Brooks Day Camp

Ages 11-14

Voice, Choice, and New Challenges

Group 4

Participants in Group 4 are ready for greater independence, meaningful challenge, and opportunities to shape their own camp experience. Designed for early adolescents, this program builds on growing self-awareness, emerging leadership skills, and a desire for deeper engagement with peers and activities.

At this age, participants are beginning to think more abstractly, consider outcomes, and explore their own identities. Our Group 4 schedule offers increased flexibility and encourages campers to take ownership of their day through expanded choice blocks, including extended periods that allow for more immersive, skill-building experiences.

Group 4 campers also have access to exclusive choice-block opportunities designed specifically for our oldest day camp participants. During these longer, project-based sessions, campers collaborate with activity specialists to imagine, design, and build creative projects that encourage deeper focus, independence, and personal expression. These experiences are available only in Group 4 and help older campers feel engaged, valued, and excited about returning each summer.

Campers enjoy a wide variety of activities—from athletics and creative arts to outdoor exploration and team-based challenges. A highlight of the Group 4 experience is the Survival Challenge, a collaborative problem-solving adventure that takes place along the nature trails by Lake Cochichewick. This experience strengthens teamwork, communication, and perseverance in a supportive and exciting setting.

Our counselors and activity instructors foster an environment where participants feel empowered to try new things, take healthy risks, and discover their developing strengths. Each two-week session features a spirited camp-wide theme that brings groups together and reinforces a strong sense of belonging across the Summer at Brooks community.

Group 4 participants engage in a wide range of activities designed to meet the needs of early adolescents—curious, social, increasingly independent, and ready for meaningful challenge. With more confidence and clearer interests than younger groups, campers at this age thrive when given space to make decisions and pursue deeper experiences.

Group 4 features the most choice blocks in the Day Camp program, including extended blocks that allow participants to immerse themselves in activities they find especially compelling. Whether they choose advanced arts projects, field sports, outdoor adventures, or skill-focused workshops, campers learn to follow their interests, take ownership of their learning, and build independence within a supportive framework.

A signature feature of Group 4 is the Survival Challenge, a team-based problem-solving adventure set along the nature trails by Lake Cochichewick. This experience encourages collaboration, communication, and positive risk-taking—all essential skills for early adolescents.

In addition to choice-driven moments, participants enjoy a balanced schedule that includes athletics, creative arts, waterfront activities, and community-building traditions. Each two-week session includes a spirited camp-wide theme that adds fun, connection, and shared purpose to the Group 4 experience.

A full list of camp activities is available below.

Read Full Activity Descriptions

Archery
Arts & Crafts
Boating & Fishing
Camp Craft
Choice
Drama
Explorations
Gaga
Game Zone
Golf
Gymnastics
Music
Paddle Sports
Sports
Strength & Agility
Swim Lessons & Free Swim

Schedule

A Typical Day

8:30–9:00 AM	Drop-Off
9:00–9:10 AM	Morning Meeting
9:10–9:45 AM	Golf
9:55–10:30 AM	Drama
10:30–10:45 AM	Snack
10:45–11:20 AM	Choice Block
11:30–12:05 PM	Swim Lessons
12:15–12:35 PM	Lunch
12:45–1:20 PM	Arts & Crafts
1:30–2:05 PM	Archery
2:05–2:20 PM	Snack
2:20–2:55 PM	Free Swim
3:05–3:40 PM	Explorations
3:40–3:50 PM	Afternoon Meeting
4:00–4:30 PM	Pick-Up

Everything They Need for a Great Day

What’s Included at Brooks

Daily lunch & snacks
Daily swim lessons and free swim
All activity materials and supplies
Weekly special events and camp traditions
Access to the Health & Wellness Center, staffed by licensed professionals
Experienced group counselors trained in safety, inclusion, and youth development
Skilled activity instructors leading age-appropriate programs across arts, athletics, and outdoor exploration

Photos

A group of children wearing helmets and harnesses stands in a line outdoors, supervised by an adult instructor.

A boy smiles while holding onto the edge of a swimming pool, partially submerged in the water.

Five young boys wearing casual summer clothes and Crocs stand on a paved path in a park, smiling at the camera.

A group of children and an adult wearing a "staff" shirt are running up a forested trail.

A group of children wearing Patriots jerseys stand on a grassy field, smiling at the camera.

Three boys stand closely together on a grassy field.

Person diving into a swimming pool while others, including children and a lifeguard, observe.

A group of 12 people, mostly young teens, stand on stage in a line, raising their right legs in unison.

A group of enthusiastic children, wearing casual and vibrant summer clothes, gather outdoors, some shouting or cheering, suggesting an energetic and lively environment.

Children swimming in a pool, some wearing goggles, while one child practices a freestyle stroke in a swim lane.

Program Team

Robert Upton

Group Four Coordinator

Rob joined Summer at Brooks in 2023 and leads the team of counselors working with campers ages eleven to fourteen. He has taught middle and high school history since 2006 and lives in Georgetown with his family. Rob holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Syracuse University and an M.Ed. in Teaching from Salem State University.

Outside of teaching and camp, Rob enjoys coaching soccer and basketball and spending time with his wife and two daughters—both proud members of the Brooks community.

Rebekah (Becky) LaRochelle

Day Camp Supervisor

Becky joined Brooks in 2017 as a Group Coordinator and now serves as the Day Camp Supervisor. She oversees the planning, administration, and daily operations of the program, working closely with the leadership team and group coordinators to create engaging, developmentally aligned experiences for campers.

Becky is passionate about youth development and fostering a positive, inclusive environment. After a long career as a classroom teacher, she now works with students in grades one through eight as a technology teacher specialist. Becky’s family is also deeply connected to the program—both of her sons grew up attending the Day Camp, and one continues to return each summer as a member of the staff. She holds an M.A.Ed. and B.S. from Salem State University and lives in North Andover with her family.

Peter Moccia

Aquatics Supervisor

Peter studied chemistry at the University of Connecticut and has been a science teacher at Brooks School for seven years. He lives on campus with his family and oversees the summer aquatics program. With extensive experience in swimming pools and lifeguarding, Peter has worked in aquatics safety and pool operations since age sixteen.

He is lifeguard certified and a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) and works closely with the facilities team to ensure safe and well-maintained pool environments. Peter loves watching campus tran

Renae Cerri

Activities Supervisor

Renae joined Brooks School Summer Programs in 2017 and brings a strong background in both education and athletics. She holds dual degrees in elementary education and geological sciences from Salem State University. A former gymnast and volleyball player, she is passionate about movement, teamwork, and helping children discover new interests.

After serving as the gymnastics head, Renae now leads the activities team, overseeing the planning, implementation, and daily operation of sixteen activity areas as well as all camp-wide special events. She loves spending time outdoors, traveling with friends and family, and creating joyful summer experiences for campers.

Nicole Belisle

Logistics Supervisor

Nicole brings nearly twenty years of experience in school-based nutritional services to her role supporting Summer at Brooks operations. She leads the logistics team with a focus on safety and compliance, ensuring alignment with all Commonwealth of Massachusetts and North Andover Board of Health regulations. Nicole holds certifications in ServSafe, Allergy Awareness, CPR, and First Aid.

During the school year, she works as a teaching assistant and leads a team of youth development professionals in North Andover’s after-school program. A member of the Brooks summer team for more than ten years, Nicole enjoys softball, pickleball, and gaming. She lives in North Andover with her husband, two dogs, and a cat.

Melissa Donais

Health Care Consultant

Melissa Donais has served as the Health Care Consultant for Summer at Brooks since 2021, providing clinical guidance and ensuring compliance with all state and local health regulations. A Family Nurse Practitioner with more than a decade of primary care experience, she earned her master’s degree in nursing from Boston College and previously practiced at North Reading Medical Associates. Melissa is a graduate of Phillips Academy Andover and Yale University, where she received the Lily Rosen Prize in Women’s Health for her research on the Female Athlete Triad.

An accomplished runner, Melissa continues to compete in local and regional events. She lives in North Andover with her husband, Nate, their two children, Brennan and Audrey, and their dog, Uta.

Shannon Savage

Health Services Supervisor

Shannon Savage oversees the Summer Health Center’s daily operations, managing the nursing team and ensuring safe, responsive care in partnership with our Health Care Consultant. She brings more than a decade of nursing experience across critical care, pediatric rehabilitation, and family medicine, along with several years in nursing education and simulation.

Outside of Brooks, Shannon works as a Family Nurse Practitioner supporting pediatric and primary care patients. Her family is also part of the Summer at Brooks community—her son attends the Day Camp—and she enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active with family and friends.

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