Brooks Day Camp

Ages 8-10

Exploring Interests, Building Independence

Group 3

Participants in Group 3 are ready for new challenges, deeper friendships, and more opportunities to shape their own camp experience. Designed for children ages 8 to 10, this program builds on their growing confidence and awareness of their developing skills.

At this age, children are becoming more attuned to what feels easy or difficult for them, and they are increasingly motivated by personal interests. Our Group 3 schedule introduces developmentally appropriate independence, giving participants room to explore new activities while still receiving support from caring counselors and instructors.

Through active play, creative projects, team-based challenges, and skill-focused activities, children practice collaboration, resilience, and positive decision-making. Our staff creates an encouraging environment where participants can safely step outside their comfort zones and discover what they enjoy most.

Each two-week session features a lively camp-wide theme that fosters connection and belonging across the Brooks community, adding excitement and shared purpose to the Group 3 experience.

Group 3 participants enjoy a wide range of activities designed to match their increasing skills, interests, and independence. With growing confidence and curiosity, children are ready for more challenge and more opportunities to shape their camp experience.

A key feature of Group 3 is the introduction of choice blocks—designated times during the session when participants can select from a menu of activities that interest them most. These blocks allow children to explore emerging passions, practice decision-making, and gain a sense of ownership in their day, all within a thoughtfully supervised structure.

Alongside choice-based moments, participants continue to experience a balanced rotation of athletics, arts, nature exploration, team-building challenges, and hands-on projects. Our counselors and activity instructors guide children through these experiences in ways that encourage persistence, collaboration, and healthy risk-taking.

Each two-week session also includes a spirited camp-wide theme that brings the Brooks community together through dress-up days, shared events, and special activities. These traditions add fun and connection to the Group 3 experience while strengthening group identity.

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	Choice Block
9:55–10:30 AM	Swim Lessons
10:30–10:45 AM	Snack
10:45–11:20 AM	Sports Game (3C vs 3D)
11:30–12:05 PM	Gymnastics
12:15–12:35 PM	Lunch
12:45–1:20 PM	Archery
1:30-2:05 PM	Arts & Crafts
2:05–2:20 PM	Snack
2:20–2:55 PM	Drama
3:05–3:40 PM	Free Swim
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 smiling young adult with a badge around their neck stands outdoors with two young children wearing backpacks, all three positioned in front of greenery.

Children are playing and jumping inside a blue and white inflatable bounce house on a bright, sunny day.

A young girl with red hair is swimming in a pool, with her arms outstretched and smiling at the camera.

A person and three children are smiling and paddling a canoe on a calm lake surrounded by greenery.

A group of seven children, all wearing tie-dye shirts, stand together outdoors, smiling.

A group of children and adults, some wearing tie-dye clothing, stand together and smile for a group photo on a grassy field.

Children wearing swim goggles and swimwear sit on the edge of a swimming pool, smiling and giving a thumbs-up.

Two children on a tennis court are playing with tennis rackets and a ball. The boy is swinging his racket while the girl watches.

Children surround and pet animals inside a fenced enclosure at an outdoor event in a park.

Program Team

Philip Miller

Group Three Coordinator

Philip leads the team of counselors who work with campers ages eight to ten. A longtime member of the Summer at Brooks community, he has spent nine years in a variety of youth development roles. Philip began his career as a group leader and later became a site coordinator before moving into his current role as a BBE at Frost Elementary School in Lawrence.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Merrimack College. Originally from North Andover, Philip now lives in Haverhill. He enjoys playing and watching sports, exploring arts and crafts, and reconnecting with the camp community each summer.

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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