Summer Program at Giving Tree School
Join us for a season of wonder and discovery in our Outdoor Classroom. Each week brings new adventures as children explore our Outdoor Classroom, create with a variety of engaging materials, build with real tools, and make lasting friendships. Our summer program offers the same child-led, nature-based approach that makes Giving Tree special, open to all families in our community. Whether you're a current Giving Tree family or new to our program, come join us to experience the joy of unhurried play and exploration in nature!
Summer 2025
July 7-11: Color & Texture – Artists at Work
July 14-18: Mix it Up! Recipes & Potions
July 21-25: Earth & Water Engineers
July 28 - August 1: It’s Alive! Plants & Animals Around Us
August 4-8: Movers, Shakers, Music-Makers
Weekly Rate: $440
Massachusetts childcare vouchers accepted.
Dates for Summer 2025 are July 7th through August 8th. Weeks are Monday-Friday and our summer days start at 8:30 and end at 4:00.
Registration is week-by-week; each week features a different theme of creation and exploration.
Registration is now OPEN; click the link below to register.
Summer 2025
Summer Program FAQs
Program Details
What are the dates and hours of the summer program?
Our program runs from July 7 - August 8, 2025, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
What is the weekly cost?
The weekly rate is $440.
Can my child attend for just a few days instead of the full week?
At this time, we only offer full-week enrollment to ensure consistency and community-building among the children.
What should my child bring each day?
We recommend sending your child with:
A packed lunch and snacks
A water bottle
Extra clothes and shoes for water play and messy activities
Diapers and wipes, if needed
Bathing suit and towel
Water shoes or crocs
A sun hat and sunscreen
Who are the summer program teachers?
Our summer program is staffed by our wonderful and experienced school year teaching team. Summer 2025 will be led by Merrilee Kane, Jillian Marchetti, and Jenn DeBlase.
Daily Routine & Activities
What does a typical day look like?
Each day includes outdoor free play, group meetings with stories and songs, hands-on explorations, creative projects, and movement activities that fit within the weekly theme. Children have time for rest, snacks, and plenty of outdoor adventures.
What kinds of outdoor activities do you offer?
We spend a lot of time exploring nature, engaging in sensory play, and moving our bodies. Activities include loose parts play, gardening, climbing, water play, music and movement, and plenty of open-ended creative exploration.
Do children go swimming?
No, we do not swim, but we offer plenty of water play on hot days—running through the sprinkler, washing dolls, playing with our water course, and blowing bubbles.
Do children nap?
We have a Rest Time from 12:45-1:45 PM indoors. Each child rests in a personal pop-up tent, while teachers rub backs and play restful music or audio stories.
Food & Snacks
Do you provide lunch and snacks?
Parents provide lunch and snacks from home. We also enjoy snacking on whatever is in season in our gardens.
What is Popsicle Time?
Every afternoon, we offer homemade fruit juice or lightly sweetened tea popsicles to help keep children hydrated.
Are there any food restrictions?
We are a peanut-free school. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions so we can help keep your child safe.
Toileting & Personal Care
Do children need to be potty trained?
No. Children in all stages of potty training are welcome. Parents provide diapers, wipes, and extra clothing.
Registration & Policies
How do I register?
Registration is available on our website. Spots fill quickly, so we encourage early enrollment.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes, once our summer program reaches enrollment capacity, we will open a waitlist, available on the Summer page of our website.
What is your cancellation policy?
Any schedule changes or cancellations should be made prior to May 1st. After that date, we are no longer able to offer any refunds or schedule changes. The $100 deposit due with registration holds your child’s spot and is completely non-refundable.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us. We look forward to a summer of learning, play, and exploration!