Camp Harbor View
This popular program offers children ages 11–14 who live in Boston’s at-risk neighborhoods the opportunity to leave the city during the day and participate in a four-week summer camp program. Offering the traditional activities that summer camp is known for, such as hiking, arts and crafts, and swimming, the program strives to build children’s confidence and leadership strengths. Campers can attend one of two four-week sessions during the months of July and August. Bus transportation is provided at no cost to families, picking campers up at 14 locations throughout Boston and departing camp each night at 6:00 PM following the evening meal. For more information:
Outward Bound Summer Expeditions
Join Thompson Island Outward Bound for an exciting 12- or 14-day summer expedition sailing or sea kayaking throughout the Boston Harbor Islands national park area. Connecting with Courage® for 12- and 13-year-old girls, Passages® for 12- and 13-year-old boys, and Environmental Expeditions for high school co-eds, involve physical and emotional challenges that develop personal strength, leadership and communication skills, compassion and stewardship of the environment. Contact us at 617.830.5144 or www.thompsonisland.org.
Native American Media Summit
This month-long internship gathers an intertribal group (ages 14-17) on Thompson Island to document oral histories and traditions of Native Americans with cultural and historical links to the Harbor Islands. Participants gain leadership skills by the lessons learned from community elders and teachers, and from exposure to the natural resources of the islands. They receive in-depth training on the technical aspects of recording oral histories and producing films.
Green Corps
Green Corps is a seven-week summer work program. Youth conduct service projects on the Boston Harbor Islands while developing leadership skills. The Green Corps also engages youth in the broader national park system. They address backlog maintenance projects in Massachusetts for the NPS while developing a strong work ethic and gaining awareness of career opportunities. For more: www.thompsonisland.org
Island Ambassadors
The Island Ambassador program includes career exploration, leadership development, environmental stewardship projects, and public outreach. Island Ambassadors are full-time summer employees who promote the principles of Leave No Trace, assist with ongoing habitat restoration projects, and conduct public outreach by leading programs and demonstrations for park visitors and community groups. These internships open doors for Boston’s urban youth and help secure their participation in and awareness of environmental issues and careers in the future.
