Programs

• Weekly from June 15 through August 7, 2026; $475/week
• For ages 3.9 to 5 years old
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Extended Day options are available (see below)

Camp Thayer’s Lower Camp features activities that are scaled to size for young children, with a staff-to-child ratio of 1:5. Kids in this program enjoy a set schedule of activities, and remain with their groups and counselors throughout the day. 

Packing List
Each day campers should bring: 

• Bathing suit
• Towel (please send a towel that is not too large, as campers often have difficulty carrying large beach towels)
• Sunscreen
• Slip on shoes for pool (Crocs, Natives, sandals, etc.)
• Full change of clothes in case of an accident (shirt, shorts, underwear, and socks)

If desired, campers may bring:

• Goggles
• Hat
• Water bottle (water stations with paper cups are located throughout the camp and are often easier for lower campers to use)
• One lovey or stuffy can be brought to camp as needed for comfort. Please be aware that as we cannot guarantee the stuffy will be returned safely, do not pack an irreplaceable item. Other toys should remain at home. 

*Please label ALL items you send to camp.

What to wear to camp:

• Clothes that fit your child comfortably and can get dirty
• Sneakers that comfortably fit your child. Velcro or slip on is preferred. 

Sunscreen: 
Please apply sunscreen to your camper prior to arriving to camp each day. Counselors will reapply sunscreen to your camper twice per day, prior to and post swimming.

If you are sending your child with spray sunscreen, please also include a face stick or lotion for their face as the spray is often irritating to their eyes. 

Bathroom: 
Lower camp campers must be independently potty trained on the toilet. Camp counselors do not wipe campers. 

Please send your camper with an extra set of clothes in case of bathroom accidents.

• Weekly from June 15 through August 7, 2026; $615/week
• For ages 6 to 13 years old 
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Extended Day options are available

At Camp Thayer’s General Camp, children enjoy a variety of activities and are grouped with other campers their age. Groups are co-ed for grades 1 - 6. To encourage free expression and a sense of unity, girls and boys entering grades 7 and 8 are placed in single-sex groups. All activities provide kids with opportunities for new experiences or with time to spend on a favorite interest. 

• Weekly from June 15 through August 7, 2026; $400/week
• For ages 14 to 15 years old (limit 25)
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CITs (Counselors in Training) are assigned to groups or activities as apprentices to the head and senior counselors. Participants develop leadership and interpersonal skills. As part of their training, CITs get a working knowledge of the many activities and program areas offered by Camp Thayer. An interview and references are required. Candidates should submit an application, then contact Cathy Turpel (cturpel@thayer.org) to schedule an interview.

CIT Application

• Weekly from June 15 thru August 7, 2026
• For all ages

Extended Day options are available for students of all ages in ALL programs and are supervised by a head counselor who is assisted by senior and junior counselors. Activities may include arts & crafts, board games, recreational swimming, and four square. 

Morning Session: 7:30 to 9 a.m. - $80/week
Breakfast is provided in the Dining Hall.

Early Afternoon Session: 2 to 4 p.m. - $100/week
Held in Main Building for Lower Program children. Campers participate in activities for the remainder of the day. Snacks are provided.

Late Afternoon Session: 4 to 6 p.m. - $100/week
Held on the Upper School campus. Snacks are provided.

Basketball Skills & Drills - $615/week
Camp Thayer's Basketball Skills & Drills camp allows kids to learn and develop their athletic skills in a fun, friendly, non-competitive environment. Highly skilled instructors and coaches teach game strategies and offer a full range of instruction. (Lunch and free swim included)

Program information:

• The Sports Camp program is a Co-Ed offerings for students in grades 3-8.
• The program is offered July 13-17, 2026 and July 20-July 24, 2026
• The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Denis Cronin, Mark Fiedor, and their group of talented staff provide positive and informative instruction about the game of basketball. Come participate in dynamic skill drills and stations during the morning session. In addition, competitive scrimmages and games will round out the day and highlight what you have learned.

Theater Camps
Directed by Thayer Upper School Arts faculty John Crampton and Mel Carubia, as well as Morganne Mutkoski, each production is custom written and musically arranged to feature all students in their best light and create a meaningful collaborative ensemble theatre experience. Students receive professional instruction in all foundational aspects of theatre arts – singing, dance, acting, and basic stagecraft. Large casts offer mentorship and support, and every student finds their moment to shine. All weeks have lunch and free swim included.

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Week 2 (June 22–26) : Singin' in the Rain (Grades 1 - 4)

Grab your umbrellas and get ready for the “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time!” This joyful adaptation of the beloved classic brings to life all the charm and fun of the original film. Campers will experience hilarious scenes, snappy dialogue, and timeless tunes like “All I Do Is Dream of You,” “Make ‘Em Laugh,” “Good Morning,” and of course, “Singin’ in the Rain.” Come dance, sing, and splash your way through a week of musical fun!

Week 4 (July 6–10) : Wizard of Oz (Grades 4 - 8)

Follow the yellow brick road to an unforgettable adventure! From the Kansas twister to the Emerald City, campers will sing, dance, and act their way through one of the most beloved stories ever told.
Whether you’re a brave lion, a clever scarecrow, a heartful tin woodman, or dreaming of life “somewhere over the rainbow,” this is your chance to shine. Big laughs, bold characters, and a magical journey await!

Week 6 (July 20–24) : A Week with Rodgers and Hammerstein (Grades 1 - 4)

The corn is as high as an elephant’s eye this summer! Campers will create their own stories and characters inspired by the timeless music of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Featuring songs from beloved shows like Oklahoma!, Cinderella, and The Sound of Music, this week celebrates adventure, friendship, and hope.
From farmers and fairy godmothers to princes and princesses—you’ll never walk alone in this musical journey!

Week 7 (July 27–31) : Honk! (Grades 4 - 8)

Get ready to quack up—our stage is transforming into a barnyard full of music, laughter, and heart! Based on The Ugly Duckling, Honk! is a fun-filled, award-winning musical that celebrates what makes us unique. With catchy songs, colorful characters, and a story full of friendship and feathers, this is the perfect show for young performers ready to spread their wings and shine.