Registration Opens to Trustees Members on Thursday, January 8, 2026

Registration opens to all on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at noon

The Crane Estate’s 2,100-acre property is a spectacular expanse of salt marsh and barrier beach habitat situated in Ipswich and Essex, MA between the Atlantic Ocean, Ipswich River, and Essex Bay. Castle Hill, homebase for SummerQuest, encompasses many acres of salt marsh and dune habitat, hiking trails, a stunning hilltop mansion and other grand buildings that were part of the summer estate of a wealthy Chicago industrialist, formal gardens, and an expansive lawn rolling a half a mile to the sea. Our program for ages 5–15 is inspired by this exceptional property and builds on The Trustees’ expertise in land conservation, historic landscape and cultural resource preservation, coastal ecology, and restoration.

Camp Details

Each day, campers enjoy activities that align with our environmental education mission, including:

• Nature-based activities exploring the coast, art, culture, design, and more
• Place-based lessons that inspire understanding of and respect for the environment
• Private swim time on the secluded Steep Hill Beach
• Creative craft projects that support the understanding of the natural world
• Morning circle, songs, and games that build friendship and community

SummerQuest at the Crane Estate is designed for campers who love the outdoors, exploring the woods and coast, connecting to the land, being independent learners, using their imagination, and tapping into their resilience no matter the weather. A team of talented, compassionate, and energetic environmental educators support campers in their quest to connect to the natural world and find their place within it.

Every day brings the chance for campers to discover new things, be creative, get a little messy, and have some fun together! Take a look at a sample daily schedule.

About the SummerQuest Experience

Beach time is fun for swimmers and non-swimmers alike! With rigorous water-safety protocols, trained staff, and clearly defined activity zones, every child is safe and supported at the beach. Campers who choose not to swim enjoy tide pooling, beach games, sandcastle buildings, and more!

Exploring the Crane Estate is a big part of the fun at SummerQuest. Campers ages 7+ will do plenty of walking each day, so please make sure they’re ready for outdoor adventures in all weather.

• If you have any questions about whether your camper will thrive at SummerQuest, please contact the camp office.

NEW! Stewards at Sea Program for Ages 12–15

This exciting new program invites teens to explore the Crane Estate coastline from a whole new perspective. Campers spend extended time on the water, building paddling skills, learning coastal ecology, and developing confidence in a fun, outdoor environment. Led by trained paddling instructors and environmental educators, these sessions balance adventure with learning and are perfect for teens who are ready for their next great adventure! For both new and experienced kayakers. 

Counselors in Training (CITs) for Ages 15–17

CITS are passionate about the environment and interested in leading the next generation. CITs work alongside our Camp Educators to create a welcoming and active learning environment at camp. More information and how to apply.

2026 Camp Schedule

FULL DAY for Ages 5–12

Week 1: June 22–26
Week 2: June 29–July 3
Week 3:  July 6–10
Week 4: July 13–17
Week 5: July 20–24
Week 6: July 27–31
Week 7: August 3–7
Week 8: August 10–14
Week 9: August 17–21

NEW! Stewards at Sea Program for Ages 12–15

Week 5: July 20–24
Week 6: July 27–31
Week 7: August 3–7

Counselor in Training Program for Ages 15–17

Week 3:  July 6–10
Week 4: July 13–17
Week 8: August 10–14
Week 9: August 17–21

2026 Camp Pricing

Full Day Tuition for Ages 5–12
8:45–9AM Drop Off — 3PM Pickup
Trustees Member Camper: $565/week
Nonmember Camper: $640/week
NEW! Extended Day Option, 3–4PM: $85/week

Stewards at Sea for Ages 12–15
9AM–3PM
Trustees Member Camper: $600/week
Nonmember Camper: $680/week
NEW! Extended Day Option, 3–4PM: $85/week

Registration Information

Create or access your CampBrain account to register your camper. Here are some CampBrain Tips for navigating common sticking points during the process.

Payment, Payment Plans, & Financial Assistance
Payment is due in full by credit card or eCheck at the time of registration to confirm your session.

Payment plans are available to ease the expense of camp. Please contact the camp office before you register.

The Trustees is committed to providing outdoor camp experiences for everyone. Obtain Financial Assistance information online or contact the camp office. Although spots are held for eligible campers, please apply as early as possible as assistance is awarded on a rolling basis as space and funds allow.

Member Tuition Rate
The Crane Estate is a property of The Trustees, a member-supported, nonprofit organization that protects and cares for 27,000 acres across Massachusetts. Trustees Family Members receive the $80 discounted tuition rate for each camper for each week of camp—plus free or discounted admission at 120+ special places, program discounts, and special event pre-sales all year round.

NEW Membership Procedure!
Membership purchases are no longer available during registration. Before you register, please be sure that you have your Membership number ready and a current Trustees Family Membership (or above) by using the Membership Lookup Tool.

Wait Lists
If any of your desired camp weeks are full, you will have the option to join the wait list as you register. Your credit card will not be charged for waitlisted sessions until you accept a session that becomes available.

What You Need to Register
Please have the following ready to proceed to registration:

• Annual physical and immunization forms
• Emergency and pick up contact info
• Camper insurance policy and doctor contact
• Credit card or eCheck information
• Your Membership number and expiration date (Membership Lookup Tool)

Buddy Requests
We pride ourselves on turning strangers into friends. For campers in the same age cohort, we do our best to honor buddy requests. However, due to licensing requirements and other logistics, requests cannot be guaranteed. All parties must initiate a buddy request when registering.

Refund, Cancellation, and Session Change Policy
Due to the high demand for camp and the complexities of registration administration, please select your camp weeks carefully. Refunds are not given for camper dismissal, failure to attend, absence, or sick days. Pro-rated refunds will be offered if camp is not able to open due to extreme weather.

• Prior to April 1, we are able to refund tuition less $150 per camper per week.
• After April 1, we are not able to issue any tuition refunds for cancelled sessions, even if spots are refilled.
• Session change requests will be fulfilled if space allows. There is a $75 per camper per week session change fee.

Licensure
SummerQuest at the Crane Estate complies with all regulations required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the Ipswich Board of Health. Parents have the right to request and review the following policies: background check, health care, discipline policies and grievance procedures.