Program
We offer many exciting activities from which campers can choose. Specialists and other staff plan thoughtfully to provide stimulating experiences, encouraging growth of knowledge and skills as well as self-expression. Each camper determines their program from the following specialty areas.
Arts & Crafts
Creativity flourishes with the use of natural and purchased products in painting, drawing, printing, sculpturing, stained glass, weaving, tie and batik dyeing, jewelry-making, puppet-making, working with ceramics, macramé, collage, papier-mâché and as many other creative projects as fertile minds can imagine. There is never a charge for arts and crafts materials.
Farm & Nature
A variety of small and larger animals usually including rabbits, ducks, goats, sheep and a calf are cared for by our campers with expert staff assistance. There is daily feeding, grooming, cleaning and lots of tender loving care. The larger animals are sheltered by a camper-built-barn, while a fenced-in area houses smaller animals and many of the small pets brought by campers.
Outdoor Living
Our program encourages low impact camping: overnights, hiking, setting up campsites, foraging, learning what can be eaten and what should be avoided as well as the importance of leaving much of nature undisturbed. Each camper will participate in a bunk overnight during the first week of each session.
Sports
We emphasize a non-sexist, non-competitive approach to sports and team sports are available on a daily basis. Among the sports offered: soccer, tennis, softball, volleyball, basketball, ultimate frisbee, and gaga.
Theater
Plays, usually written, often cast, designed, and sometimes directed by campers, are only a part of the theatre program. Our skilled staff guides mime, movement, improvisations, readings, theatre games and explorations.
Woodworking
In our woodworking shop we provide instruction for using a variety of hand and power tools. Projects range from simple craft items to furniture.
Horseback Riding
Shire Village has a large riding ring and trails, with the horses cared for and housed in our stables. An important aspect of our program is that campers can take part in the care, grooming and feeding of our horses. Formal instruction is provided with children grouped according to skills, and special attention is given to those who need it. There is no charge for riding.
Swimming
American Red Cross swimming is provided at all skill levels. All campers are required to take swim lessons. There are two free swims each day.
Other Activities
Also among the activities we offer regularly are baking, cooking, jogging, dance (folk, modern and square), creative writing, newspaper, sewing, stationary-making, kite-making, campfires, yoga, comic strip creation, gardening, and Westfield River hikes.
Special Programs
Included in our program are evening activities and special event days which involve full camp participation. A three-day long intensive program allows campers to select and deepen their skills in an area of interest. Guest artists and musicians frequently visit camp and run special programs.
Trips
The Berkshires are rich in cultural experiences. Interested groups may avail themselves of the music, dance, theatre, state parks and other points of interest.
Free Time
In addition to more organized periods there are supervised free times when campers can play, sing, talk, or just relax. During afternoon free time we have a snack which may be fruit or ice cream.
Our campers are involved in the governing of the camp by participating in regular group discussions and Camper Council meetings that concern all members of the community.
At Shire Village we work hard to maintain a balance between recreational and learning experiences, with skill development an important part of the program. Some activities require commitment on the part of campers involving days or even weeks. For example, no one is allowed on the three-day canoe trip or the Appalachian hike trip without first achieving the basic levels of predetermined skills. This means attending skill sessions, usually once a day, for several days.
Additionally, campers are expected to participate in the well being and improvement of camp as a community. There are a number of projects that require about an hour of a camper’s time, once a week. Helping maintain the camp community is a central responsibility of each camper and staff member.
We are aware of and concerned with the needs of all our camp population, and offer programs designed to satisfy the varied interests of children of all ages.