CREATIVE ADVENTURES SUMMER PROGRAM

Creative Adventures at Academy MetroWest is based on a cooperative and non-competitive approach to children's recreation. When children are presented with opportunities to play in a way that emphasizes collaboration, fun, and participation, rather than confrontation, and winning or losing, they are often able to relax and enjoy themselves. This popular program is open to our school-year clients and their siblings. If space is available after April, we will accept applications from the general public.

At Creative Adventures, the overwhelming majority of activities are structured in a cooperative manner that enables children to maximize their level of success. There is an active repertoire of over 150 Academy MetroWest-created, physically-oriented activities.

Our staff provides the children with many fresh and innovative ways to have fun. The structure of these activities encourages children to work together as a team and to learn about their role in a group. This structure, combined with close, nurturing relationships with professional counselors, often enables children to develop improved feelings of self-esteem and to have a stress-free, fun-filled summer.

Participants
Creative Adventures is designed for those children looking for a summer, full-day recreational setting that is smaller and more personal than that found at traditional day camps. No more than 25 participants will be attending this program at any time. Because the program is small, staff will be able to concentrate on establishing close relationships with each child. This individualized approach will help children become involved in a very integral way, in both the physical and social aspects of the program.

Recreational Activities
Our weekly schedule includes instructional and free swim, non-competitive and cooperative games, arts & crafts, field trips, team sports, and performing arts.

Transportation
Transportation to and from our site must be arranged by parents. Creative Adventures will not be providing transportation but will facilitate car-pooling.

Dates and Times
For the 2008 session, Creative Adventures will operate for seven weeks from June 23rd through August 8th. Creative Adventures will be closed on July 4th. For the sake of continuity, you must enroll your child for a minimum of two consecutive weeks, plus any additional weeks desired. Enrollment is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Program hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. All children must enroll for five full days per week.

Fees
Tuition at Creative Adventures varies according to the duration of a camper's stay. For those enrolling for a 2-5 week period, the fee is $495 per week. For those attending for 6-7 weeks, the fee is $470 per week. There is a sibling discount of $30 per week. There is also a non-refundable registration fee of $30.

Application Procedure
If you would like an application and health form for enrollment at Creative Adventures, please call us at 508-655-9200. Once you receive your application and health form, please return them, along with a $180 check, $30 of which is a non-refundable registration fee, payable to Academy MetroWest. Interviews can be arranged to determine whether or not Creative Adventures is an appropriate match for your child. A bill for the balance due will be sent to you with payment required in full by June 1. Please note that enrollment at Creative Adventures opens to the public in April based on availability. Prior to that, enrollment is open only to participants in the school-year program and their siblings.

Location
Creative Adventures is based out of Academy MetroWest, which is located at 9 Tech Circle in Natick. Facilities include a large gymnasium and indoor play area, and an arts & crafts room. Creative Adventures will be making extensive use of various state parks and local recreational facilities, including an outdoor pool complex.

Creative Adventures is a resource for boys and girls aged 8 - 13. Children of all races, religions and ethnic backgrounds are accepted. Creative Adventures programs are available to persons with disabilities.

9 Tech Circle, Natick, MA | 508-655-9200
email: academymetrowest@yahoo.com

Staff
Creative Adventures at Academy MetroWest is directed by Gary Steinberg, LSW, and Bruce Sabian, M.A., LMHC.

Mr. Steinberg has been involved in children's recreation for over twenty-five years. He served as director of Camp Academy, a large recreational day camp affiliated with the Academy of Physical and Social Development in Newton and as a consultant to their pre-school program.

Mr. Sabian has been a children's group therapist for fifteen years. In 1991, he designed Camp Nonantum, a therapeutic day camp for children with special needs, operated out of the Newton Academy. He directed that program for three years and also served as assistant director of Camp Academy for two years.