Maplewood Camp Hosts Free Open House

From digging for dinosaur fossils to probing galaxies in outer space, new activities are being added at and Enrichment Center.

“Exploring new worlds” is the theme of Maplewood’s second open house this season, scheduled for Sunday, February 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 150 Foundry Street in Easton.

Even though it is winter, parents say they want to ensure their kids are placed before camp sessions fill up.  And according to Lee Pinstein and Susan Reardon, siblings and co-directors of Maplewood Day Camp & Enrichment Center, Maplewood is rolling out activities to captivate and entertain their campers, aged 4-14.  

“We’re always looking for exciting new programs, and many of our ongoing activities have been a well-kept secret for too long,” says Pinstein. 

New activities include:

• Lego Robotics: Campers will build and program LEGO models featuring working motors and sensors; program their models using Lego Robotics software; and develop their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

• Maplewood Barnyard: In partnership with Animal Adventures, campers will learn about working with animals and gain hands-on experience caring for goats, chickens, and other barnyard animals that will be housed in the Maplewood Barnyard.

In addition, Maplewood will offer a variety of day programs in partnership with the Museum of Science:

• Night Sky: Using a portable Star Lab planetarium, campers will tour the solar system and learn how to navigate the night sky from their own backyard.

• Dig into Dinosaurs: This hands-on program gives campers a chance to think like a paleontologist and explore the world of dinosaurs. Campers will interact with fossils and participate in a simulated archeological dig.

• Science Magic: This program investigates the science behind the "magic" of several classic magic tricks, including how to snatch a tablecloth without disturbing the items on top and how to use electromagnetism to defy gravity. The instructor will also demonstrate how to lie down on a real bed of nails.

Hot Ideas and Cool Programs

Other special attractions include:

• A popular hypnotist entertains campers by putting staff into trances. 

• A wood-carving artist shows campers how he uses a chainsaw to create butterflies and flowers.

• One Special Day is a Goldrush as the camp turns into an old western town and campers dress up like cowboys and cowgirls, dig for gold and silver, and get prizes at the “bank.”

• Another Special Day is a Penny Dive in the pool in which the campers dive for pennies and then trade them in at the Candy Store.

Family-owned and operated since 1965, Maplewood offers a range of sports, aquatics, arts, academic, and adventure activities.  Situated on 30 shaded acres, Maplewood's outdoor facilities include two heated, Olympic-size pools; a five-acre lake; a regulation- size basketball court; soccer field; playing fields; beach volleyball courts; archery range; garden; outdoor performing stage; and 18-hole miniature golf course.

“I love Maplewood Day Camp because it’s a safe, family environment with a heritage that’s almost 50 years old,” says Lucy Waters of North Easton, Mass.  “But what my kids really love are the cool activities the camp offers.” 

Says Reardon, “Campers have great fun and don’t even realize that they’re learning at the same time.”

Maplewood also provides year-round preschool and after-school programs and birthday celebrations. The camp has grown in popularity over the years and now welcomes campers from numerous South Shore communities.  These include Easton, Mansfield, Sharon, Stoughton, Brockton, and Canton.  Free bus service is provided to these towns, and new bus stops are now planned for Bridgewater, Foxboro, Raynham, Taunton, and Norton.

Additional open house dates will take place on March 10, April 15, and May 5.

For more information, call 508-238-6758 or visit www.maplewoodyearround.com.

Susan Reardon and her brother Lee Pinstein are co-owners/directors of Maplewood Country Day Camp & Enrichment Center in South Easton, Mass. Maplewood Country Day Camp was founded by Lee and Sue’s parents, and it has been family-owned and operated since 1965, Maplewood offers children, aged 4 to 14, fun programs that focus on fitness, creativity, and adventure.

Situated on 30 acres, Maplewood features two heated pools, a pond for boating, and free bus service. Its staff-to-camper ration is one-to-four. The camp is offering a series of free open houses at 150 Foundry Street (Route 106). For more information, call 508-238-6758 or visit www.maplewoodyearround.com.

-Press release by Maplewood Day Camp.