Program Types: Schools and Colleges, Summer Camps
Age Group: Elementary School, Middle School
Season: Summer
Price: Free
Your Child’s Summer of Discovery: Hale Outdoor Learning Adventures
Hale Outdoor Learning Adventures (HOLA) offers an enriching 5-week day camp experience across the expansive landscapes of Westwood and Dover. Imagine your child exploring over 1,200 acres, transforming the great outdoors into their classroom. At HOLA, learning becomes an adventure. Our dedicated teachers and counselors act as mentors, fostering curiosity, igniting a passion for learning, and building a strong sense of community among campers from Boston Public Schools (BPS) partner schools.
HOLA Program Highlights: Education Meets Exploration
HOLA is recognized for its effective and engaging approach to summer learning, as studied by the RAND Corporation and the National Institute on Out-of-School Time. We utilize proven, best-practice methods to ensure a summer experience that is not only fun and memorable but also deeply educational.
Our curriculum focuses on strengthening foundational skills in Math and English Language Arts (ELA). However, the learning extends far beyond traditional subjects. Campers will also dive into exciting STEM activities and develop crucial social-emotional learning skills, all while immersed in the beauty of nature. HOLA takes education off the page and onto the trails, into the pond, and amongst the trees, creating true learning adventures.
Collaboration and resilience are woven into the fabric of the HOLA experience. Campers participate in swimming and boating lessons, challenge themselves on the ropes course, develop focus at the archery range, and unleash their creativity through arts and crafts. These activities are designed to build confidence and teamwork, making learning an active and engaging adventure.
We invite students who have completed grades 3–8 in Boston schools to apply for this incredible opportunity!
Partnering for Educational Excellence
Hale is proud to partner with Boston Public Schools to present this enriching summer learning academy for elementary and middle school students. HOLA is an official Summer Learning Academy of the City of Boston, expertly blending academic enrichment with the excitement of traditional summer camp activities. Certified teachers lead academic sessions, while campers also enjoy swimming, boating, climbing, archery, and much more. This five-week program is a collaborative effort between Hale, Boston Public Schools, and Boston After School & Beyond, all committed to providing free, high-quality learning adventures. More details are available through participating schools.
Reimagining Education: The Hale Approach
Hale Outdoor Learning Adventures, alongside the innovative Intrepid Academy at Hale, exemplifies our commitment to reimagining education. We believe learning is most impactful when it’s hands-on, engaging, and connected to the real world.
Free Bus Service for HOLA Campers
To ensure accessibility, Hale provides free bus service for all HOLA campers. A dedicated camp staff member accompanies each bus, guaranteeing a safe and smooth journey to and from camp each day. Parents or authorized adults are required to meet their camper at the designated bus stop each afternoon.
Bus Stop Locations & Times:
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Russell Elementary School, 750 Columbia Road, Dorchester (7:55 AM / 4:30 PM)
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Phineas Bates Elementary School, 426 Beech Street, Roslindale (8:10 AM / 4:15 PM)
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Henry Grew School, 40 Gordon Avenue, Hyde Park (8:20 AM / 4:05 PM)
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Curley K-8 School, 40 Pershing Road, Jamaica Plain (8:00 AM / 4:25 PM)
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Ohrenberger School, 175 W. Boundary Road, West Roxbury (8:20 AM / 4:05 PM)
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Chittick Elementary School, 154 Ruskindale Road, Hyde Park (7:55 AM / 4:30 PM)
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William Ellery Channing School, 35 Sunnyside Street, Hyde Park (8:10 AM / 4:15 PM)
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Franklin D. Roosevelt K-8 School, 95 Needham Road, Hyde Park (8:20 AM / 4:05 PM)
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Orchard Gardens K–8 School, 906 Albany Street, Roxbury (7:50 AM / 4:35 PM)
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Haley Pilot School, 570 American Legion Highway, Roslindale (8:10 AM / 4:15 PM)
A Day Filled with Learning and Fun: Inside a HOLA Camper’s Day
8:45am – Opening Circle: Teachers greet campers for a welcoming start to the day.
9:00am – Academic Time: Engaging lessons, like writing books about Hale’s wildlife, bring learning to life.
10:40am – Camp Activities: Supervised swimming and water fun ensure safe and enjoyable experiences.
12:00pm – Lunch with Friends: Building friendships and community during lunchtime.
12:30pm – More Camp Fun: Arts and crafts and field games provide diverse activities and creative outlets.
2:00pm – Academic Enrichment: Outdoor math and English sessions make learning engaging and memorable.
3:30pm – Closing Circle: Reflecting on the day and saying goodbye, reinforcing community and positive experiences.
4:00pm – Farewell: Looking forward to more learning adventures tomorrow!
Frequently Asked Questions about Hale Summer Camps
Staff Qualifications and Safety
Our seasonal staff are carefully chosen from experienced educators, top university students, and local high schools. We conduct thorough interviews, require multiple reference checks, and meticulously review work histories. Furthermore, all staff undergo criminal background (CORI) and sex offender (SORI) checks, ensuring the safety and well-being of every camper.
Our counselors are enthusiastic, imaginative role models who are passionate about working with children and love the outdoors. Activity specialists possess extensive expertise in their respective fields and receive specialized pre-camp training.
Crucially, all staff members who work directly with campers are certified in CPR and First Aid. Staff in Hale Adventure Camp and Hale MTB Camp often hold advanced certifications such as Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness Advanced First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder, and have significant experience in outdoor environments. HOLA staff collaborate with certified teachers from Boston Public Schools, ensuring a high standard of educational expertise.
Camper to Staff Ratios
We maintain excellent camper-to-staff ratios to provide personalized attention and supervision. For Kindercamp, the ratio is 1:5; Lower Camp is 1:6; Middle Camp is 1:8; and Teen Camp is 1:10. Hale Adventure Camp and Hale MTB Camp maintain a 1:6 ratio, while Hale Trip Camp is 1:7. HOLA also boasts a 1:6 ratio. Overall, Hale’s average staff-to-camper ratio is an impressive 1:5. Program specialists are also present in every activity area to provide additional support and expertise.
Waitlists and Enrollment Capacity
While some waitlists may be longer than others, enrollment changes frequently. We strive to enroll as many campers as possible in the order of registration. Joining a waitlist is highly recommended if your desired program is full.
We adhere to Massachusetts regulations and ACA guidelines regarding camper-to-counselor ratios and facility capacity limits. These regulations ensure camper safety and the quality of our programs, which means we cannot exceed established group sizes by simply hiring more counselors.
Refund and Cancellation Policies
Please review our Refund Policies for detailed information. To modify or cancel a registration, please contact us via email at [email protected] or call 781-326-1770 to speak with Julie Rooney. We are happy to assist you.
Pre-Camp Programs
Our Pre-Camp Programs offer a fantastic week-long introduction to Hale Summer Camps. While not mandatory, these programs are a fun and relaxed way for campers to familiarize themselves with Hale and experience different activities before the main summer camp sessions begin.
HOLA Specific FAQs
Eligibility for HOLA:
HOLA is open to children actively enrolled in Boston Public Schools who have completed grades 3–8. While priority is given to students from partner schools, all eligible BPS students are encouraged to apply. If your child does not meet these criteria, we invite you to explore Hale’s other Summer Camps or our Family and Community Program.
HOLA Staffing:
HOLA teachers are certified Boston Public Schools educators. Group counselors are typically high school and college students. Trained specialists supervise activities such as swimming, climbing, and archery, ensuring safety and expert instruction.
Transportation for HOLA:
Transportation is included as a free service for HOLA participants. Three bus routes cover various locations across Boston, with stops at local elementary schools and central community points. Please note that door-to-door service is not provided.
Additional Perks for HOLA Families:
Yes! HOLA registration includes valuable benefits:
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Annual Parking Pass: Each HOLA family receives an Annual Parking Pass (valid Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025). This pass grants free parking for your family to enjoy Hale year-round, waiving the $10 daily parking fee.
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Family and Community Program Discount: HOLA families are also entitled to a 25% discount (up to $200 savings) on season passes for our Family and Community Program. This is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family, including siblings outside the HOLA age range, to enjoy Hale together throughout the summer. The discount is automatically applied at checkout when you purchase your season pass online after your camper is registered for HOLA.
Contact for More Information:
For any further questions, please email [email protected], and our staff will be happy to assist you.
Want a Closer Look at Learning Adventures?
Visit our Camper Resource Site for an in-depth glimpse into last year’s camps. Please remember that details are subject to change as we plan for the upcoming year!
Students are being challenged mentally and physically. They’re being pushed to make new friends and to get along with other kids they have never met before. This is an incredible program offering real learning adventures.
Patrick Scialoia, BPS Teacher & HOLA Summer Staff
Recognized and Accredited for Excellence
Hale Summer Camps exceed basic requirements. We comply with Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations and local Board of Health licensing, and proudly hold additional recognitions.
Our camps are consistently recognized as Boston Parents Paper Family Favorites, are active members of the Massachusetts Camping Association, and are accredited by the American Camp Association, signifying our commitment to high standards and quality learning adventures.
Learn more about the importance of ACA accreditation.
Enroll Your Child Today for Summer Learning Adventures!
Applications for the 2025 season are now open and are due by March. Don’t miss the opportunity to give your child a summer filled with enriching learning adventures.
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