2024 Summer Camp Registration is open NOW.

AND CAMPS ARE FILLING FAST!

Note: outgoing 5th grades may choose to be in either the elementary or middle school camps.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (Scholarships):

If you need to apply for Financial Assistance for Ashland’s Summer Camps, please fill out this form BEFORE submitting your registration: Click Here to Request a Scholarship

CAMP COUNSELOR APPLICATIONS

Applications are now open for students grades 7-12 (including ‘24 graduates) who are interested in being Summer Camp Counselors.

• The Senior Counselor positions are designed for more experienced applicants with impressive experience working with children, in leadership positions, and/or in a theater arts environment. This is a paid position.

• The Junior Counselor positions are designed for individuals looking for more leadership experience or experience working with children. This is an unpaid position intended to offer valuable learning and growth experiences to help individuals with future employment/volunteer opportunities.

Camp Counselor hours are traditionally 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday. Two-week camps have three mandatory performances over the weekend following the second week of camp (Friday evening & Saturday afternoon, and Sunday afternoon.)

To view camp descriptions and more information, read below.

All applications are due by Monday, May 15th. You will hear back by Friday, May 19th with staffing decisions.

Summer Camp 2024 Schedule:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will registration open?

Registration will open Feburary 1, 2024

What are the age restrictions for elementary vs middle school camps?

Camp registration is based on the grade that your student will be going into in the fall. That means this year, you should register according to their 2024-2025 grade. We do allow an exception for outgoing 5th grade students to register for middle school OR elementary camps if they choose as we understand that they have not yet started middle school and some students may prefer the social setting of our elementary camps for one more year. Questions about camp eligibility can be directed to Youth Programming Director, Jack Lambert.

What is the average day at camp like?

Campers meet energetically in the morning with their small groups, followed by warm-up and playing games as a large group. Once we're all settled in, we start a rehearsal schedule that alternates between singing and dancing with the instructors. We divide up the time with games, lunch, meditation, breaks, and time to work on their scenes with their small group. Every camp day ends with an awards ceremony, honoring the hard work of every camper over the course of the week.

Are lunch or snacks provided?

No, campers will need to bring their own snacks and lunch, avoiding nut products.

How do I become a counselor?

Applications for Junior and Senior counselors are taken in March and April. Junior counselors are middle and high school students with limited camp experience who volunteer their time. Senior counselors are typically 16+, have experience with Ashland camps and are paid staff members.

What is the difference between a Showcase (1-week) Camp and a Production (2-week) Camp?

Showcase (1-week) camps are an equal split of camp and performance. Students will sing, dance and do scenes with an emphasis on skill building and having fun. Each student who wants a line will have one and roles are equitable. This camp will showcase their work Friday afternoon during camp hours with a free cabaret-style performance, but the emphasis throughout the week is on fun and not the final showcase.

Production (2-week) camps are tilted more towards performance and end with a fully staged show. Lights, sound, costumes and sets are a part of this camp experience. Roles are decided through audition although all students who enroll will be in the show. Performances are ticketed and offered Friday -Sunday following the camp week. Ashland cannot guarantee that all students will have a speaking line, given the requirements of the script.

How are camps staffed?

All camps are staffed with a Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director and one counselor for every eight students enrolled. Production camps have a Director, Vocal Director and Choreographer who rotate through rehearsals. Showcase camps have a Vocal Director and Choreographer that are present all day.

How many kids will be in camp?

Showcase and Production camps usually have between 40-65 students. Ashland has occasionally “flexed” a showcase camp up to a cap of 100 if interest is extremely high; in this case, campers will be divided into two groups who rotate between the stage and the ballroom at the Maplewood Community Center. Both groups will have a separate showcase at the end of Friday camp.

If my child is on the border of the age range for camp, is there any wiggle room? 

Through many years of trial-and-error, Ashland has found that these age ranges make for the most successful and fun camp experience for all campers. We are often asked about rising first graders, and we have found that they are simply not ready for a full week camp. We also hear that some campers would prefer not to be the youngest or oldest in their camp. While we understand that hesitation, Ashland prides itself on a welcoming environment so that the youngest campers will feel safe and invited; similarly, being among the oldest campers provides a unique opportunity to role model behavior and welcome younger campers. Please contact Jack Lambert with questions.

What financial aid is available?

Ashland offers financial aid for participants. Financial aid will be given out beginning on or around April 15 on a rolling basis and is determined by need and spread out over our camps. Rarely are we able to give financial aid for multiple camps to the same student. Payment plans are also an option.

Are there discounts?

This year, Ashland is offering a multi-camp discount for students registered for two or more camps. Check back soon for more information.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (Scholarships): If you need to apply for Financial Assistance for Ashland’s Summer Camps, please fill out this form BEFORE submitting your registration: Click Here to Request a Scholarship

Questions should be directed to Jack Lambert, Youth Programming Director at jack@ashlandproductions.org.