorman@breakwaterschool.org, to discuss the situation and devise a plan that will benefit your child.
The Preschool/Rising Kindergarten program places the highest priority on families enrolled in Breakwater’s 2025-2026 or 2026-2027 academic year programs. In the event that there is space available, outside families can apply for admission to our Early Childhood Summer program. Contact Danielle Gorman, our Early Childhood Director, at dgorman@breakwaterschool.org for admission inquiries.
All summer programs are subject to minimum and maximum enrollment. In the event that Breakwater cancels a program, parents will be notified and provided a full refund.
In the event that Breakwater cancels a program caused by events beyond Breakwater’s control (i.e. COVID), Breakwater will reimburse families 50% of their tuition of the remaining program (after initial deposit) if in session and 100% of the program if canceled before the session began.
A $300 non-refundable deposit per session ($600 for 8 weeks) is due at time of registration or acceptance into the program. Payment plans are available with balance due in full on Thursday, June 4th or the registration will be forfeited. Separate required forms are due prior to the start of summer sessions and are made available on our registration website.
Early Childhood Child Abilities
Early Childhood Registration Overview
Carli Bliss Assistant Camp Director
Summer Camp Program
Rising Grades 1-9
Greetings, campers! I am so excited to start planning for Summer 2026! I hope you are spending your time with family and friends, enjoying all the fun that Maine winters have to offer. Maybe, like me, you're also day dreaming about how awesome this summer will be! My first summer at Breakwater Summer Camp was AMAZING. I was blown away by the community here, and feel very grateful to be part of this wonderful team. It is an honor to work beside the kindest, loving, and most creative staff. Campers amazed me every day with their courage and community building skills. This place is really one of a kind! I am looking forward to this summer and seeing all of you again. The staff, campers and I can't wait to meet all of the brand-new campers this summer too! We do a great job at making new campers feel right at home. You will belong in no time, just as you are! Our awesome team of coordinators, counselors and CITs are ready to make more magic and memories happen for Summer 2026. It's sure to be the best summer yet! So, make your camp selections, sign up, and we'll see you soon at Morning Meeting! Kerry Leavenworth Summer Camp Director summer@breakwaterschool.org kleavenworth@breakwaterlearning.org
Breakwater Summer Camp has been my second home since I was seven years old! I've loved moving through my various roles here, and watching our current campers experience the same magic I did all those years ago. I can't imagine a better place to spend my summers!
Rising Grades 1-9 Camp Dates & Rates 2026
Summer is my favorite time of year. The long days are filled with a variety of activities that allow all of us, children and adults alike, time to grow in different ways than we often do during the rest of the year. I am looking forward to spending my summer at Breakwater, learning and growing with our eager campers, their families, and our team of amazing summer camp staff. Breakwater Summer Camp is a place that allows campers to explore, be curious, learn new ideas and skills, be active, relax, socialize and have fun!
Camp 8:00 am - 3:30 pm Drop off 8:00 am - 8:30 am Pick up 3:15 pm - 3:30 pm AfterCare 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Amy Pichette , Director of Auxiliary Programs apichette@breakwaterlearning.org
Hours
Rising 1st - 3rd Grades Session 1* June 23 - July 17 / $1675; 4 weeks Session 2 July 20 - August 7 / $1385; 3 weeks Rising 4th - 9th Grades Session 1A* June 23 - July 2 / $750; 2 weeks Session 1B July 6 - July 17 / $925; 2 weeks Session 2A July 20 - July 31 / $925; 2 weeks One Week Expeditions* June 23 - August 14 Rising Grades 5th - 9th for Overnight Expeditions; Session Weeks & Costs listed on pages 30-33 1st -9th August Specialty Camps Aug 3 - Aug 14 Session Weeks & Costs listed on pages 34-35 AfterCare June 23 - August 7th (Weeks 1 - 7 only); $100/week *No camp on June 22nd or July 3rd
Sophie Spring 1st, 2nd & 3rd grade Camp Coordinator
Summer is about discovery, and the rising 1st, 2nd & 3rd graders spend their days doing just that: exploring! While we make plenty of time to participate in the activities with “the big kids” at the beginning and end of the camp day, the main focus of our days are self driven, with teachers and counselors adapting offerings based on campers’ interests. Each group follows a schedule uniquely adapted to include campers' favorite activities while also providing a safe and cozy experience that allows for breaks, snacks, playtime with friends, and plenty of unstructured outdoor play as needed. This camp has all the flexibility and responsiveness your young camper needs! Camp days begin and end with self directed outdoor play, fostering relationship building and encouraging child-led problem solving. Campers are supported in exploring friendships, ideas, abilities, and community. The 1-2-3 Team is looking forward to another collaborative, exciting, and (most of all) FUN summer!
Daily Schedule
Rising 1st - 3rd Grades Overview
Hello 1st & 2nd & 3rd grade Campers, returning and new! I hope you’re all having an excellent school year so far. I am so excited that it is finally time to start thinking about summer again! Summer is a seaso full of endless possibilities — it’s a time to step outside, embrace new adventures, and discover something new about the world and yourself. I fully believe that summer is the perfect opportunity for kids to explore their passions, develop new skills, and create memories. Rising 1-2-3 offers a nurturing environment where children can be themselves, make lasting friendships, and dive into a world of exciting experiences. Whether it's trying out a new activity, working on a creative project, or simply taking in the joy of summer alongside new friends, Summer at Breakwater is where curiosity meets fun. We want every day to be an opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired. We can't wait for your child to experience the magic of Summer at Breakwater — exploration, friendship, new possibilities, and FUN await! See you on the playground this summer!t.
To all 1st & 2nd & 3rd graders who are looking forward to getting their hands dirty, visiting new places around Portland, trying new foods, and meeting other amazing kiddos, we are so excited to have you at Breakwater Camp! I hope everyone is enjoying the school year and is, like me, already looking forward to the summer - full of sun, unstructured play time and the opportunity to try new things. Last year, 1st & 2nd & 3rd graders: tried exotic mystery fruits, stepped inside a giant inflatable whale, picked blueberries at a farm, hatched dragon eggs, went to the beach to play, met a state archaeologist, and enjoyed popsicles every Friday afternoon! In addition to the incredible diversity in activities we try and cultivate, our team is tuned into the social-emotional needs of the kids around us. It creates a community where kids really want to try new things and are supported to do so. Curiosity, friendship, and fun await. See you this summer!
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Arrival & Social Gatherings 8:00 am - 9:00 am Morning Meeting 9:00 am - 9:30 am Explorations 9:30 am - 1:45 pm, including lunch! All-Camp afternoons 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm Pick up 3:15 pm - 3:30 pm AfterCare 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm (additional cost/limited space).
Sports and Games Opportunities to engage in organized sports and games are offered daily. Obstacle courses, sprinklers, slip n' slides, blob tag, dance parties, and fort building are regular parts of the program. Informal sports games, such as soccer, organized and led by the kids, happen throughout the day. Activities change from day to day.
Camp Activities
Outdoor Adventure In Maine, we are so fortunate to be surrounded by amazing outdoor spaces. At Breakwater Summer Camp, campers are encouraged to wonder, be curious, and engage with their natural surroundings. From identifying plants and animals on our playground and making campus maps, caring for and observing Blue Death Feigning Beetles, to walks to the Fore River Sanctuary, campers are given many opportunities to connect with the outdoors. We look forward to seeing what natural wonders we discover this summer!
Arts and Crafts! Campers have the opportunity to explore many mediums and processes to create art. Materials and loose parts are readily available and accessible in classrooms for children to engage and create with daily. An art block is available for campers to opt into where they will be led through a more teacher directed craft or idea.
Rising 1st- 3rd Grades
Field Trips and Guest Stars! Throughout the summer there will be opportunities to load up in our bus fleet and explore the local area. Every week there will be at least one off campus trip to a beach, nature preserve, playground, historical site, or other local spot! We will also welcome guest stars to campus each week. Past stars have included contra dance leaders, magicians, and a giant blow up whale!
Rising 4th - 9th Grades Daily Schedule
"I'm always excited for Breakwater Summer Camp; physical activity, outdoor adventures, learning, and good friends. I can't think of a better place to be!" -Zach, Rec Camp Coordinator
Drop Off - 8:00 am - 8:30 am Social Gathering & Morning Meeting 8:30 am - 9:30 am All campers begin the day with outdoor playtime and camp stewardship. Morning Meeting begins @ 9:00 am. Explorations 9:30 am - 1:45 pm Rising 4th - 9th graders choose from 4 categories of Explorations. Recreation Visual & Mechanical Arts Performing Arts Portland Community Crew Campers will enjoy lunch with everyone at camp at 11:30 am each day. All-Camp afternoons - 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm All campers will get the opportunity to choose an all camp activity that may differ from their traditional camp choice. This is a great time to try something new! Pick Up - 3:15pm - 3:30 pm Please note that all drop-off and pick up is through at the Green Gate on Capisic Street. Parents and families are encouraged to connect with counselors and staff at the end of the day. AfterCare - 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm AfterCare will be offered to campers (additional cost/limited space).
Visual and Mechanical Arts Recreation and Sports Portland Community Crew Performing Arts Summer 2026: Campers will choose one camp for Monday - Friday during their two week session. Expeditions are off-campus explorations. For more information on Expeditions, please skip ahead to page 30.
Once traditional camp choices are done for the day we still have a whole lot of the camp day ahead of us! All campers get to choose one All Camp activity to do for the week. We work hard to give campers one of their top choices. Favorite All Camp Activities Include: Tinkering in the JWK Curiosity Lab Medieval Games Nature Exploration Aerials and Dance Sports and Games Wilderness Survival Archery Costume Design Cooking and Baking Every Friday EVERYONE gathers for Breakwater Live! where campers and staff can sign up to perform songs, dances, talents, and other acts.
Rising 4th - 9th Grades "All Camp" Afternoons
Rising 4th - 9th Grades Traditional Camp Choices
"I am thrilled to come together again with the fantastic staff and begin planning this summer's Performing Arts Camp. I always get so excited by the refreshed energy of people coming together!" ~Christian, Performing Arts Coordinator
Performing Arts Camp
Session Themes Session 1a: Mechanical and Moving Art in the JWK Curiosity Lab Session 1b: Sculpture and Ceramics Session 2a: Drawing and Sketching
Visual & Mechanical Arts Camp
Recreation Camp
If your passion and curiosity lies in art-making, you might be interested in our Visual & Mechanical Arts Exploration. Each week will include a variety of art mediums (painting, outdoor art, tinkering, printmaking, fabric arts and more) with each session also having a special focus.
Portland Community Crew Camp (formerly Portland Communities and Cultures) *for 5th - 9th grade
Session Focus/Performance Session 1a: Alice in Wonderland Jr. Session 1b: Spongebob Session 2a: Winnie the Pooh
Session Themes Session 1a : Immersive City (Nature and History) Session 1b: Hidden City (Secret spots and Systems) Session 2a: Creative City (Arts and Culture)
If your passion and curiosity lies in all the ways you can get up, get out, and move, you might want to spend your week in our Recreation Exploration. Here are some things that this camp may include throughout Summer 2026. Sports skills - indoors & out! Team building Off-campus outings Swimming (lifeguard supervised) Sports teams
If your passion and curiosity lies in exploring what people from around our diverse city and state make, eat, listen to, and laugh about; if you want to know more about the people, animals, and natural landscapes that are our neighbors, and if you have a bit of a sense of adventure, then you might want to spend 2 weeks in Portland Community Crew. Past adventures have included the Battery Steel on Peaks Island, Trolley Museum, graffiti tour, Asian grocery stores, beaches and more!
If your passion and curiosity lies in all the ways performers and theater technicians express themselves, you might want to spend your two weeks in our Performing Arts Exploration. There are so many possibilities in the Performing Arts, which is why our counselors are flexible and responsive to campers' interests. No matter the performance, there are always opportunities for improv games, acts during All-Camp, music, dancing, and chances to learn about the technical aspects of producing performances!
Rising 4th-9th Grades Traditional Camp Choices
One Acts and Play Writing Musical Theater Digital Music Composition Songwriting, or Singing Improv games Set Design and Stage Management Solo and Group Dancing Costuming & Make-up
Squam Lake Paddling Week 1: June 24-June 28 Rising 5th - 7th Grades $795 Paddle and camp on beautiful Squam Lake in NH! Campers will spend a day meeting their group and preparing for their overnight trip. They will depart on Tuesday for four days and three nights of wildlife viewing, hiking and camping. This trip will also feature a visit to the Squam Lake Science Center to see birds of prey and other New England Wildlife up close. Bike Packing to Freeport Week 1: June 24-June 28 Rising 5th-9th Grades $795 Breakwater Bike-packing: Portland to Freeport & beyond. Highly recommended for those who have pedaled the peninsula in the past with Breakwater or for those more experienced riders, our popular ride from Breakwater to Freeport returns for summer 2024! We'll spend the first day of camp prepping our gear and going on a local ride, after which campers will head home for the night at the usual time. The second day of camp, we will embark on our amazing journey north to Wolfe's Neck State Park where we'll camp for two nights. While at Wolfe’s Neck, we'll have the opportunity to kayak and adventure on this amazing piece of property. By Thursday, we'll get back on the bikes and head southwest towards Jessieland, making a stop at the desert of Maine along the way! After a night of camping at Breakwater’s ‘home away from home,’ we'll spend Friday riding through Falmouth back to Breakwater. Riders who want to join the Freeport fun, but would prefer not to camp out for any/all of the 3 nights will also have the option of being picked up in the evenings by their family and dropped back off the next morning. While we highly encourage camping with us as part of the adventure, we are flexible and dedicated to make this grand adventure work best for you! Summer In The City On Two Wheels Week 2: July 1 - July 5, no camp on July 4th Rising 5th - 9th Grades $395 Pedal the peninsula, and beyond, all week long! These casual, full-day rides include lunch and snack stops along the way, as well as artistic, cultural and historical points of interest. We'll cover the peninsula in its entirety, traverse the Casco Bay Bridge into South Portland, make a trip around Peak's Island, and much more during this fun-filled week! This camp aims to show young people how easy it can be to use the bike as a means to explore, enjoy, and interact with the world around them. Campers will bring a backpack to carry a small snack, a picnic lunch, a water bottle, and a helmet. We also ask that you bring $10 each day for a fun snack or two along the way. Rides will be about 10-15 miles each day. There will be no camp on Thursday, July 4th.
*Specific information about the location(s), packing lists and trip leaders will be sent to you via email 1- 2 weeks ahead of your trip
LSession Themes Session 1a: Session 1b: Session 2a:
Breakwater Expeditions Rising 5th - 9th Grade
Portland Community Crew Camp (formerly Portland Communities and Cultures) *for 5th- 9th grade
If your passion and curiosity lies in all the ways performers and theater technicians express themselves, you might want to spend all or half of your week in our Performing Arts Exploration. There are so many possibilities in the Performing Arts, which is why our educators are flexible and responsive to campers' interests. No matter what the group chooses, there are always opportunities for improv games, performances during All-Camp, music, dancing, and chances to learn about the technical aspects of producing performances.Here are some things that this Exploration may include throughout Summer 2025:
Breakwater summer camp includes opportunities for both daytime and overnight Expeditions. These outdoor adventure opportunities allow campers (rising 5th - 9th grades ) to hike, paddle, climb, bike, and camp with other young outdoor enthusiasts! There are a wide range of activities, both near and far, and something truly magical happens when campers are away from campus (for a day or days), away from parents and caregivers, and supporting one another in learning new physical, emotional ,and intellectual skills that help them meet the kinds of challenges that can only be encountered by getting outside! The particular strength of our outdoor adventure program is that we keep trips small, and like our day camp, we encourage a wealth of social and emotional learning that leads to self-awareness and deeper friendships and connections. It's not only about where you go and what you do, it's about who you travel with, how well you get to know them, and how they in turn come to see you for who you are: many deep and lasting connections are made during Breakwater Expeditions. Drop Off - 8 am Pick Up - 3:15- 3:30 pm
Week 1 June 23 - June 26 (no camp 6/22) Cycle in the City 1 $525 Campers will enjoy an opportunity to hone their biking skills and build up to longer bike rides around Portland/South Portland (including Casco Bay Islands!) in a supportive group. There will be plenty of pit stops to explore, snack, and play in the city! *Campers should be able to bike for 5-8 miles each day. Week 2 June 29 - July 2nd (no camp 7/3) Outdoor Adventure 1 $525 Hiking, biking, archery, paddling and climbing - try a little bit of everything Expeditions has to offer on our Outdoor Adventure week! Cycle in the City 2 $525 In this advanced biking camp campers will test their biking skills all over the greater Portland area. If you loved Cycle in the City 1, this is a great camp for you! We have new epic spots to explore including some Island adventuring! *Campers should be able to bike for 7-10 miles each day. *This Expedition is open to rising 6th - 9th graders Week 3 July 6th - July 10th, $675 Paddling 1 *1 overnight This camp is perfect for anyone who already loves canoeing and being on the water, or for a total paddling beginner! We will spend our days practicing paddling on local rivers and lakes. There will also be a lot of time to swim, play, and explore. This camp includes one overnight at a local lake- so get ready for s'mores after a day on the water! *Must be a strong swimmer to join this camp
Week 4 July 13 - 17, $725 Backpacking Camp *3 nights overnight We're packing up our gear and heading to the mountains of New Hampshire! Over the course of 4 days and 3 nights we will cover 15 - 20 miles of moderate terrain on the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. Our first day will be spent team buildling and packing up our gear. Our time is sure to be full of epic views, camp cooking, and trail games/fun! *Prior backpacking experience not required, but must be able to hike 5-7 miles a day while carrying a large backpack. *This Expedition is open to rising 6th - 9th graders Week 5 July 20 - 24, $650 Wilderness Survival Camp *1 overnight Campers will learn a mixture of traditional and modern survival skills. Creating tools, using them, and connecting with the land through hiking, bushcraft, and interactive games makes this a week well suited for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts! This camp will include one overnight, where campers will sleep in the shelters that they create!
Week 6 July 27 - 31, $725 Paddling 2 *2 nights overnight During this EPIC paddling adventure campers will really test their paddling skills. After a day or two getting to know each other, practicing our paddling skills, and packing up our gear, we'll head up north on an overnight paddling excursion! Campfires, swimming, cooking, and adventuring are all on the agenda! *Prior paddling experience preferred. Must be a strong swimmer. *This Expedition is open to 6th - 9th graders Week 7 Rock On! Aug 3 - Aug 7, $650 Who's ready to rock?! This day tripping camp will be full of indoor and outdoor rock climbing. But that's not all! We'll also be geocaching, cracking open rocks, and learning about Maine geography. Week 8 Aug 10 - Aug 14 $625 Outdoor Adventure Hiking, biking, archery, paddling, and climbing - try a little bit of everything Expeditions has to offer on our Outdoor Adventure week!
Breakwater Expeditions is an amazing time for campers to get out of the comfort zone and try new things while having a blast! I love watching campers achieve new heights while in our programs - climbing, camping, paddling or biking in new challenging environments brings out the best learning moments for our campers. -Ari, Expeditions Coordinator
Get ready for a week exploring coastal Maine! We will spend our days exploring nearby coastal areas, learning from experts in the field, using art as a way to advocate for sustainability, participating in an optional sea creature dissection, or playing games that teach us more about the oceans and the importance of conservation. Campers should be comfortable being in and around the water.
Marine Science Camp - 1 week August 3rd - 7th, 5th - 9th grade, $550 with Chelsea!
Bottling Sunshine: Garden to Table - 1 week August 3rd - 7th , 5th - 9th grade, $550 with Shaun!
Aerials and Dance - 1 week sessions August 3rd - 7th & August 10th - 14th , 4th - 9th grade, $600
Jessieland Camp - 1 week August 10th - 14th, 1st - 4th grade, $550
Everyone knows the three R's of sustainability, but what about the other three? In this camp you'll learn how to breathe new life into old clothes and create a style that's uniquely you! From patches, to embroidery, to sewing machines, we'll experiment with a variety of basic techniques you can use to alter and personalize almost any piece of fabric.
We're extending camp for our youngest campers! Our week will be spent at Jessieland, our 21 acre wilderness property in Cumberland. This camp is completely outdoors! There will be lots of games, campfire cooking, nature exploration, survival skills and more! Pick up and drop off will be at Jessieland. No Breakwater transportation provided. No After-care Available.
Once you’ve managed to grow and harvest, what do you actually do with the bounty from your garden? During this week, campers will spend time in our backyard garden and kitchen, learning to process home-grown and foraged ingredients into delicious pickles, preserves, canned goods, jerkies, fruit leather, powders, and so on!
Reuse, Repair, Re-imagine - 1 week August 3rd - 7th , 5th - 9th grade, $550 with Andi!
August Specialty Camps Rising 1st-9th Grade
Get ready for flying, spinning, and climbing in the air to music! Learn aerial skills on the sling, silks, and trapeze. We will choreograph those moves and turn them into a performance at the end of the session. During this camp we will also learn different dance styles and choreograph some dances together! No AfterCare Available for 2nd week.
Rising 4th-9th Grades Camps
Registration Overview Breakwater’s summer registration for all 2026 Rising 1st - 9th grade students will open on January 28th (early registration for qualifying families)! Pre-Registration is now available for all. A $75-300 non-refundable deposit per camp is due at time of registration. Payment plans are available. The full balance is due on Thursday, June 4th, 2026 or the registration will be forfeited. All prior Enrichment Center balances must be paid in full before we accept further registrations. Contact summer@breakwaterschool.org with any questions.
Financial Aid Financial Aid: Need-based financial aid is available for any rising 1st - rising 9th grade camper. Campers may register for camp, pay the deposit, then apply for financial aid within 7 days of registration. If we are able to award financial aid, we will notify the family and apply the award to the account. If we are not able to award financial aid, and you are not able to pay the balance, we will return the deposit. To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, please email summer@breakwaterschool.org
Cancellation and Refund Policy All summer programs are subject to minimum and maximum enrollment. In the event that Breakwater cancels a program, parents will be notified and provided a full refund or credit towards a new camp selection. In the event that Breakwater cancels a program caused by events beyond Breakwater’s control (i.e. disease outbreak), Breakwater will reimburse families 50% of their tuition of the remaining program (after initial deposit) if in session and 100% of the program if canceled before the session began. All cancellations made by families before June 4th, 2026 will be refunded in full minus the registration deposit (see registration overview for more information). Any cancellations made after June 4th, 2026 are non-refundable. All registration changes (i.e.switching programs or sessions, but not canceling) made by families after May 1st are subject to a $10 administrative fee. Breakwater will not issue refunds in the event of missed camp days due to illness/injury, forgotten registrations, or behavior concerns. In the event of a serious illness/injury or family emergency, Breakwater will evaluate the circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
Camp Behavior Policy Breakwater Summer Camp provides a high quality camp experience for a wide diversity of campers. We do not tolerate violent or inappropriate behavior that causes risk to your camper, others, or the environment. If it is decided that Breakwater cannot reasonably accommodate your child’s needs, your family may be asked to withdraw your child from our program. Summer staff ratios do not provide one-on-one support or guidance. If at any time it becomes clear that your camper requires these services or supports to be successful, we will ask you to come pick them up from camp. Should this behavior happen more than once, the camper will not be allowed to return to camp. We do not provide refunds in these circumstances. Families who choose to provide their own one-to-one support are very welcome to do so, and we will make every effort to welcome and accommodate these folks within the bounds of our regular camp day and camp norms and expectations. Please contact Summer Camp Director Kerry Leavenworth to discuss. kleavenworth@breakwaterlearning.org
Early Childhood Education at Breakwater dgorman@breakwaterschool.org phone: (207) 772-8689 x232 fax: (207) 772-1327 Breakwater Summer Camp summer@breakwaterschool.org phone: (207) 772-8689 x238 fax: (207) 772-1327
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