Neighbor News
Registration open for New Heights' Summer Program
Adventure, art, technology and more highlight innovative offerings this summer
On Monday, June 27, New Heights opens the doors on its Summer Program for the 30th year. Offering programs and workshops in adventure, art, technology and more, New Height expects to see hundreds of youth this summer.
Its Day Camp is especially popular, as youth are able to take day trips to locations throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Day trips range from excursions to Hampton Beach State Park and Roller Kingdom in Tyngsboro, MA to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH and Splashtown USA in Saco, ME.
“It’s a great program for kids who want an adventure, but aren’t really interested in our overnight expeditions,” said New Heights Executive Director Tracey Tucker. “The key is to offer variety.”
Not every adolescent wants a physical adventure either, which is where New Heights’ technology offerings come into play. In Create An Escape Room, for example, participants are challenged to work as a team to develop a game with interesting characters and head scratching puzzles. They then create a series of basic sets, props, and special effects that allow others to experience the game in an interactive way.
“Our workshops—whether in technology or art—emphasize problem solving skills and teamwork,” said STEM Coordinator Wayne Moulton. “The kids have fun, but learn some critical thinking and team-building skills in the process that they can take with them into school and the community.”
For Adventure Coordinator Sally Gregory, who facilitates New Heights’ overnight expeditions, which this year includes trips to the Adirondacks, Cape Cod, and Acadia National Park to name a few, their Summer Program offers a unique opportunity.
“What is great from a parent’s perspective is that they can know their kids are having a lot of fun, but in a supervised, structured environment,” she said. “Our staff are trained, well-educated and certified Wilderness First Responders, which helps to distinguish our programs. Kids don’t hang out here—they engage and plug into something. It’s pretty cool.”
New Heights charges program fees, but offers need-based scholarships and all the equipment necessary to participate. To register or learn more about New Heights’ Summer Program, visit www.newheightsonline.org, or call (603) 422-8235.
