7 Camp Registration Insider Tips Every Mom on Massachusetts’ South Shore Should Know

On Massachusetts’ South Shore, summer camp registration can be…a lot. Overwhelming, stressful, confusing, frantic, and competitive are all accurate descriptors. That’s because while we’re fortunate to have a wide variety of offerings, from town recreation to specialty programs, spots fill up fast.

Some families like to select a single program for the entire summer for simplicity and consistency. Others prefer a mix for exposure and variety. Whichever pathway is right for you, the race to register your child is the first summer camp hurdle to tackle. And along with it comes the learning curve of each camp’s specific registration process.

From one seasoned South Shore camp mom to another, these 7 insider tips can make all the difference in your registration process, giving you more choices, better schedules, and sometimes, even better pricing.

1. Get Organized Before Registration Season Starts

A little upfront organization goes a long way. As you find and identify which camps are right for you, create a spreadsheet to centralize all the information, including things like:

• Camp name
• Camp location and contact information
• Ages accepted and schedules offered
• Cost and payment deadlines
• Registration dates and processes
• Cancellation and refund policies

If you’re looking for a basic template to download as a starting point, try this one here! Luckily, that information is already available to you at MomBrains, with just a simple copy and paste once you've bookmarked your favorites! 

2. Sign Up for Camp Email Lists

There’s no worse feeling than missing camp registration. And while some camps provide a lot of detail on their website about their summer programs in advance, like North River Nature Camp in Marshfield, others, like Bay Farm Montessori in Duxbury, don’t update that information until closer to the registration timeline.

In this case, what exactly does “early February” really mean? Rather than constantly checking back for the right information, add yourself to their email list and get updates directly in your inbox.

Outside of registration information, receiving their communications also gives you access to program updates and schedule changes you might otherwise miss. As a busy mom juggling a never-ending to-do list, a reminder never hurts.

3. Prioritize Camps Where You’re a Resident, Member, or Current Participant

Some camps roll out registration in phases, beginning with their residents, members, and current participants before opening it up to the general public. Some of the most sought-after ones include:

• Programs through the town recreation departments. For example, Weymouth residents can register for camp in March, while non-residents can register in April.
• The South Shore YMCA (SSYMCA) in Hanover opens its registration over three weeks, beginning with SSYMCA members, then returning camp families, and finally the public.

Early registration can not only help to secure a spot but also save you money. At YMCA, in particular, members pay a weekly rate of $465, rather than the non-member rate of $560 for full-day programming. For the language program SELA in Hingham and Norwell, families that sign up for a minimum enrollment of 3 days over 3 weeks and register before March 1st will save 15% on total costs. Trustee Family Members receive $80 off of each week of camp for each camper.

If you don’t fall into this category, there may still be spots open when it’s your time to register. And if you just don’t want to worry about it, consider putting these camps out of your mind altogether.

4. Get Questions Answered Before Registration Opens

You may have questions about the program beyond the basic information provided on the website. This could include information like:

• What is the camp's camper return rate?
• What are the student-to-staff ratios?
• How are children grouped together?
• Does the camp offer financial aid or scholarships?
• Is there an early-registration, multi-week or sibling discount?
• What are your water safety rules?
• What happens in bad weather? 

The answers to these questions may influence your decision to register your child, so it’s best to ask them before it opens. Look for the contact listed on their websites and reach out. Camp Directors are happy to share more about their programs — see part of the note below after an email exchange with one of the camps we’re attending:

5. Pre-Register and Gather All Relevant Information

Many camps allow you to create a profile for your child before registration opens. You can see what this looks like and how to do it with the Trustee’s summer camp in Hingham. 

In your profile, you can add important details, such as:

• Health forms, including your insurance information, doctor and dentist names and contacts, and immunizations
• Emergency contact names, addresses, and phone numbers
• Payment information

When it comes time for registration day, you’ve got one less thing to do as you scramble to find the right session(s), add to cart, and check out before they’re gone. 

6. Schedule Your Time Accordingly

Camp registration times run the gamut. Weekends? Yes. Weekdays? Also yes. 

Mark your calendars and set reminders for the camps you’re registering for. If you can, take time off work or clear your schedule. Build in extra time in case the check-out process takes longer than expected, especially if you’re registering multiple children, as some systems require you to register them individually. 

When it’s time to register, grab your coffee, sign on early, and be ready to go. That way, you won’t be scrambling to find your computer charger or remember your login information at the last minute.

7. Have a Backup Plan

If you aren’t able to snag a spot before your favorite camp fills up, it’s disappointing. We’ve been there before. Take a deep breath and remember there is more out there. With MomBrains’ Camp Finder, you can go back to the drawing board and discover amazing camps for your kid in your area. We’re so excited it’s finally live, and we’re adding more camps every day.

This also applies to any programs you’re not ready to register for right when they open. While waiting may reduce your chances of securing a spot, it’s better to take the time to make sure something is the right fit for you and your child. 

Summer camp registration can be overwhelming. But with a little preparation and a flexible mindset, you can set yourself up to successfully register your child(ren) and have the summer of a lifetime!