Our Mission

Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp inspires kids to explore their passions and build confidence in an exciting and unique day camp that emphasizes independence, friendship, discovery, and fun

Whaleback Mountain, established in 1968, has always provided a fun and safe environment for kids to grow and learn life skills! We have expanded our programs into summer with an awesome day camp open to kids ages 5 to 10! Your child is going to love this fun nature and arts camp. Our professional and caring staff will guide your kids through daily nature exploration walks, wilderness education, daily arts & crafts, sports including beach volleyball, kick ball, strider bikes, cooling off with sprinklers, water balloons, daily surprises and much much more!

We keep a consistent staff to child ratio of 1 staff to 8 kids. All staff are professionally trained, super fun and will help your child gain confidence and life skills through outdoor recreation.

Daily snacks and bottled water is provided as well as lunch on Fridays. You should pack your child a lunch Monday-Thursday.

Drop off begins at 8am and your child must be picked up by 4:30pm 

Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to 14 days ahead of the start of camp for a 50% refund. Cancellation after that date will be non-refundable.

Financial Aid is currently at capacity, please check back next year.

2024 dates:

6/24/24-6/28/24

7/8/24-7/12/24

7/15/24-7/19/24

7/29/24-8/2/24

8/19/24-8/23/24 -Full! Please email alex@whaleback.com to be placed on the waitlist.

• What does a typical day look like?

  At Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp, each day is a unique and thrilling journey for kids! They'll explore different parts of the mountain daily, diving into a new set of creative arts & crafts, and various sports and recreation activities. With lunch and free time for relaxation, the days are perfectly balanced. The excitement continues with cooling off in sprinklers, engaging nature education, and a host of unique surprises every day, ensuring a distinctive and unforgettable experience for every child!

• What is the camper-to-staff ratio?

  At Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp, we maintain a camper-to-staff ratio of 1:8. This means for every eight campers, there is at least one dedicated staff member ensuring personalized attention, guidance, and safety for all children. This ratio allows us to provide a high level of supervision and interaction, ensuring a quality and enjoyable experience for each camper.

• What should my child wear to camp?

  Every day at Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp, children should come dressed for comfort and suited to the weather. As outdoor adventures are a daily highlight, it's essential they wear closed-toe and supportive shoes. Packing a change of clothes is a great idea in case they get a bit messy during their fun-filled activities. Please ensure all belongings are labeled with their names to keep things organized and easy to find.

• What should campers bring with them daily?

  For a successful and enjoyable day at Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp, campers should come prepared with the following items:

  Sunscreen: To protect against sun exposure during outdoor activities.

  Bug Spray: To keep away insects, especially during nature walks and outdoor exploration.

  Raincoat: To stay dry and comfortable in case of unexpected rain.

  Beach Towel: Useful for drying off after water activities or sitting during outdoor sessions.

  Extra Clothes: In case they get wet or dirty, having a change of clothes ensures comfort throughout the day.

  A FULL Reusable Water Bottle: To stay hydrated, it's essential for campers to bring a full water bottle, which they can refill as needed.

  Please make sure that all belongings are clearly labeled with the child's first and last name to prevent mix-ups and ensure that each item is returned to its rightful owner. This organization helps keep the day running smoothly and ensures that each camper has what they need for a fun and safe experience at camp.

• What is the process for pick-up and drop-off?

  For the Pick-up and Drop-off process at Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp, please follow these guidelines:

  Approved Pick-up Form: Each camper must have a completed approved pick-up form on file. This form lists the individuals authorized for pick-up and drop-off of your child. It's crucial that the person picking up the child is on this approved list and must show a photo ID every day at pick-up for verification. A copy of this form will be emailed to you before the camp starts.

  Drop-off Times: Drop-off begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 8:30 AM. It's important that your child is checked in by 8:30 AM to ensure a smooth start to their day at camp.

  Pick-up Times: Pick-up time starts at 4:00 PM and ends at 4:30 PM. Please ensure to pick up your child by 4:30 PM.

  These procedures are in place to ensure the safety and security of all campers. The ID check at pick-up is a crucial step in ensuring that children are released only to authorized individuals. Adhering to the specified times for drop-off and pick-up helps maintain the camp's schedule and ensures that all activities can run smoothly.

• What happens on rainy days?

  If inclement weather arises, not to worry! At Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp, all programs will smoothly move indoors to our large, cozy lodge. This ensures that the fun and learning continue without a hitch, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for kids, regardless of the weather.

• Who is eligable to register for camp.

  All kids ages 5-12. Email any special requests to khara@whaleback.com

  As always, Financial Aid is available

• Who is your staff?

  Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp boasts a team of highly qualified professionals, including experienced childcare experts, teachers, healthcare staff, and other well-trained individuals. Each staff member has undergone thorough criminal background checks and is proficient in childhood development, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for every child.

• What are the qualifications of the camp staff?

  At Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp, our staff are thoroughly trained in child care, ensuring a nurturing, safe, and fun environment for every camper. This training covers essential aspects of child development, behavior management, and the crafting of engaging activities suitable for children.

  In addition to their expertise in child care, our team is also trained in safety protocols by local police, providing them with the necessary skills to maintain a secure environment for the campers. Furthermore, we proudly have staff members who are certified in CPR and first aid, ready to offer immediate and effective responses to any health-related situations.

  The comprehensive training in child care and safety, combined with health certification, equips our staff to create a positive, educational, and enjoyable experience at camp. Their dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching environment is what sets Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp apart as a memorable and impactful experience for children.

• Is Whaleback Mountain Day Camp safe?

  Certainly! Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp prioritizes safety with all staff being extensively trained, including having child CPR/first aid certified personnel on site at all times. We've established comprehensive protocols covering all aspects of the day camp to ensure the highest standards of child safety are maintained consistently.

• How do you handle medical emergencies?

  In the event of a medical emergency at Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp, we are fully prepared to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers. Our staff includes personnel who are certified in CPR and first aid, and they are onsite at all times to handle any immediate medical needs. Additionally, our camp is located in close proximity to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Alice Peck Day Hospital, ensuring quick access to professional medical care if needed.

  In any situation involving an injury or medical emergency, we prioritize communication with parents or guardians. You will receive a phone call immediately to inform you of the situation and discuss any necessary steps or decisions. Our staff is trained to respond swiftly and efficiently to emergencies while ensuring the highest level of care and attention for your child.

• How does the camp staff approach and manage children's behavior?

  At Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp, we embrace a warm and nurturing approach to guiding children's behavior. Our philosophy centers on kindness, empathy, and understanding. Our staff, skilled in the latest and most compassionate child behavior management techniques, excels in offering gentle, positive guidance.

  We believe in fostering a supportive environment where every child feels valued and understood. This nurturing atmosphere often inspires positive behavior naturally. If a child needs a bit of extra help, our staff provides affectionate and patient re-direction, helping them navigate their emotions and actions in a friendly, reassuring manner.

  Our aim is to create a loving and inclusive community where every camper can thrive, learn, and grow, surrounded by care and positive reinforcement. At Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp, we're not just managing behavior; we're nurturing young hearts and minds in the kindest way possible.

• What is provided for snacks?

  Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp offers a range of delicious and healthy snacks, along with bottled water and other nutritious beverages to keep the kids energized and hydrated. The camp is a nut-safe facility, attentive to the needs of children with allergies. For any specific dietary restrictions, parents are encouraged to contact khara@whaleback.com before the start of the camp to ensure their child's dietary needs are well accommodated.

• Can I register for just one week or do I have to register for all the weeks?

  At Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp, you have the flexibility to register your child for just one week or multiple weeks. Each week offers a different curriculum, ensuring a unique and enriching experience every time. This variety keeps the camp fresh and exciting for all attendees!

• Can we register for just one day or drop in several days a week?

  Currently, Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp does not offer a daily drop-in option. However, please check back closer to the camp dates for any updates regarding this option.

• What should I do if my child will be absent?

  Email khara@whaleback.com so we can plan accordingly.

• Are there any health requirements or forms to complete?

  Under New Hampshire State regulations, there are specific health requirements for all campers attending Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp:

  Health Questionnaire: Each camper must complete a health questionnaire, which will be emailed to parents or guardians before the start of the camp. This questionnaire is essential for understanding each child's health needs and ensuring their well-being while at camp.

  Physical Examination: Campers are required to have undergone a recent physical examination within the last two years. This is to ensure that each child is fit and healthy to participate in the camp activities.

  Vaccination Requirements: According to NH State regulations, every child must be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, rubella, mumps, Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate, hepatitis B, and varicella. Parents or guardians need to provide a copy of the child's vaccine records. These can be uploaded using the form provided or brought on the first day of camp.

  Vaccine Exemptions: If a child does not have these vaccines, they can only be accepted into the camp with a state-approved vaccine exemption.

  It's crucial that all required health documentation is provided to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers. Campers will not be accepted into the program without these documents. This approach helps us maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone at the camp.

• What are the payment and refund policies?

  For cancellations at Whaleback Mountain Summer Day Camp, please note the following policy:

  Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your child's registration up to 14 days before the start of the camp session for a 50% refund. If the cancellation occurs after this 14-day period, the fees will be non-refundable.

  This policy is designed to give you flexibility while also allowing us to plan effectively for the number of campers attending. We recommend considering your plans carefully and canceling early if necessary to take advantage of the refund policy.

• I have more questions or a special request.

  Please email khara@whaleback.com

• Is Financial Aid available?

  Absolutely, click here to apply for Financial Aid.