Shire Village Camp
Private
Progressive, community-minded nonprofit overnight camp on wooded land in Cummington, in western Massachusetts, for about 100 children ages 8-14. With a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio and an emphasis on independence and cooperative play, it offers specialist programs in theater, horseback riding, arts and crafts, farm and nature, and swimming rather than a heavily structured schedule.
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 Shire Village Camp directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Jim BradyA safe, wholesome environment for kids to grow, develop friendships, and have fun.
★★★★★Judah FrancellaHad an amazing time as a camper growing up. A place of magic and magical gatherings.
★★★★★Joseph LeslieI attended Shire village during the summer of 1974 and we watched Nixon resign on television in the courtyard, one of the counselors was named Dan and I believe I still have a letter from him the following autumn. It was a great experience with fond memories. My family was also friends with a couple who were puppeteers who were also the arts and crafts teachers that summer.
★★★★★Maizy Rose Greenberg-Connor (Maze A Roo)I love this camp. I had such a good time learning a great responsibility and being independent. I hope people check out this camp. Kids will really have fun with other kids and form big bonding relationships with their bunkmates. I really Love this camp and its heart braking when you can go back after CW year.
★★★★★Dominic Berg (Pisciotta)My kids say it has such a strong sense of community and while they don't go all Summer, it is their favorite time of the year. Kids tend to return to the same session year after year so relationships grow over time. I wish I had this opportunity when I was growing up. People should know that it is a camp with a progressive bent and encourages independence. If you're looking for a camp with a ton of structured activities and counsellors to entertain your children, this isn't the place. There are sports, but it's non-competitive. Everyone thrives off of each other. While the bunks are rustic and somewhat pieced together, the kids don't mind at all. There is a small river that runs through the property, a pool, arts and crafts cabin, horses, sheep, and lots of property to explore. The kids take overnight trips to camp and canoe, stage a theater show, and spend time on "intensives" where they spend a few days concentrating on one thing they enjoy doing.