About This Activity
Camp Harbor View is a free summer camp for Boston youth that runs on its own island in Boston Harbor—literally transforming Long Island into a camp just for city kids each summer. The camp serves about 900 young people each year from Boston’s underserved neighborhoods through two four-week sessions in July and August, giving middle-school–aged campers a chance to get out of the city, onto the water, and into a space that’s just for fun, growth, and community.
Each camp day, kids are bused from Boston to the ferry and out to the island, where they have access to a full slate of classic camp activities—swimming, sports, arts, adventure elements like a rock wall, and team games—as well as leadership development, confidence-building, and exposure to “what’s possible” beyond their usual neighborhood. Camp Harbor View covers round-trip transportation, camp apparel, and three meals a day at no cost to families, which means kids can focus on being kids: trying new things, making friends, and enjoying a safe, structured environment on the island.
A big part of the value for parents is that Camp Harbor View is not “just” a summer program—it’s the entry point into a year-round support system. Once campers age out of the core program, they can apply for the Leader-in-Training (LIT) program, which includes job readiness training, college preparation, and even access to a scholarship program of up to $10,000 for post-secondary education. Families also gain access to ongoing leadership academy programming, mentoring, and family support services during the school year, making the summer camp experience the foundation of a longer-term relationship that supports both kids and their families.
Dates & Schedule
June 29 - August 21, 2026
Location
Long Island - Boston Harbor
Costs & Pricing
Free to attend for Boston residents entering 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in Fall 2026
How to Register
Programs can be registered for online here. Email info@campharborview.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Applications open Feb. 2nd, 2026, for returning campers and Feb. 23rd for new campers.
Contact
Ratings & Reviews
What Parents Like
- A review summary on TrustAnalytica (aggregating 29 Google reviews, average rating 4.7★) notes that many parents and former campers praise Camp Harbor View’s leadership program for Boston youth. Parents report that their children form “meaningful relationships with camp leaders and develop important skills that help them grow both as individuals and community members,” and that the camp is widely recommended as a “safe and productive environment.” (1)
- Alumni describe the camp as much more than scheduled activities. In one feature, a former camper says: “Camp Harbor View was more than just a summer camp; it was a place for us to connect with other people our age and open up about things that we were all experiencing together.” Another alum explains that he stayed on as a Leader-in-Training because it was “one of the few places [he] could spend quality time with others outside of school.” For parents, that signals camp is seen by participants as a supportive social and emotional community, not just a free day program. (2)
- Reviews also highlight that Camp Harbor View “helps with children’s transitions from summer camp programs to year-round family-friendly activities” and that there are parent nights and family engagement opportunities, which parents appreciate as part of a broader support system. (1)
What’s Parents Think Could be Improved
N/A
Our Take
Participants paint Camp Harbor View as a deeply positive, transformative environment where kids build friendships, confidence, and leadership skills—not just a place to swim and play sports. Parents and former campers consistently recommend it as a “safe and productive” camp and leadership program.