The Groves

★★★★★HY Dat

This was, without a doubt, the best sleepaway camp experience we could have hoped for! The campers learned so many practical life skills, some of my daughter’s favorites were cooking dinner (bacon mac & cheese over the fire), building and maintaining a campfire, cleaning up and washing dishes, and even cutting watermelon for snacks. She also enjoyed archery, learned how to tie knots to build a teepee, and set up their own tents and sleeping mats. One of my daughter’s favorite memories was simply chatting and laughing with friends in the tent before bed. What made the biggest impact, though, was everything she learned beyond the activities. Spending an entire week without screens gave her the opportunity to build confidence, resilience, and independence. Since coming home, we’ve seen remarkable growth. She asked to spend the day independently at the youth center. On another occasion, when we became separated, she calmly made a safe plan, walked home on her own, and called me. At a recent social gathering, she stepped outside her comfort zone and joined a volleyball game with kids she didn’t know well, trying a completely new sport. We are incredibly proud of the confidence and independence she gained during this week. This camp gave her much more than fun memories, it gave her life skills, self-confidence, and the courage to take healthy risks. We are so grateful to the Groves for creating such a positive, supportive, and unforgettable experience. We can’t wait for next year!

★★★★★Jane Buescher

What an amazing setting for learning, exploring, and being a curious kid! The Groves fosters fun and growth in a beautiful setting. My daughters loved the pond - catching frogs, paddling out on boards and kayaks, and seeing baby geese. The soccer pitch was great for burning energy. Then when they needed a break from the sun they could check out the garden or head inside to the library to read and relax. The day was usually capped with a campfire complete with s’mores and storytelling. Cody and Eillen have set up something truly special. The kids are already talking about their next visit!

★★★★★Chris LoVerme

Our daughters (6 & 10) absolutely loved their time at The Groves! The incredible variety of outdoor activities kept them constantly engaged: kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, soccer, catching frogs and tadpoles, campfires, and so much more. They also loved spending quiet time reading and relaxing in the library and classrooms, and couldn’t stop talking about the fun hands-on experiments like elephant toothpaste. Cody and El are truly exceptional teachers: kind, patient, thoughtful, and fun. What stood out most was how they encouraged the kids to learn, explore, and become more independent while still making everything exciting and supportive. We could genuinely see our daughters becoming more confident during their time there. Highly recommend for any family looking for a camp and afterschool program that balances adventure, creativity, and personal growth.

★★★★★Hannah Huntley

My son attended the first ever Learning hub at The Groves. He learned Life skills, poetry, speech and debate, and Environmetal Science ‘Nature Bowl’. He gained valuable and practical knowledge which he has since applied in everyday life, he participated and presented in community events, strengthened friendships, and it is all led by nurturing, creative, supportive and intelligent instructors. The beautiful location fostered healthy outdoor play in between classroom instruction. It was a win win and we look forward to participating in the next courses offered!

★★★★★Sarah Herring

I have multiple kids who have taken classes at the Groves and WOW! I am so grateful for how El and Cody push them to try harder than they think they are capable. My daughter was frightened of performing anything if front of a crowd and by the end of the semester volunteered to perform a poem she wrote on a stage in front of at least 100 strangers. Their education has been supplemented in the best way! We will be back next semester!