FAQs

​​Branches employs multiple health professionals (e.g. nurses, EMTs, nursing students, etc) to staff our Health Office during the summer for all participants. We also have a consulting relationship with a local pediatrician. If you have questions or concerns about a specific medical need, please reach out to us before the summer.

We will be following all CDC and state of Massachusetts requirements on isolation and quarantine.

Vaccination is suggested, but not required.

Please reach out to info@branchesmeadowbrook.org for any questions.

For campers who are mildly ill at camp we have a health care center staffed by professionals that can provide support.

Families will be contacted if their child is seen by our health staff either by phone or email.

If your child has a fever or is vomiting/has diarrhea you will be asked to come pick up your child. Children with these symptoms cannot return to camp until symptoms have resolved.

Please see your family handbook for more information on our healthcare policies or email info@branchesmeadowbrook.org.

​​All campers participate in swimming lessons everyday. Campers follow the American Red Cross swim lesson program, taught in small groups by our certified swim instructors. Campers will be tested and placed in the appropriate level group at the beginning of their session. If the instructor deems a camper has progressed to meet all of the required skills they will be advanced to the next level.

Campers groups are assigned by age - with children in the same or adjacent grades. Groups include all genders, with private changing options provided for swim times. Campers may request to be grouped with a friend as part of the application process. Every group has multiple counselors assigned to it. Average group sizes range from 15-20 campers.

All of our campers will get to participate in Arts and Crafts, Science, Drama, Sports, Games, Swim Lessons, and Free Swim throughout the session.

Pre-K campers will go through the day with their group. Our Hedgehogs have a quiet time after lunch for about 20 minutes. Some campers nap while others just rejuvenate for the rest of the day.

Lower Camp (K-3rd grade) will have the opportunity to choose one elective in the afternoon in addition to the camp activities listed above. The rest of the activities will be with their group

Upper Camp (4-8th grade) will have the opportunity to choose 2 electives during the camp day in addition to the camp activities listed above.

We are excited to announce that we are moving back to swim two times per day in our Campers program. All groups will have a morning swim lesson and free swim in the afternoon. If you would like additional swim lessons for your child, please take a look at our swimmers program.

Challenges are large-group collaboration activities in which the Mazemakers community must solve a complex problem through leadership, cooperation, and teamwork. Challenges form an important component of the program, helping to build leadership skills and strengthen community. There are usually 2 to 3 Challenges per session. On Challenge days, classes are either shortened or suspended, depending on the level of challenge and the length of time needed to solve it.

Yes! Mazemakers offers a limited number of LIT and Junior Counselor roles which are often filled by previous Mazemaker participants. If you are interested in this opportunity, please reach out to us via phone or email for more information.

Yes. Mazemakers have an optional free swim period during the day. Mazemakers who do not wish to use the pool may choose another activity such as games, sports, or quiet group time. Mazemakers do not participate in swimming lessons.

After enrollment, all Mazemakers will be asked to complete a Choice Form indicating their top choices for classes each session. This form will be available on the Family Portal dashboard before summer begins.

Our campers stay the night after the showcase for our families. They participate in activities, watch a movie, and get to extend their time having fun with friends. For our campers that are not ready to spend the night we have stay over options available where campers are picked up after the movie.

Explorers spend half the day in their selected class - typically from 9:00 a.m. until lunchtime. Morning snack and a break is scheduled for each group. See the Explorer daily schedule here.

Explorers classes are taught by a variety of instructors - Meadowbrook School faculty, professional teachers, long-standing partners/third-party providers, and enthusiastic experts in their fields.

Anyone working with Branches during the summer completes the necessary background, CORI, SORI, and fingerprinting requirements.

When they are not in class, Explorers have the chance to explore more! Activities such as sports, swimming, arts and crafts, and more are available for Explorers to engage in. Explorers will have the chance to participate in many different activities with their class groups and group counselors.

Yes. Classes are offered to a range of grades depending on the scope and sequence of the class. In general, classes are grouped by Preschool (Pre-K and K), lower camp (1st-2nd grade) upper camp (3rd - 5th grade) and middle school (6th - 8th grade), though there are some exceptions.

Yes. Depending on their class schedule, Explorers may have the chance to participate in free swim on some days. Explorers do not participate in swimming lessons.

Our Explorers+ classes are more intensive specialty camps that go beyond our typical Explorers options. Experiences will include unique materials, expert guests, and more. Children will attend the class of their choice for the entire day and will not participate in other camp activities.

Each week offers a selection of trips to local venues. See here for more information.

Yes. Daily lunch is not provided to Adventurers. Some trip venues provide food to our campers. On days when this is not possible, we ask that families send their child to camp with a packed lunch that follows our allergy requirements. We encourage participants to bring a water bottle on their trips.

Enrolled families will access necessary waivers or permission slips through their Family Portal later in the spring. Adventurers who have incomplete forms will not be allowed to attend the trip/program.