FAQs

Since 1917, Tabor Academy has had a summer camp to take advantage of its unique seaside setting. The program was for boys only until the winter school went coed in 1977. Academics have always played a part in the program, but activities are the major component of the summer program. Campers have attended the program for a variety of reasons, but the main goal has always been for a fun, safe, and productive summer experience away from home for both our day and residential campers. Parents want their children to make friends, learn new skills, gain independence, and have staff who will be wonderful role models.

Tabor Summer Camp is member of the Massachusetts Camping Association and operates as recreational program under applicable Massachusetts law (G.L.c. 111, 127A) and mandated regulations (105 CMR 430.000 et. seq.: Minimum Sanitation and Safety Standards for Recreational Camps for Children) and is licensed by the Marion Board of Health.

Parents have the right to review background check, health care, discipline, and grievance policies and procedures, upon request.

Tabor Summer Camp welcomes campers ages 7-15 from across the United States and around the world.

We only accept campers on an individual basis and not in groups. Only parents/legal guardians can submit their campers registration online, agents/consultants cannot submit applications on the families behalf. We do not have specific enrollment requirements (testing, transcripts, TOEFL scores, etc.) but all campers must have a basic understanding of the English language (reading/writing) in order to participate.

Immunization requirements for children attending camp follow the current Massachusetts school immunization requirements.

Our staff is comprised of high school and college students and graduates and teachers who LOVE working with children. During the off-season, we spend countless hours interviewing the best possible candidates to guide our camper’s summer experience.

All staff arrive the week prior to the start of camp and undergo thorough and intense training.

Our staff is chosen for their ability to teach certain skills, character and attitude, and their strong desire to work with children. Our staff requirements and training is based on best practices from the American Camping Association (ACA) Standards and Guidelines.

Every staff we hire to work at our porgram goes through an extensive background check that includes submission of an online application, interview, and on-boarding process which includes CORI/ SORI background checks, and three references.

The registration fee includes camp swag, activity materials/equipment, lunch (full day campers ONLY), and field trips, if applicable.

If campers bring their own equipment  items must be clearly marked with teir name. Campers are responsible for their property as Tabor Summer Camp is not liable for any loss, theft, or damage to your camper’s belongings.

During the application process a non-refundable deposit will be required of $100 per camper (payable via credit card only). We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover (we do not accept AMEX). We will ONLY process the payment for the initial deposit when we confirm enrollment, which will be applied to your balance due. Balances will be due in full by May 1, or your camper may lose their reserved spot at the program. If you enroll your child after May 1, the balance will be due in full once we confirm enrollment.

• There are NO refunds of registration fees for cancellations after May 1.
• There are NO refunds of registration fees for late arrivals, absences, suspensions, dismissals, withdrawals, and/or early departures.
• There are NO refunds if changing from a full to half day session once the program has started.
• Any camper found possessing or using alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or weapons will be dismissed from camp immediately with no refund of fees.
• Refunds of registration fees may be issued for an injury/medical related reason ONLY if the camper cannot participate and enrollment needs to be canceled. A signed doctor’s note must be provided.
• Refunds are not issued for individual days, if any of the enrolled week is attended.
• Any camper who exhibits emotional, psychological, or behavioral conditions that are disruptive to the camp program or that are harmful to him or herself or the well-being of other campers or staff will be dismissed with no refund of fees.
• If Tabor Summer Camp is canceled, refunds will be issued in FULL.

Each year we distribute numerous camp session scholarships directly to charitable and educational organizations in order to provide support to children in financial need and educational programs. We do not award scholarships to individuals directly.

If your organization would like to request a donation for next summer, please email the office at summer@taboracademy.org by December 31. We will need detailed information about the services you provide and how the scholarship will be used and distributed (auction, financial eligibility, etc.). All requests are reviewed in January and awardees will be notified by the end of the month. Awarded organizations must coordinate and oversee their selection process directly. Awardee information will be due to the office by April 1, and parents will need to register their child by May 1. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate all requests.

Campers are scheduled in day groups and are together during the morning community meeting, lunch (full day campers), and dismissal.

Activity scheduling for our day campers is based on the activity selections parents provide on their child's 'preference form', located in their account.  Campers receive their schedules on their first day of camp by their day group leader. Although we do our very best to get campers in their top choices, we cannot guarantee placement in specific activities.

Tabor Summer Camp operates a well-equipped health center that is staffed by several registered nurses and an on-call health care consultant. The health staff is available for the evaluation of illness or injury occurring during the day. Your signed health form for your child authorizes the health center staff to provide emergency and non-emergent care.

The health center staff is available while camp is in session. In the event of a more serious incident your child will be transported to Tobey Hospital in Wareham, MA, located 5 miles away. If off-campus emergency medical services are needed, the health center will contact parents by a phone call. All expenses associated with off-campus treatment become the responsibility of the parent or guardian of the child.

A list of recommended items to pack for your camper can be found in the Parent Handbook, in your Camp in Touch account once enrolled.

If you select any waterfront activities on your child's preference form, please come prepared to camp with a suit, towel, and appropriate footwear. Please mark EVERY article of clothing and each personal belonging with your camper’s name, including socks, shoes, bathing suits, towels, etc.

It is also very important for your child to bring a water bottle to camp every day. Campers can carry their water bottles with them at all times in their backpacks and fill them regularly. Water coolers are provided in each activity area for this purpose and drinking fountains/filling stations are also found throughout camp.

We ask that parents please apply sunscreen to their child before dropping them off at Tabor Summer Camp. Our staff will encourage the reapplication of sunscreen, throughout the day, during any activities that are outside but our staff cannot assist with the application. We also encourage additional sun protection such as SPF clothing, hats, and sunglasses.