Noelle Cooper '06 works on crafts with a camper.

Nobles Day Camp kicked off summer vacation for approximately 450 campers on Monday, June 26. Located on the Noble and Greenough School’s 187-acre campus, the camp runs for eight weeks throughout the summer and entertains a maximum of 700 campers each week.

Participants in the day camp have a wide array of options available to them ranging from video and photography, to archery and boating on the Charles. “We’re all about choices here,” said Program Director Linda Hurley, who works with activities specialists. “Kids get to make their own choices for activities and do what they really want to do. They end up doing whatever they’re most interested in.”

A favorite of 6-year old Dedham resident Maeve O’Connor’s is Halloween Week, one of eight different special weekly events. For those children like O’Connor who enjoy “playing dress-up”, this specially themed week provided the perfect excuse to come to camp sporting creative and original costumes in the middle of July.

The exciting five days also included the first of two Family Fun nights, and culminated with the usual weekly cook-out on Friday. “Families love family night because it gives them the chance to see what’s going on after they drop their kids off in the morning. Many of our activities are open for them to enjoy together, from boating, to archery,” said Hurley. The two nights are held on July 12 and August 2, and are aimed at providing parents with the opportunity to meet their children’s friends and counselors.

With so many activities and events to choose from, it is hard to believe even more are created each year. Fun with Food, sewing, and the new Outdoor Living Skills portion of Rocks 'n' Ropes were all added to the impressive list of available options for campers. Whether learning how to pitch a tent and start a fire, or to prepare a delectable guacamole dip, campers enjoyed the opportunity to experience a truly well-rounded day. “Kids have so many different chances to have fun. Whatever a camper enjoys-- sports, or arts and crafts, or anything, they’re bound to find it here,” said Noelle Cooper of Acton, a counselor for three years.

One explanation for the day camp’s ability to satisfy all interests is its rich history and connection to the Noble and Greenough school. “What is so unique about Nobles Day Camp and what really makes it different from other camps in the area is that we are fortunate enough to use about 90 percent of Nobles’ campus, with access to its great facilities,” said Emily Parker, Director of Nobles Day Camp. “We’ve also inherited a long lasting backbone of tradition and spirit, which has never changed and has always been a part of the Nobles community.”

With many families dividing their summers into shorter periods of time to include more activities, Parker stressed the importance of making every experience, no matter how long, memorable. “We work harder to serve more kids and to give them the best experience possible, even if they’re only here for ten days,” Parker said. With excited campers and smiling staff, it looks like one Day Camp has succeeded.