Plaistow Recreation Department
• Register Now •

Plaistow Summer Rec information sheet

Plaistow Summer Rec  - day camp program for children between the ages of 5 and 15.
Location: PARC - 51 Old County Road, Plaistow, NH
Year: 2025
 
Program Overview
The Plaistow Summer Rec program has been a cherished tradition for decades, providing children with an exciting and enriching summer experience. Each week is themed and packed with engaging activities designed to keep campers active, creative, and entertained. Days are filled with a variety of opportunities, including sports, arts and crafts, and fun field trips to exciting destinations. Campers will also take part in community events and enjoy special guest appearances, bringing unique experiences to their summer adventure. With experienced staff, a welcoming atmosphere, and a dynamic schedule of activities, Plaistow Summer Rec is the perfect place to make new friends, explore new interests, and create lasting memories.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registration:
  • May 1, 2025, for Plaistow residents
  • June 1, 2025, for non-residents
Registration is first-come, first-served basis. Weekly tuition is due at registration. There is no daily rate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Camper Registration (Age 5-11)
  • Campers: Children must be at least 5 years old and entering kindergarten, and no older than 11 years of age.
  • Maximum of 84 campers per week
  • Fees:
    • Residents: $150 per week + a one-time membership fee of $50.
    • Non-Residents: $175 per week + a one-time membership fee of $65.
Camper Expectations
Campers can expect a full day of fun, engaging, and structured activities designed to keep them active, learning, and making new friends. Each day will include a variety of games, outdoor adventures, creative projects, and team-building exercises.
 
Role and Responsibilities
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, campers must be:
  • Completely independent in the bathroom – Staff cannot assist with restroom use.
  • Able to change clothes independently – Campers must change in and out of their bathing suits on their own.
  • Able to feed themselves – Campers must eat and manage their own meals and snacks without staff assistance.
  • Respectful and Kind – Campers should treat fellow campers and staff with kindness and follow all camp rules.
  • Willing to Participate – Camp is more fun when everyone joins in!
Behavior Expectations:
To ensure a positive experience for everyone, campers are expected to:
  • Be kind and respectful to fellow campers and staff.
  • Listen and follow directions.
  • Participate in activities and try new things.
  • Use appropriate language and behavior.
  • Keep hands and feet to themselves.
  • Take care of camp supplies and the environment.
Campers who do not follow these expectations may receive a verbal warning, a time-out from activities, or a conversation with a parent/guardian, and expulsion from the program if behavior continues to be disruptive.


Daily Schedule Overview: (Example)
  • Morning Check-In & Icebreakers – Start the day with group activities to build friendships.
  • Outdoor Play & Sports – Participate in activities like kickball, soccer, tag, and relay races.
  • Snack Time - A short break to eat, relax, and enjoy supervised free time.
  • Creative Time – Arts and crafts, STEM projects, or themed workshops.
  • Adventure & Exploration – Nature walks and scavenger hunts.
    Lunch & Free Play     – A break to eat, relax, and enjoy supervised free time.
  • Water Play or Special Activities (varies by day): This includes water games, obstacle courses, or guest instructors.
  • Closing Wrap-Up – Reflect on the day’s highlights and prepare for pick-up.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Junior CIT (Counselor-in-Training) Registration (Age 12-13)
  • Junior Counselors-in-Training (Jr. CITs): Ages 12–13.
  • Maximum of 8 Jr. CITs per week.
  • Fees:
    • Residents: $75 per week + a one-time membership fee of $50.
    • Non-Residents: $100 per week + a one-time membership fee of $65.
Junior Counselor-in-Training (Jr. CIT) Expectations (Ages 12-13)
The Jr. CIT Program offers campers the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds—participating in daily camp activities while also developing leadership skills. Jr. CITs will spend half the day as a camper and half the day assisting as a CIT. This role is perfect for those who want to have fun while also learning how to lead and support younger campers.
 
Role & Responsibilities:
  • Be a Camper – Enjoy traditional camp activities, participate in games, arts & crafts, and outdoor fun with fellow campers.
  • Develop Leadership Skills – Learn how to assist and guide younger campers while working alongside CITs and counselors.
  • Assist with Sports Activities – Help lead at least two sporting activities per day, supporting younger campers in learning and playing the game.
  • Demonstrate & Encourage Participation – Show younger campers how to play the sport, encourage teamwork, and make sure everyone is involved.
  • Help with Set-Up & Clean-Up – Work with CITs to prepare equipment, organize activities, and ensure everything is put away properly.
 
Expectations:
  • Be a Positive Role Model – Set an example by being respectful, responsible, and enthusiastic.
  • Be Engaged & Active – Fully participate in both camper and Jr. CIT activities.
  • Support Younger Campers – Encourage, assist, and be patient with younger campers during activities.
  • Work as a Team – Collaborate with CITs and counselors to create a fun and structured camp environment.
  • Demonstrate Leadership – Take initiative, ask how you can help, and follow through with assigned responsibilities.
  • Follow Camp Rules – Help enforce camp guidelines while also enjoying your time as a camper.
 
Jr. CIT’s who do not follow these expectations may receive a verbal warning, a time-out from activities, or a conversation with a parent/guardian, and expulsion from the program if behavior continues to be disruptive.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CIT Registration
  • Counselors-in-Training (CITs): Ages 14-15.
  • Maximum of 8 CITs per week.
  • Fees:
    • Residents: $50 per week + a one-time membership fee of $50.
    • Non-Residents: $75 per week + a one-time membership fee of $65.
 
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Expectations (Ages 14-15)
The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program is designed for campers ages 14-15 who want to develop leadership skills, gain hands-on experience working with children, and assist counselors in creating a fun and safe camp environment. CITs are role models for younger campers and are expected to lead by example in all aspects of camp.
 
Role & Responsibilities:
  • Interact with All Campers – Engage with campers of all ages, encourage participation, and help create an inclusive atmosphere.
  • Lead by Example – Demonstrate respect, responsibility, enthusiasm, and teamwork at all times.
  • Assist Counselors – Support counselors in organizing activities, supervising campers, and ensuring a smooth camp experience.
  • Mentor Younger Campers & Jr. CITs – Offer guidance, encouragement, and support to younger campers and Jr. CITs (ages 12-13).
  • Help with Daily Camp Operations – Set up and clean up activities, distribute materials, and assist with transitions between activities.
Expectations:
  • Be a Positive Role Model – Show kindness, patience, and leadership at all times.
  • Be Engaged & Active – Participate in all camp activities and encourage campers to do the same.
  • Show Responsibility – Arrive on time, follow instructions, and fulfill assigned tasks.
  • Communicate Effectively – Speak respectfully with campers, peers, and staff. Ask for help if needed.
  • Maintain a Safe & Fun Environment – Help monitor camper behavior and support positive interactions.
  • Follow Camp Rules – Abide by all camp policies and assist in reinforcing them among younger campers.
CIT’s who do not follow these expectations may receive a verbal warning, a time-out from activities, or a conversation with a parent/guardian, and expulsion from the program if behavior continues to be disruptive.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff-to-Camper Ratio:
1:8. Capacity is limited to maintain safety standards.
 
Staff
Seasonal Summer staff will be managed by the Summer Camp Director under the supervision of the Plaistow Recreation Director and Town Manager.
  • Camp Directors: Must be 21+ years old.
  • Junior Counselors & Counselors: Must be 16+ years old by the week of training.
Certifications and Requirements:
  • CPR and First Aid certification.
  • Successful completion of a drug test.
  • Criminal background check.
 
Policies and Procedures
Absences
Advance notice of absences (via email, voicemail, or written note) is appreciated but not required. However, if your child will miss a field trip, please inform us so tickets can be adjusted accordingly.
 
Inclement Weather
In case of bad weather, the program will move to Pollard School’s gymnasium. Drop-off remains the same, but pick-up will be at 3:00 PM. Announcements will be made via text, email, and Facebook.
 
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures
Drop-Off: 8:45–9:00 AM
Pick-Up: 3:45–4:00 PM
  • Follow the designated traffic loop. Staff will assist campers as needed.
  • For late drop-offs or early pick-ups, park in the middle lot and wait for staff to assist.
Early Care: Available 7:00–8:45 AM for a flat fee of $25/week.
Late Pick-Up Fees:
  • $10 for the first 10 minutes.
  • $5 for every additional 5 minutes.
 
Program Activities
Activities vary weekly based on themes and include sports, creative games, and arts & crafts.

Field Trips 
  • Weekly on Thursdays.
  • No alternate transportation is allowed.
  • Lightweight backpacks only (no hard coolers), campers are required to carry their belongings.
  • Lunch, water bottle, and sunscreen.
 
First Aid & Medication Policy
  • Staff are CPR and First Aid certified.
  • Staff may not administer medication. Parents must provide clearly labeled containers for supervision of self-administered medication.
Illness Policy:
Children with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea must be picked up within 30 minutes and remain symptom-free for 24 hours before returning.
 
Discipline Policy
Camp rules and discipline policies will be reviewed weekly. Serious issues (e.g., bullying, fighting, or boundary violations) may result in immediate dismissal. After three dismissals, the camper will be removed from the program without a refund.
 
Electronic Device Policy
Campers are encouraged to leave electronics at home. Cell phones must remain off during camp hours.
 
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellations must be made at least 5 days before the start of the reserved week for a refund.

Contact Information:
  • Jenn Gusler, Town of Plaistow, NH, Director of Recreation
  • Office: 603-382-5200, ext. 204
  • Email: Recreation@plaistow.com
  • Facebook: @PlaistowRecreation


 Return to Programs    View All Activities


Share This Page: