Amherst Recreation (LSSE) runs two municipal summer day camps: Early Adventures for ages 5-6 and Adventure Playground / Epic Explorers for ages 7-11. Camp runs in weekly themed sessions from late June through late August — themes have included nature and animals, water-play week, an around-the-world week ending in a multicultural festival, a red-versus-blue challenge week, a talent show week and a closing carnival — with art projects, cooking, games, scavenger hunts and field activities. Free breakfast (8:30-9:15am) and lunch (12:00-12:30pm) are served daily through the Summer Food Service Program with no preregistration, extended care is available until 5:00pm, and the camps are a licensed childcare provider with the State of Massachusetts. A Counselor-In-Training program gives teens 13-16 leadership experience with CPR and First Aid training.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Amherst Recreation directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Eric PinsoneaultMy child has been enrolled in swimming lessons, the after-school program, and the town summer camp through Amherst recreation. I've been very pleased with all three. Regarding the after-school program and the summer camp in particular, these are a great resource for working parents with children in Amherst. As many working parents know, the public school schedule does not align well with most people's typical work day. The after-school program closes this gap during the school year, and the summer camp closes this gap during summer vacation. Both of these are relatively affordable when you take into account payroll and operating costs associated with these types of programs. I have heard some parents complain, but I think it's primarily a result of unrealistic expectations. The after school program is staffed by college students enrolled in a higher ed major. The summer camp is staffed by high school students on summer break. As with most things in life, I'm sure there are other amazing options out there if you're willing to pay a premium. But my kid loved both and made a lot of friends. In terms of swimming lessons, again, it's a matter of expectations. They are very affordable for what you get. If you want your child to swim competitively at some point, this probably isn't the option for you. But if you want a child to become familiar with the water and learn the basics of swimming and water safety then you will probably find these lessons to be a good fit. All in all, Amherst Rec has been a great resource for me and my family and I regularly recommend these programs to others.
★babak mirzapourI registered my son for two weeks teaching sessions in Mill river pool, but the instructors did not teach. They are very young and prefer to talk and call on kids imagination instead of teaching in action. They are asking the kids about their nationality and ignoring the international kids. They made fun of my son twice. I think this is the matter of racism. I don't recommend this pool. It seems there is no supervision or management over there.