<![CDATA[Mom Brains]]>https://hacks.mombrains.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!pAYS!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9b556b93-f9df-461a-989e-551f0012e724_1080x1080.pngMom Brainshttps://hacks.mombrains.comSubstackMon, 18 May 2026 04:37:38 GMT<![CDATA[A Summer Camp Solution on the Upper West Side]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/a-summer-camp-solution-on-the-upperhttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/a-summer-camp-solution-on-the-upperFri, 15 May 2026 12:03:10 GMT
📸 Credit: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

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Activity Spotlight: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan 🛝🖍️🧑‍🤝‍🧑

The Day Camp programs at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan offer NYC families a structured, highly enriched summer experience on the Upper West Side for children ages 3–10, with programming designed to grow with kids across three divisions. The camp is organized into Lower (ages 3–5), Middle (6–7), and Upper (8–10) divisions, each blending classic day camp fun, like swimming, sports, and outdoor play, with access to the JCC’s extensive indoor facilities, including pools, gym spaces, art studios, and a rooftop playground.

For families looking for a reliable, community-centered camp with strong supervision and a wide activity mix, the JCC stands out as a “one-stop” summer option in Manhattan. The emphasis on inclusion, social-emotional development, and consistent daily routines makes it particularly appealing for younger campers or families seeking a structured environment where kids can safely explore new interests, build friendships, and stay active all summer long!

  • Area: NYC

  • Price: 3 Yrs Full Day Camp ranges from $8,300/9 weeks - $4,000/3 weeks; 3 Yrs Half Day Camp ranges from $6,900/9 weeks - $3,300/3 weeks; 4 - 7 Yrs Camp ranges from $8,700/9 weeks - $4,500/3 weeks; 8 - 10 Yrs Camp ranges from $8,800/9 weeks - $4,600/3 weeks.

  • Dates: June 16–August 13, 2026

  • Registration: Select the appropriate age group and register for programs online here!

  • Bonus: After-care is offered through 5:00 pm + lunch is provided for full-day camp!

What’s New This Week 📰

What We’re Working On 📝❓👀

As summer gets closer, we’re spending more time getting out from behind the screen and into camps themselves, especially across NYC. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be touring programs, meeting directly with camp staff and directors, and gathering the kinds of real insights you can’t get from a website alone. Our goal is to bring parents more original content, honest takeaways, and behind-the-scenes looks at what these camps actually feel like day-to-day, so you can make summer decisions with a little more confidence (and a lot less guesswork).

Cheers,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[Boston’s Gold Standard for Summer Fun 🌞]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/bostons-gold-standard-for-summerhttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/bostons-gold-standard-for-summerFri, 08 May 2026 14:03:42 GMT
📸 Credit: Sewataro

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Activity Spotlight: Sewataro 🚣🌻🐿️

Camp Sewataro is a classic New England summer day camp (on about 44 wooded acres) that’s often described as “a day camp with an overnight camp feel.” It serves kids from preschool (age 3+) through 8th grade (plus counselor-in-training camp up to 19th grade), with age-banded sections (Chipmunks 3–4, Fox K–1, Bear 2–3, Eagle 4–5, Owl 6–8) so activities and supervision match each stage! The camp’s vibe is very outdoorsy and unplugged, focused on friendship, independence, and big “full camp day” energy in a supportive environment.

  • Area: Greater Boston

  • Price: K - 8th Grade Camp ranges from $7,030/8 weeks to ~$2,000/2 weeks; for 3 - 4 Year Old Camp, the cost is $515/week for half-day & $1,035/week for full-day. The CIT Program is $1,995/4 weeks.

  • Dates: June 29 - August 21, 2026

  • Registration: Register online here for camp!

  • Bonus: Sewataro is ACA accredited and licensed under MA regulations.

What’s New This Week 📰

  • Boston Centers for Youth & Families Summer Guide 2026: The BCYF Summer Guide contains lots of neighborhood-based and citywide programs BCYF offers for Bostonians of all ages and is intended to give you a general idea of what we offer during the summer months. Things can change, and there are always special events, new programs, and fun activities being added to the offerings, so check their website regularly!

  • The 7 Essential Skills of a Youth Worker: In the vibrant realm of youth work, where the potential for positive impact is immense, possessing the right set of skills is crucial. This isn’t just about a job; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships, fostering growth, and inspiring the next generation. A seasoned youth worker shares the seven essential skills that have proven indispensable.

  • When Do Summer Internships Actually Matter?: When are summer internships important for teens? A parent-friendly guide with age-by-age advice and resources in the Northeast and Minnesota.

What We’re Working On 👩‍👧‍👦💝🥰

As we head into Mother’s Day weekend, we’re giving ourselves permission to slow things down a bit, and we hope you are too. Between camps, activities, and everything else on the calendar, this feels like a good moment to keep things simple and actually enjoy the time together. We’ll still be sharing a few easy, low-lift ideas on our channels if you’re looking for something to do, but overall, we’re leaning into a lighter weekend, and hoping you get to do the same!

Over and out,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[From Camp to Court, Building Future Gophers in Minneapolis]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/from-camp-to-court-building-futurehttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/from-camp-to-court-building-futureFri, 01 May 2026 14:03:34 GMT
📸 Credit: gophersports.com

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Activity Spotlight: Dawn Plitzuweit Girls Basketball Camps 🏀⛹️‍♀️🥇

The U of M women's basketball summer camps offer a range of summer programs tailored to girls interested in improving their basketball skills while having fun in a positive, energetic environment. Hosted at the University's campus, these camps are led by the Gopher women’s basketball coaching staff, current and former players, and trained support staff. The Elite Camp is targeted toward advanced high school players with aspirations to play at the college level (I attended myself!). It offers high-intensity drills, scrimmages, and skill development tailored to individual and team play. The Youth Day Camp is a more relaxed option, open to younger girls (grades 3–8) of all skill levels. It focuses on fundamental skills: dribbling, shooting, passing, footwork, and defense, and includes games, contests, and fun group activities to encourage a love for the sport.

  • Area: Twin Cities

  • Price: The Girls Day Camp is $237/camper for 3 days of instruction, while the Elite Camp is $89.50/camper for 1 full day of instruction.

  • Dates: June 15 - 17, 2026

  • Registration: Register online here for camp!

  • Bonus: The Elite Camp is great exposure to the Gopher program and staff for players aspiring to represent their home state in college!

What’s New This Week 📰

What We’re Working On 🛝📅🚗

As we keep building out MomBrains, we’ve mentioned we’ve been spending time working closely with fellow mom Maddie, and we’re especially excited about the perspective she brings from both Massachusetts and Minnesota! It’s helping us think more intentionally about how parents actually use their time in the summer, especially those in-between windows. Beyond camps, we’re focused on spotlighting easy, high-quality activities on IG that can fill those 1–2 hour gaps, whether it’s between pickups, after a half-day program, or on the weekends when you just need something simple and fun. Keep an eye on our stories, posts, and reposts as we start rolling more of these out!

Cheers,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[NYC Summer, Solved! Why Parents Love Manhattan Youth]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/nyc-summer-solved-why-parents-lovehttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/nyc-summer-solved-why-parents-loveFri, 24 Apr 2026 14:31:54 GMT
📸 Credit: Manhattan Youth

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Activity Spotlight: Manhattan Youth 🏊⚽🎶

Manhattan Youth runs a variety of youth programs, including a full-day summer camp program known as Downtown Day Camp for children from elementary through early middle school ages (typically K-8th grade). It combines a wide mix of activities, including daily swim lessons in their private pool, organized field sports on Battery Park City’s ball fields, access to the beach volleyball and mini-golf at Pier 25, arts and crafts, “ooey-gooey” science projects, music and drumming, LEGO/robotics builds, movement & dance, and weekly trips/special events!

  • Area: NYC

  • Price: Tuition is dependent on length from 3 - 7 weeks, ranging from $3,995 - $7,295 total.

  • Dates: June 29 - August 14

  • Registration: Register online here for camp!

  • Bonus: Manhattan Youth offers school break camps and after-school care, making it a great year-round childcare choice for parents!

What’s New This Week 📰

  • Ultimate Guide to San Diego Summer Camps in 2026: These SoCal Moms rounded up top-rated San Diego Summer Camps in every category, including STEM, overnight adventures, sports, outdoor exploration, creative arts, and more. Whether your child dreams of meeting marine animals, building robots, performing on stage, or exploring tide pools, this guide makes it easy to find a camp they’ll love.

  • What to Pack for Summer Camp in Boston: A practical parent guide with daily essentials, weather-ready tips, and must-have items for kids of all ages in New England.

  • The Best Kids Soccer Camps in NYC, Boston & the Twin Cities: Find the best kids soccer camps in NYC, Boston, and the Twin Cities, from beginner-friendly programs to competitive training camps for all ages and skill levels.

What We’re Working On 🎟️👀🌸

As we head into spring and gear up for summer, we’re making sure no week goes unplanned. Alongside our camp coverage, we’re putting a bigger focus on sharing what’s happening right now, from last-minute events to pop-ups and can’t-miss family experiences, so you always have something on the calendar. We’ll be posting these in real time on Instagram, so be sure to follow along and check our stories, posts, reposts, and likes for the latest finds. The goal is simple: wherever you are in your planning (or last-minute scrambling), MomBrains has you covered!

Signing off,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[Inside the Magic of Running Brook Camp]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/inside-the-magic-of-running-brookhttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/inside-the-magic-of-running-brookFri, 10 Apr 2026 18:38:25 GMT
📸 Credit: Running Brook Camp (https://www.runningbrook.org/day-camp)

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Activity Spotlight: Running Brook 🐝🌼🏊

Running Brook Camps offers a mix of summer camp programs for kids from preschool through high school, all designed around the same core goals: being safe, having fun, and spending lots of time outdoors!

For younger campers, the Day Camp provides a classic, all-around camp experience on the Chapel Hill–Chauncy Hall campus, with activities like music, camp games, drama, arts and crafts, creative movement, nature, and yoga/mindfulness, plus archery, challenge course, and STEAM for campers in 2nd grade+. Older elementary kids in 3rd grade and above can choose electives, and snack and lunch are provided daily, which is a big practical win for parents.

For upper elementary and middle schoolers, Running Brook Adventures offers more adventurous programming for campers who have completed grades 4–8, including age-banded options like Excursions (grades 4–5) and Trekkers (grades 5–6). These are two-week sessions of day trips and camping experiences that explore the surrounding community and the greater Boston/New England area, blending on-campus activities with off-campus adventures in nature and around the region.

For teens, Running Brook also offers Creative Arts Camp and a Leadership Training Program. Creative Arts focuses on visual and performing arts with on-campus studios and facilities, giving older campers a chance to dive deeper into art-making. Literally all bases are covered at Running Brook!

What’s New This Week 📰

  • 6 Ways to Choose the Best Sports Camp for Your Child: Many children dream of an athletic career, even of one day making collegiate leagues and/or going pro. Whether your child imagines hitting a grand slam or scoring a touchdown on the last play of the game--or just loves playing a sport or three), there’s no better way to help them develop and improve their skills than by enrolling them in a summer sports camp.

  • The Best Girls Basketball Camps in Minnesota: Discover the best kids basketball camps at universities in Minnesota, from collegiate scouting to smaller skill-building camps, perfect for every age and level.

What We’re Working On 🦞🍎👩‍👦

As we keep building MomBrains into your go-to summer planning shortcut, we’re doubling down on making things even more timely and actionable. Alongside our camp spotlights, we’re continuing to expand our weekly event coverage—highlighting last-minute openings, pop-ups, and those hidden gem experiences that make a regular weekend feel special. We’re also teaming up again with your favorite South Shore mom, Maddie, for extra knowledgeable East Coast tips. Basically all this to say—we’ve got you covered!

Outta here for pick-up,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[Hidden Gems: Minnesota’s County Parks Camp to Book Now!]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/hidden-gems-minnesotas-county-parkshttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/hidden-gems-minnesotas-county-parksFri, 03 Apr 2026 14:03:33 GMT
Activities & Events | Register for Fun — Anoka County Parks
📸 Credit: Anoka County Parks

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Activity Spotlight: Anoka County Parks 🌲

Anoka County Parks offers a wide variety of nature-based summer day camps for kids ages 4 to 15, hosted across scenic locations like Wargo Nature Center, Coon Rapids Dam, and Bunker Hills Regional Park. Camps are led by trained naturalists and staff who prioritize outdoor exploration, hands-on learning, and fun!

Most camps are 1-3 days long, typically running from 9 AM to 12 PM or 9 AM to 3 PM. They’re great for families looking for affordable, enriching options with flexible scheduling throughout the summer!

  • Area: Twin Cities

  • Price: Camps range from just $115 to $205/week. Prices for 4-5 year olds are for half-day camp, while 6-14 year olds are priced for full days. For further details, see here!

  • Dates: June - August, varies by camp theme and age

  • Registration: Register online here for camp!

What’s New This Week 📰

  • Why Choose a Co-Ed Summer Camp: There are so many different types of camps out there—day camps, overnight camps, specialized camps, girls-only or boys-only. But a type of camp that’s starting to lose popularity is co-ed summer camps. Many parents are questioning the value of mixed-gender camps, especially during such developmental years of their kids’ childhood. But these types of camps can teach important lessons to children and give them valuable life experiences.

  • Overnight Camp Essentials - A Handy Packing Checklist: Packing can be something kids want to put off until the last minute, or it’s something they’re eager to do. Whether you’re helping your child pack weeks in advance or you’re packing a few days before camp, it’s important to have a packing list so you don’t forget the essentials.

  • The Smart Parent’s Manual to University Summer Camps: How university summer camps help kids build skills, confidence, and real-world experience.

What We’re Working On 🤭🕵️‍♀️🤳

As we head deeper into planning mode, we’re expanding how we help you stay in the loop. In addition to our regular camp spotlights on Instagram, we’re starting a new rhythm of weekly event roundups: last-minute openings, pop-up experiences, and those under-the-radar family events that don’t always make it onto your radar in time. Our goal is simple: make it easier for you to say “yes” to spontaneous, memory-making moments with your kids, without the stress of endless searching. Stay tuned; we’ll be sharing more real-time updates, insider finds, and a few exclusive opportunities we think you’ll love!

Over and out,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[Game, set, camp]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/game-set-camphttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/game-set-campFri, 27 Mar 2026 14:00:50 GMT

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  • Loving Math (Virtual, Museum of Mathematics Online Children’s Series)

San Francisco

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Activity Spotlight: Court16 🎾

Court16’s summer tennis camp is a Monday-through-Friday program ( in NYC) for kids ages roughly 4–12. Choices include half-day (9 a.m.–12 p.m. or 1 p.m.–4 p.m.) or full-day (9 a.m.–4 p.m.) options. They organize groups by ball color/skill (e.g., Red Ball for ages 4–12 on 36-ft courts, Orange Ball for older kids with more experience), rotate courts frequently, and use weekly themed camps (e.g., “Wimbledon Wonders,” “Mind Over Match,” “Courts of All Kinds”) to keep things fresh and engaging for campers! Our own MomBrains team can personally vouch!

  • Area: NYC

  • Price: $1,100/week for full days, $835/week for half-days. Court16 members save 16% on prices!

  • Dates: June 30 – August 29, 2026

  • Registration: Register online here for camp!

  • Bonus: Court16 also hosts school break camps for even more coverage throughout the year.

What’s New This Week 📰

What We’re Working On📡

As we head deeper into summer planning season, we’re continuing to dig into the camps parents are actually talking about: what’s worth it, what’s overhyped, and where kids are truly thriving. Next week, we’re zooming in on programs that blend structure with flexibility (a sweet spot we know many of you are looking for), along with a few under-the-radar finds that surprised us. As always, if there’s a camp you’re curious about, or one you think we should investigate, send it our way. We’re building this alongside you.

Cheers,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[Saddle up, summer 🤠]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/saddle-up-summerhttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/saddle-up-summerFri, 20 Mar 2026 14:03:32 GMT
summer horseback riding camp
📸 Credit: Willow Brook Farm

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Activity Spotlight: Willow Brook Farm 🐎

Willow Brook Farm runs Massachusetts-certified horseback riding summer camps in Holliston designed for all experience levels, from first-time riders to kids who’ve been riding for years. The setting is a big draw for horse kids: two large indoor arenas, a 100×200 outdoor arena with a jumper course, a cross-country schooling field, property trails, and 30+ horses and ponies, with MA-licensed trainers leading instruction.

For summer 2026, they're hosting nine weeklong sessions. The main camp option is Summer Riders (ages 8–13), offered as either full day (8:30 am–4:30 pm) or half day (8:30 am–12:30 pm). For younger campers, there’s Tiny Trotters (ages 4.5–7) and Pony Camp (ages 6–11)—both half-day (8:30 am–12:30 pm) options.

  • Area: Greater Boston

  • Price: Ranging from $395 - $695/week, depending on age.

  • Dates: June 22 - August 28, 2026

  • Registration: Register online here for camp!

What’s New This Week 📰

What We’re Working On 🔍📖📑

Behind the scenes, we’ve been deep in camp research mode, expanding our coverage across more categories (hello, horseback riding, tennis, and soccer 👀) and tightening up our review formats so parents can compare options faster and with more confidence. We’re continuing to build out the Camp Finder with clearer summaries, more consistent parent insights, and better at-a-glance details, because we know you don’t have time to dig through ten tabs to make one decision. And if you want a deeper dive, keep up to date with our blog, where we’ll be giving you an extra thorough run-down of the camps we’ve been featuring.

As always, our goal is simple: help you find the right camp, faster (and with fewer headaches).

Signing off,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[Enter stage right! Confidence camp (aka theater camp)]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/enter-stage-right-confidence-camphttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/enter-stage-right-confidence-campFri, 13 Mar 2026 15:02:01 GMT
📸 Credit: www.stagestheatre.org

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Activity Spotlight: Stages Theatre Company 🎭

Stages Theatre Company’s summer theatre workshops are designed as “pick-your-week” theatre camps for ages 3 through Grade 12, and taught by professional teaching artists, with a big emphasis on kids getting to sing, dance, act, play, and build confidence while making friends. The summer menu includes everything from Mini Workshops for ages 3–4 to full-day and half-day options for older kids that use Stages’ “Actor Tools” (body, voice, imagination) in themed sessions.

A standout within their summer lineup is C.A.S.T. Summer Showtime, an extension of Stages’ year-round C.A.S.T. (Creative, Accepting, Sensory-Friendly Theatre) program for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other sensory sensitivities.

  • Area: Twin Cities

  • Price: Ranging from $175 - $430/week, depending on age and camp type. Financial aid is available; apply here.

  • Dates: June 1 - August 14, 2026

  • Registration: Register online here for camp!

What’s New This Week 📰

What We’re Working On 🖼️📱

Behind the scenes, we’re also ramping up the pace of our Instagram Camp Feature Spotlights while families are deep in the summer registration scramble. Over the next few weeks, you’ll see more camps popping up in your feed, each one vetted and highlighted to help parents quickly understand what makes it special. If you’re still narrowing down your options (or just love seeing what’s out there), it’s a great time to follow along on Instagram for a steady stream of ideas and inspiration!

Cheers,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[The NYC Summer Camp with an IB Twist]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/the-nyc-summer-camp-with-an-ib-twisthttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/the-nyc-summer-camp-with-an-ib-twistFri, 06 Mar 2026 15:01:05 GMT
📸 Credit: lemanmanhattan.org

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Activity Spotlight: Camp Léman 🗽

Camp Léman is a full-feature summer day camp built on the foundation of Léman Preparatory Manhattan’s educational mission. It blends active sports, creative arts, science and exploration, swim instruction, and safe, structured social environments for kids ages 3 through grade 6. Specialty activities, designed to keep kids engaged, may include live animal shows, cooking projects, science exploration, visual & performing arts, martial arts, and more.

Organized into age-based groups with a head counselor (certified teacher) and supporting staff, their small group sizes (~15 campers per group) foster community and inclusion!

  • Area: NYC

  • Price: Ranging from $1,350 for 1 week of full-day camp to $6,400 for 6 weeks of full-day camp

  • Dates: June 22 - August 7, 2026

  • Registration: Register here for camp! Early bird discounts are available before March 13th ($100 off of 1-2 weeks price; $200 off of 3-4 weeks price; $300 off of 5-7 weeks price)!

What’s New This Week 📰

What We’re Working On🤝📧📞

This week, we’re doubling down on building direct relationships with camps, because the best camp advice comes from the source and from families who’ve actually been there. We’re reaching out, asking the detailed questions, and keeping lines of communication open so our Camp Finder and spotlights reflect the most accurate 2026 info (real schedules, age group nuances, and yes—parent-friendly deals when camps offer them). And if you want even more step-by-step direction on how to find and register for camps right now, read this guide!

Cheers,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[The South Shore camp where kids come home saying “¡Mira!”]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/the-south-shore-camp-where-kids-comehttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/the-south-shore-camp-where-kids-comeFri, 27 Feb 2026 15:02:34 GMT
Photo Credit 📸: SELA

Events in Your Area 🍁✊🤰

Boston

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Activity Spotlight: SELA (Su Escuela Language Academy) 🪇

SELA’s Summer Program is an 11-week, full-immersion Spanish experience (June–August) built around STEAM learning and weekly themes. This year, the program theme (“Eco Amigos”) focuses on nature and sustainability—kids learn through hands-on projects, sensory play, art + science exploration, and age-appropriate activities for infants/toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged kids. Older campers also get light coding exposure using Scratch, designed to be fun and accessible.

(And if you’re looking for a school-year option, SELA also offers after-school full-immersion language programs (including Spanish—and they note options in Mandarin as well), typically in small groups with a set weekly schedule (Mon/Tue/Thu, late afternoon) aimed at helping kids maintain and grow fluency.)

  • Area: Greater Boston

  • Price: ~$209 - $664, depending on half-day/full-day, age, and number of days. Register by March 1 and get 15% off!

  • Dates: June 8 - August 21, 2026

  • Registration: Programs can be registered for online here.

  • Bonus: This is a MomBrains-attended program, so we can personally vouch for how great it is!

Explore all our recommended camps under Language in our camp finder! And catch our interview with the SELA camp directors here!

What’s New This Week 📰

  • Sleepaway Camps - A Parent’s “How-To” Guide: Thinking about sleepaway camp? Learn how to tell if your child is ready, how to choose the right camp, and how to ease nerves for a great first summer.

  • 2026 ACA National Award Recipients Announced: The American Camp Association announces this year’s winners of their 9 prestigious awards, narrowing down your search easily.

  • 7 Ways That Summer Camp Teaches Kids Independence: Camp Walt Whitman in NH has spent over 75 years helping children develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive on their own. They’ve seen firsthand how a well-structured camp experience empowers kids to step outside their comfort zones and learn these 7 valuable life lessons that stick with them long after the summer ends.

What We’re Working On 😍👍📸

This week, we’ve launched something we’ve been excited about for a while: MomBrains Instagram Camp Features. We’ll be spotlighting standout local camps, sharing the details parents actually want, and—best part—rolling out exclusive deals and perks in partnership with some of your favorite camp teams. If you want first dibs (and the occasional “this fills fast” heads-up), come follow along on Instagram!

Over and out,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[When summer comes with choreography]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/when-summer-comes-with-choreographyhttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/when-summer-comes-with-choreographyFri, 13 Feb 2026 16:02:53 GMT
Young dancers in ballet class during summer session at Minnesota Ballet School
Students at MN Ballet School (source: minnesotaballetschool.com)

Events in Your Area 💌🛷🤝

Boston

NYC

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Activity Spotlight: Minnesota Ballet School 🩰

Minnesota Ballet School is a community ballet school that teaches classical ballet using the Vaganova (Russian) method, with year-round options that include youth classes, adult classes, drop-in/open classes (ages 3+), and private lessons!

For summer, their summer youth programs mix true “camp” experiences for little dancers with skill-building training for older students. For ages 3–8, families can choose short-format Pre-Ballet Summer Programs (Pre-Ballet 1 ages 3–4 or Pre-Ballet 2 ages 5–8) offered in three-week sessions with weekly class times. They also run themed Ballet Art & Craft Camps (ages 4–7)—a very parent-friendly intro-to-ballet format that blends gentle choreography, creative crafts (crowns/wands/wings/mini tutus), and a mini performance at the end of camp.

For older kids who want more technique, Minnesota Ballet School offers Ballet 2–5 (ages 8–16) summer classes that include ballet technique plus pointe/pre-pointe to maintain and build strength, placement, and endurance. There’s even a Mini Competition Prep Camp (ages 5–8) for families curious about competition-style training in a low-pressure format.

  • Area: Twin Cities

  • Price: $75 - $650/session, depending on age. Boys always receive 50% off tuition!

  • Dates: May 27 - August 20, 2026

  • Registration: Programs can be registered for online here. Register for competition prep camp by May 1, 2026, and receive $100 off! (code: EARLYCOMP)

  • Coverage: Camps last a few hours to a half-day, so keep that in mind if your camper needs care for your entire workday.

Explore all our recommended dance camps under Arts & Music in our camp finder!

What’s New This Week 📰

What We’re Working On 🤖

Behind the scenes this week, we’ve also been in “tiny details, big impact” mode, fine-tuning the more technical parts of MomBrains so everything loads faster and feels easier to use. We’re optimizing download speeds, smoothing out the experience on devices, and tightening the little taps-and-scrolls moments so parents can find what they need quickly (without waiting for pages to load or hunting for buttons).

Signing off,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[Seas the Summer, with Maritime Camps]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/seas-the-summer-with-maritime-campshttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/seas-the-summer-with-maritime-campsFri, 06 Feb 2026 16:00:33 GMT

Events in Your Area 🎟️

Boston

NYC

San Francisco

Twin Cities

Activity Spotlight: Duxbury Bay Maritime School ⛵

Duxbury Bay Maritime School’s summer lineup is basically a pick-your-own waterfront adventure, with options that range from “try everything” days to skill-based tracks in sailing, paddling, rowing, marine science, and powerboating. Their flagship Maritime Adventures is a full-day program for ages 6–11 where the schedule flexes with the tide—high tide might mean sailing/kayaking/swimming (plus a Clark’s Island picnic), while low tide can include marine science labs, STEM challenges, arts & crafts, motorboating, and local field trips.

For kids who want to specialize, DBMS runs Junior Sailing (ages 6–18) with clearly leveled options. On the paddle side, Paddlesports (ages 5+) includes Kayaking for younger and older kids (with tides/wind/currents as part of the learning). They also offer Junior Rowing (ages 11–18) with varied skill levels. If your child is more science-and-creatures than “sport track,” Marine Science & Fishing includes themed weeks plus options like fishing (ages 9–16) and programming that may include bigger outings (e.g., whale watch/field trips). And for older kids, Power Boating (12+) offers a hands-on, on-water “driver’s ed” style boating course with USCG-certified captains, plus boater’s license coursework tied to MA requirements!

  • Area: Greater Boston

  • Price: $200 - $750/week, dependent on camp, session, and age.

  • Dates: June 17 - August 21, 2026

  • Registration: Programs can be registered for online here. Registration opened January 30, 2026, so act now!

  • Keep in Mind: Campers must already be competent swimmers, at a minimum. Different camps may have other water/water sport-related prerequisites.

What’s New This Week 📰

What We’re Working On 🧠💬

This week, we’re going deeper than “camp dates and prices” (even though centralizing that information is helpful). We’re working directly with local expert moms (the ones who’ve actually done the research, the tours, the drop-offs, and the “my kid loved it/hated it” debriefs) and also interviewing camps themselves to fill in the details you really want before you book. The goal: add richer, more trustworthy info to our Camp Finder and blog content—things like daily flow, how kids are grouped, staff experience, behavior support approach, swim/safety logistics, what happens on rainy days, and the little parent “gotchas” that never make it onto the glossy brochure.

Cheers,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[Camp, But Make It Bilingual]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/camp-but-make-it-bilingualhttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/camp-but-make-it-bilingualFri, 23 Jan 2026 15:31:09 GMT
SWAN Student in their pre-K - 6th group (source: swan-nyc.org)

Events in Your Area ✊🌕🐦

Boston

NYC

San Francisco

Twin Cities

Activity Spotlight: SWAN (Shuang Wen Academy Network) 🗣️

Shuang Wen Academy Network (SWAN) is an incredible Mandarin immersion school in New York with the goal of teaching children to be global learners. The summer camp provides a language-immersion experience for children ages 2 to 14, combining Chinese language learning with arts, crafts, games, math, swim time, ukulele, and chess. The curriculum is designed to be both educational and fun, offering full-day programs and themed weeks that encourage language acquisition through creative play and group projects.

Additionally, SWAN offers after-school and Saturday programs to tailor year-round language work, ensuring kids deepen their connection to the Chinese language and culture while still being flexible to work into families’ weekly routines.

  • Area: NYC

  • Price: NY camp ranges from ~$1,610 - $2,425 dependent on timing, age, and session. Summer camp is also available in Taiwan for $1,210 - $2,685 (dependent on the package. Airfare is NOT included in that price.)

  • Dates: June - August, exact dates will be announced in March 2026

  • Current Discounts: Early bird and sibling discounts are available. Check back with MomBrains or SWAN in March for exact early bird windows!

  • Extra Perks: Since our team has experience with these international camps, we can tell you firsthand that it’s worth it because:

    • SWAN has done all of this before (the learning curve is taken care of for you!)

    • They figure out housing, activities, and food for you if you go to Taiwan (which can be a lot of work, trust us)

    • They organize optional weekend activities, too (maximizing time occupied)

    • They also partner with a local school, so there is a mix of local Taiwanese kids and American kids that ensures diversity

What’s New This Week 📰

What We’re Working On 🍄‍🟫🎭🎾✏️🎼🤖❗

Since our MVP launch last week, we’ve been heads-down on what matters most next: density. That means building out the deepest, most reliable camp coverage possible (more programs, more locations, more age ranges, and more formats) so when you’re ready to book, you’re choosing from the best and widest selection of camp options in one place. We’re expanding fast, tightening the details, and making it easier to compare so you can spend less time hunting and more time feeling confident about the camp you pick.

Outta here like it’s early pickup,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[Talking classic day camps]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/talking-classic-day-campshttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/talking-classic-day-campsFri, 16 Jan 2026 15:01:57 GMT
Poagtown Village (5th - 6th) Campers (greaterlowellymca.org)

Events in Your Area 🤩

Boston

NYC

San Francisco

Twin Cities

Activity Spotlight: Camp Massapoag 🚣

Camp Massapoag is the YMCA of Greater Lowell’s outdoor day camp, located in Dunstable, MA, on beautiful Massapoag Pond. It’s a classic “get dirty, be outside all day” kind of camp with a strong emphasis on fresh air, friendship, and old-school camp fun. It’s a good fit for kids who enjoy being outdoors most of the day, first-time campers who need a structured but non-intense day camp, and returning campers who love water, animals, and active play.

  • Area: Greater Boston

  • Price: $350/week, plus $40/week for morning or evening aftercare, or $60/week for morning and evening aftercare

  • Dates: June 15 - August 21, 2026, by weekly sessions

  • *Current Discounts*: Register before February 1st to have your $35 registration fee waived! Plus, receive a $10 discount per week when you register a 2nd child, and a $15 discount per week when you register a 3rd child!

  • Extra Perks: Transportation provided to and from camp, at no additional charge!

What’s New This Week 📰

What We’re Working On 📆✅

In the background over here, we’ve officially hit the MVP stage of the MomBrains Camp Finder 🎉!

That means the bones are built, the search actually works (🥳), and we’re ready for real parents to start poking at it, breaking it, and telling us what feels helpful vs. what still feels clunky. Over the next few weeks, we encourage you to incorporate it into your research; search camps, save favorites, and compare options as you plan for 2026. We’d love for you to start using it as soon as it’s live and share your honest feedback—screenshots, rants, wish lists, all of it.

Over and out,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[Are nature camps right for your kiddo?]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/are-nature-camps-right-for-your-kiddohttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/are-nature-camps-right-for-your-kiddoFri, 09 Jan 2026 16:01:45 GMT
Tumbleroot
New Country Day Camp K-1st campers engaging with the Tumbleroot outdoor activities! (14streety.org)

Events in Your Area 🏂

Boston

NYC

San Francisco

Twin Cities

Activity Spotlight: New Country Camps 🐝🪴

The 14th Street Y offers a mix of summer camp options designed for downtown NYC families who want a blend of community, creativity, and (as much as possible) time outside without leaving the city completely behind. The Y’s camp “ecosystem” includes a classic outdoor day camp, a more urban/indoor-based option, Pride camp, and programming for younger children and tweens. Across all of their camps, the throughline is a values-driven, inclusive environment with small-group attention and a strong community feel. Families can often choose full-summer enrollment or specific sessions to work with your schedule.

  • Area: NYC

  • Price: Starting at $1,475/week, though it varies by camp and week commitment. Discounts available for Y members and siblings.

  • Dates: Starts June 29th, 2026

  • Extended Care: Available for the New Town Day Camp for ages 2-5 (4:00-5:30) for $1,400

  • Highlights: Specific to the New Country Day Camp, lunch and snacks are provided, as well as transportation from the city to the campsite!

  • Registration: Registration is now open! Sign up your camper online here.

What’s New This Week 📰

What We’re Working On 🚀

We’re officially in the home stretch with the MomBrains Camp Finder, and we’re so excited to finally say this out loud: we’re getting ready to launch in just a few weeks. 🎉 If you’re already staring down 2026 camp research (hi, it’s us too), our goal is to make this the last year you open 27 tabs and cross-reference PTO emails, Instagram posts, and rumors from the playground. The Camp Finder will let you search and compare camps by age, location, schedule, and vibe—with real parent notes layered in—so you can actually see your options in one place. If you haven’t yet, hit subscribe and share this Substack with the other moms in your life who are starting to plan now; the more of us using and feeding this tool, the better it gets for everyone!

Signing off,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[What do kids learn in STEM camps?]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/what-do-kids-learn-in-stem-campshttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/what-do-kids-learn-in-stem-campsFri, 19 Dec 2025 17:02:41 GMT
Pull the string and get hand sani from this dino robot’s behind.

Events in Your Area 🎄🎅🏼

Boston

NYC

San Francisco

Twin Cities

Activity Spotlight: Nory Stem Camp 🤖

Nory has been one of our go-to’s for the last couple of years for holiday day camps and summer weekly camps. For kids in ages 3-12, Nory offers a fun and age-appropriate approach for creating, building, and solving problems. It focuses on robotics, engineering, coding, science, woodworking, and other creative projects.

Most camps run on a weekly theme, such as robotic pets, scooters, baseball equipment or fencing gear, or problem solving creations like hand sanitizer dispensing dinosaurs! The creations that kids bring home are cool, but full disclosure for parents: you can end up with a lot of stuff!

  • Area: Throughout NYC and recently in Boston

  • Price: $890/week, $178/day for NYC camps. Discounts on multi-weeks.

  • Hours: 9am-3pm

  • Early Drop-off: + $20/day

  • Extended Care: + $30/day

  • Highlights: Fun intro to robotics for young children, while including outdoor play every day. Older kids can participate in coding camps.

  • Note: lunch is not included.

What’s New This Week 📰

  • How to Find Camps in Your Area: This guide walks through how to actually find camps in your area, using the same grassroots detective work most parents rely on now (mom groups, word of mouth, driving around town, school flyers, PTO emails, local papers), plus a few region-specific ideas if you’re in New York City, Boston, San Francisco, or Minneapolis–St. Paul.

  • Handling Big Feelings (Emotional Regulation in Young Kids): Name-it-to-tame-it and other simple tools to help kids calm down. We hear your big feelings too.

What We’re Working On 📊

We’re all in on camps. A mom friend, former colleague, and writer—who recently relocated from Minneapolis to Boston—will be sharing her perspective and tips on summer camps in the South Boston area. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, we’re making steady progress on Project Camp, even amid an unusually intense juggle of client work and family life — like Everything, Everywhere, All at Once. We’ve cataloged just under 50 camps and counting and are actively building our initial web app MVP.

We’re aiming to launch in January, right as many camps begin releasing details and families start planning for summer. We’ll be taking a short pause in the final week of December to spend time with our families, and we’re excited to see you in the new year!

Happy Holidays!

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[How many kids are in extracurriculars? ]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/how-many-kids-are-in-extracurricularshttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/how-many-kids-are-in-extracurricularsFri, 12 Dec 2025 16:02:24 GMT

Events in Your Area 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦❄️

Boston

NYC

San Francisco

Twin Cities

Activity Spotlight: Tom Denney Nature Camp 🐞

For families in the northeast with kids in grades K-12, Tom Denney Nature Camp offers a rich mix of outdoor adventures: swimming, hiking, games, camper-led performances, shelter building, predator-and-prey tag, arts & crafts, and camp-fires for hot dogs and marshmallows (and that’s just to start). This could be a great way to escape from overscheduled extracurriculars and get back to the slower speed of the outdoors in 2026!

  • Area: Greater Boston

  • Price: $415/week for K-5, $525/week for 6-9 grades, $425 for high schoolers

  • Dates: June 29 - August 7, 2026

  • Highlights: Classic camp experience, experiences with nature, great counselors

  • Registration*: Camps can be registered for through the online portal here. Registration opens January 1!

What’s New This Week 📰

What We’re Working On 📊

We’ve refined the structure and technical pieces of our work (mostly, all Moms know that projects are always on-going), and now we’re making sure that our data is air tight. There is nothing worse than doing a quick Google search where you seem to find what you’re looking for, only to click on the link and realize the information is outdated or inaccurate. 🤦‍♀️ Not on our marketplace watch!

We want to make sure that we’re providing you the most up to date information available, so we’re going through everything with a fine tooth comb. It’s time consuming, but so worth it to ensure we’re offering you all a top quality product that will actually help with your planning!

Signing off,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[Camp Confidant! Your trusted source for kid activities in 2026]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/camp-confidant-your-trusted-sourcehttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/camp-confidant-your-trusted-sourceFri, 05 Dec 2025 17:01:14 GMT

Finding the right camp shouldn’t feel like a full-time job, but for the team at MomBrains, it often does. Between juggling work, parenting, and the never-ending scroll through outdated directories and sparse/poorly made camp websites, tracking down quality, local programs for kids has become its own side hustle.

That’s why we’re building something better: a trusted marketplace made for moms, by moms—one that makes discovering summer camps, school break programs, and after-school activities easier, faster, and actually enjoyable. We’re just getting started, and we’re excited to make something better than what exists now for parents.

As we grow, your feedback means the world, because if we can make this easier for you, we know we’re on the right track!

Events in Your Area 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦☃️

Boston

NYC

San Francisco

Twin Cities

Activity Spotlight: Night at the Museum 🌃

For all existing Scouts and community groups! Check out Night in the Museum at Old Sturbridge Village this 2026! Arriving in the evening, campers navigate this overnight experience with only a map and a tattered journal at their side, traveling back in time to take part in a mysterious, candlelit adventure through the 1830s. The quest will exercise their detective skills as they hunt for clues, conduct experiments, and investigate the past. Back at the hands-on learning laboratory, they will experiment with historic crafts to learn more about 19th-century life.

  • Area: Greater Boston

  • Price: $75/camper, $60/adult

  • Dates: Various slots from January 10 - May 30, 2026

  • Highlights: Ability to earn Scout badges, engaging with nature (camping allowed)

  • Registration*: Registration is OPEN! Spots fill up quickly, so act now! Register here.

What’s New This Week 📰

  • How Many Extracurricular Activities Is Too Many for Kids?: Overscheduling is a common theme for families these days. While we all want our kids to test out different activities, how many extracurricular activities become too many?

  • Strategies for a Successful Summer Break: Summer break might feel like freedom for kids, but for many, especially those with anxiety, ADHD, or developmental sensitivities, the lack of everyday structure that school provides can be challenging. Without predictable routines, kids may get restless, anxious, or even act out. That’s where summer camps enter the picture! They can recreate some of the structure, predictability, and stimulation that kids rely on, but with fun, social, and outdoorsy energy.

What We’re Working On 👷‍♀️🔨

We’re hitting the ground running! Behind the scenes, we’re deep in the weeds, fine-tuning the technical pieces of our new marketplace. From intuitive search to mom-approved filters, we’re building something that actually works for real families.

Stay tuned: the full platform is coming soon, and we can’t wait to help you discover your next favorite camp or class with ease in 2026!

🫡,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts & stay up to date with camps in your area.

]]><![CDATA[What we're thankful for this season of parenting]]>https://hacks.mombrains.com/p/what-were-thankful-for-this-seasonhttps://hacks.mombrains.com/p/what-were-thankful-for-this-seasonFri, 21 Nov 2025 17:39:54 GMT

Events in Your Area 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

NYC

San Francisco

Boston

What’s New This Week 🙏

What We’re Into This Week 🔉📚📺

How We’re Feeling This Week:💯

This week, we want to take a moment to recognize you—the parents who show up day after day, often tired, often stretched, but always trying. Parenting asks more of us than anyone ever sees, and yet you keep going: comforting big feelings, packing lunches, juggling schedules, teaching values, and loving your kids in a thousand quiet ways. We see the invisible work, the emotional labor, the patience pulled from thin air. Thank you for everything you do, not just this week, but every single day. You’re doing an incredible job—even on the days it doesn’t feel like it!

Signing off,

Your Team at MomBrains

Subscribe for free to receive our posts.

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