August 27, 2019 submitted by Hingham Recreation Department
In 1925 the “Playground Committee” began the Rec Camp tradition at the Central Fields (where Town Hall is now located), where camp is still held today.
Right from the start the camp was successful, with as many as 58 campers attending daily during the original eight-week program.
As time went on the camp program expanded, adding other locations including “West School” and neighborhood playgrounds.
In 1981, Rec Camp was consolidated again at its original location at the Central Fields now commonly referred to collectively as Cronin Fields. In 1938, the then-named “Playground Commission” described the mission of the Recreation Department and its programs: “That every child in Hingham shall have a chance to play. That everybody in Hingham, young and old, shall have an opportunity to find the best and most satisfying of leisure time.” We echo that sentiment today.
As the years passed, two more weeks were added to our summer offering so that camp now runs as 10 separate one-week sessions. This year we even added what we called “Week Zero” to accommodate the extra week of summer vacation that resulted from no “snow days.”
Additionally, over the years, “Rec Camp” has transformed into four distinct camps: Pre-School, Playground, Teen Xtreme, and our “Sports Camp” held at the South Shore Country Club.
We believe that its popularity over the years has continued to grow because we continue to offer excellent quality, reasonable fees, and convenient options that appeal to most town residents.
Rec Camp is definitely a “rite of passage” in town. There are so many stories of campers who started in our preschool camp, moved to Playground, attended Teen X-treme, chose to volunteer as a CIT (counselor in training), and are currently camp counselors. Even though we might be a little biased, we still find it hard to believe that spending a summer playing out in the sun, going on trips to the zoo, swimming in the country club pool, going to the beach, working on craft projects, and dancing to the cheers of fellow campers can be beat.
The number of Rec campers that participated in this year’s program totaled 2,813! The preschool program involved 528 campers, while the playground program attracted 1,203 campers and the Teen Xtreme program had 651. In its second year, 431 kids participated in the Rec’s Sports Camp.
This year did see an increase in campers and we look forward to seeing campers — both seasoned and new each year.
Rec Camp runs for a total of 10 weeks and always ends the week prior to school beginning with our traditional “Harry Potter”-themed week!
Rec Camp welcomes campers of all ages from 2.9 years all the way to incoming ninth graders. Our preschool program is designed for campers who are 2.9 to 5-years-old and offers hands-on activities geared toward engaging kids in games and crafts while our playground program is organized for kids who are incoming grades 1 to 5 and creates an environment where campers can play soccer, visit the country club pool, go on field trips, and enjoy more-challenging crafts.
Our Teen Xtreme program for incoming 6th- through 9th-graders offers kids a program that allows them the opportunity to go off camp and into the community during the week and take in different field trips, such as escape rooms, river tubing, the beach, codzilla, and more!
Sports Camp is perfect for incoming 2nd- through 8th-graders who love playing golf, tennis, and swimming, as well as an entire block dedicated to general camp play!
There are many benefits to attending Rec Camp, including learning new games and making new crafts, but two of the biggest benefits of attending are maintaining a physical and emotional awareness throughout the summer.
All summer long, campers engage in sports activities that allow kids to keep physically active — including soccer, track, volleyball, and activities. Kids benefit from socializing with friends from school as well as meeting new ones.
The Hingham Anchor asked us some questions. Here are our responses!
What makes Hingham Rec camp special?
There is something for everyone. There are programs for kids ranging from 2.9-years-old to incoming 9th-graders. We offer a variety of different field and indoor activities, field trips, and the Rec Wagon that sells ice cream.
The camp also has specialty programs to introduce the kids to track, tennis, and more. Every week campers take a trip to swim and bowl at the South Shore Country Club. Hingham Rec offers a Rec Star program to accommodate campers both with and without disabilities.
Are the fees reasonable?
Yes! Hingham Rec offers a variety of different camp options depending on the age of the camper. These range from $130-$195 per week. Hingham Rec offers financial assistance to some campers through our scholarship program.
Is the camp funded through other than just the fees?
No, our summer camp is run through the Hingham Recreation Department. We use funds from both the Fourth of July Road Race and through our scholarship program to fund our camp.
Is the money for scholarships still raised through the road race?
Yes! Scholarships are still available through both the Hingham Recreation Department and Hingham Public Schools. The scholarship money is primarily raised through the road race.
Hingham Rec gives many kids their first job opportunity. How many counselors are there each year? What are their ages? Do some of them start off as kids in the camp and progress to being counselors?
Each year Hingham Rec employs around 70 counselors and 20 counselors in training. Counselors must be 16-years-old and counselors in training must be 14- or 15-years-old by the start of camp to work in these positions. Many of our employees begin as campers themselves.
We heard that Hingham Rec Director Mark Thorell was involved in Rec Camp prior to being director. His response when asked by the Hingham Anchor:
Back in the day I was a Rec counselor.
My most fond memory of being a counselor was participating in the talent shows. I was known to have some of the best dance moves at the Rec!