Empow is prepared to offer their 2020 STEM Summer Camps as virtual online camps, if necessary.
- We’re already up and running with our virtual classes, so you can feel confident and comfortable that our summer operations will deliver!
- We’re still offering our wide range of STEM and tech options for kids to choose from!
- If necessary, you can cancel any time up to 14 days before your camp begins for a full refund!
STEM Summer Camps in Massachusetts
Empow Studios believes that passion and meaningful play drives vital learning. It’s the very philosophy that drives our curriculum creation and teaching approach at our February, April, and Summer STEM Camps. Empow Camps support participation, experimentation, and developing literacy in digital, virtual, and robotic environments, preparing kids for a deeper understanding of the technology that powers our modern world and potential future career pathways. Kids ages 7-17 choose their own project-based learning track that best fits their interests. We support this across a wide breadth curriculum—along with dedicated, knowledgeable mentors and instructors—to support students in the discovery of new tech skills and challenges, the bolstering of previous skills, and introductions to new avenues of tech exploration. Students can also create portfolios of their work (accessible from home), earn digital badges to reflect progress, and meet new friends along the way. We can’t wait to see you in camp!
STEM Summer Camp Programs
STEM Summer Camp Programs
Tech & Design Camp
Ages 7-13
A camp where kids CHOOSE what they want to create: Video Game Design, Robotics, Animation, Coding, 3D Printing, Music Production and other exciting projects are all fair game!
Minecraft Camp
Ages 7-13
The most popular game for kids is also the perfect environment to design, build, and code! Whether you’re just starting your explorations or looking to create mods.
Coding Camp
Ages 9-15
Multi-level coding for kids using Python, Java, app design, and game design
Girls STEM Camp
Ages 7-13
Bringing some balance to the world of STEM where girls use technology as a creative tool.
AR / VR Camp
Ages 12-17
A 2-week immersion in Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR) game design.
STEM Camp Locations in MA
STEM Camp Locations in MA
2020 February & April STEM Camps in MA
Please click the locations below to see the dates and STEAM (STEM + Arts) camp program we’re running in/around your community.
Belmont STEM Vacation Camp
February Camp & April Camp
Location: Beth El Temple Center 2 Concord Ave, Belmont MA 02478
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an extended day until 5:30pm is available for a $20 additional charge.
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
Learn more about Vacation Camp in Belmont
Belmont STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 Belmont STEM Camps during February & April Vacation are now open for registration. Our Belmont Camps tend to fill, so make sure to register before it’s too late!
Lexington STEM Vacation Camp
February Camp & April Camp
Address: Empow Studios, 1776 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an optional extended day until 5:30pm is available for $20/day.
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
Learn more about Vacation Camp in Lexington
Lexington STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 Lexington STEM Camps during February and April Vacation are now open for registration. Our Lexington Vacation Camps tend to fill, so make sure to register before it’s too late!
Newton STEM Vacation Camp
February Camp & April Camp
Location: Empow Studios – Newton: 180 Needham St, Newton, MA 02464
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an optional extended day until 5:30pm is available for $20/day*
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
Learn more about Vacation camp at our Newton Studio page.
Newton STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 Newton STEM Vacation Camps during February & April Vacation are now open for registration. Our Newton Vacation Camps tend to fill; make sure to register before it’s too late!
2020 STEM Summer Camps in MA
Please click the locations below to see the dates and STEM camp program we’re running in/around your community.
Acton STEM Summer Camp
Location: Acton Congregational Church 12 Concord Road, Acton MA 01720
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an optional extended day until 5:30pm is available for $20/day.
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
Learn more about Summer Camp in Acton
Acton STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 Acton STEM Summer Camps are now open for registration. Our Acton Summer Camps are expected to fill; make sure to register before it’s too late!
Arlington STEM Summer Camp
Location: Arlington Masonic Temple – 19 Academy St., Arlington, MA 02476
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an extended day until 5:30pm is available for a $20 additional charge.
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
Arlington STEM Camps: Program Schedule
Our NEW Arlington STEM Summer Camp location will be at 19 Academy St., Arlington, MA 02476. Most of our camps tend to fill, so we recommend booking early to reserve a spot.
Belmont STEM Summer Camp
Location: Beth El Temple Center 2 Concord Ave, Belmont MA 02478
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an extended day until 5:30pm is available for a $20 additional charge.
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
Learn more about Summer Camp in Belmont
Belmont STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 Belmont STEM Summer Camps are now open for registration. Our Belmont Summer Camps filled last year, so make sure to register before it’s too late!
Beverly STEM Summer Camp
Location:
Glen Urquhart School
74 Hart St.
Beverly, MA 01915
Please navigate to the Summer@GUS page for more details.
Beverly STEM Camps: Program Schedule
In collaboration with the Glen Urquhart School, 2020 Beverly Summer Camps are now open for registration. Most of our camps tend to fill, so we recommend booking early to reserve a spot.
Boston STEM Summer Camp in Back Bay
Address: Old South Church 645 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02116
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an optional extended day until 5:30pm is available for $20/day.
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
Learn more about Summer Camp in Boston’s Back Bay
Boston STEM Camps in Back Bay: Program Schedule
2020 Boston STEM Summer Camps are now open for registration. Our Boston Summer Camps were filled last year, so make sure to register before it’s too late!
Boston STEM Summer Camp in Jamaica Plain
Location:
British International School of Boston
416 Pond St. Boston, MA 02130
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an extended day until 5:30pm is available for a $20 additional charge.
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
Learn more about this venue at our Jamaica Plain Camp page here.
Boston STEM Camps in Jamaica Plain: Program Schedule
Our NEW 2020 Boston STEM Summer Camps in Jamaica Plain are now open for registration! Our STEM camps tend to fill, so book now before it’s too late!
Brookline STEM Summer Camp
Location:
Hellenic College Holy Cross
50 Goddard Ave
Brookline, MA 02445
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an optional extended day until 5:30pm is available for $20/day.
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
Learn more about Summer Camp in Brookline
Brookline STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 Brookline STEM Summer Camps are now open for registration. Our Brookline Summer Camps usually completely fill, so make sure to register before it’s too late!
Cambridge STEM Summer Camp
Location: Please note, We have two locations in Cambridge!
Addresses:
- Aug 3 – Aug 28: Cambridge Montessori School, 129 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02140
- Aug 31 – Sept 4: Lesley University: 89 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an optional extended day until 5:30pm is available for $20/day*
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk*
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
Cambridge STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 Cambridge STEM Summer Camps are now open for registration. Our Cambridge STEM Camps typically fill to max capacity, so make sure to register before it’s too late!
Cape Cod STEM Summer Camp
Location:
Cape Cod Academy
50 Osterville West Barnstable Rd.
Osterville, MA 02655
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge).
Cost:
- Tech & Design and Minecraft Arts Camps: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Stop-Motion Animation, 2D Video Game Design Fundamentals, Video Game Development, and Advanced Minecraft Camps: Full day $720/wk
2020 Cape Cod STEM Summer Camps are now open for registration, starting on July 6th and running through August 3rd. Register on Cape Cod Academy’s site HERE, before these in-demand camps fill up!
Franklin STEM Summer Camp
Location: Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an optional extended day until 5:30pm is available for $20/day.
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Java Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
*All full day campers must purchase a daily lunch at Dean’s nut-free dining hall. Cost of lunch is $11.25 per day. The dining hall at Dean (via Sodexo) coordinates with Empow to ensure all students are served food following allergy restrictions documented by the parent during registration.
Learn more about Summer Camp in Franklin.
Franklin STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 Franklin STEM Summer Camps are now open for registration. Our Franklin Summer Camps are expected to fill; make sure to register before it’s too late!
Lexington STEM Summer Camp
Address: Empow Studios, 1776 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an optional extended day until 5:30pm is available for $20/day.
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Girls STEM Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
- AR / VR Camp: Full day $1595 for two weeks
Learn more about Summer Camp in Lexington
Lexington STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 Lexington STEM Summer Camps are now open for registration. Our Lexington Summer Camps always fill, so make sure to register before it’s too late!
Milton STEM Summer Camp
Camp Location: Glover Elementary School (2 miles from Route 93). 255 Canton Ave, Milton, MA 02186
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an optional extended day until 5:30pm is available for $20/day.
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
Learn more about Summer Camp in the South Shore.
Milton – Quincy STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 Milton STEM Summer Camps are now open for registration. Our Milton Summer Camps always fill, so make sure to register before it’s too late!
Natick STEM Summer Camp
Location:
Riverbend School
33 Eliot St.
Natick, MA 01760
Times: Camp runs 8:55am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an extended day until 5:30pm is available for a $20 additional charge.
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
Natick STEM Camps: Program Schedule
We’re almost ready to announce our Natick STEM Camp location…ALMOST! Get updates on when this location is announced here. Most of our camps tend to fill, so we recommend booking early to reserve a spot.
Needham – Wellesley STEM Summer Camp
Location: Olin College of Engineering
1000 Olin Way
Needham, MA 02492
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an extended day until 5:30pm is available for a $20 additional charge.
Cost:
- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
Needham – Wellesley STEM Camps: Program Schedule
Our NEW 2020 Needham – Wellesley STEM Summer Camps are now open for registration. Our STEM Summer Camps tend to fill, so make sure to register before it’s too late!
Our Newton STEM Camp locations
We have two locations in Newton. Please be attentive to which locations you’re signing up for.
Please Note: We have two Newton Camp locations!
Addresses:
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- June 22 – Sept 4: Empow Studios – Newton: 180 Needham St, Newton, MA 02464
- Aug 31 – Sept 4: Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst: 777 Dedham St, Newton, MA 02459
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an optional extended day until 5:30pm is available for $20/day
Cost:
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- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Girls STEM Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
- AR / VR Camp: Full day $1595 for two weeks
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Learn more about our Newton location on the Newton Studio page.
Newton STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 Newton STEM Summer Camps are now open for registration. Our Newton Summer Camps tend to fill; make sure to register before it’s too late!
North Andover STEM Summer Camp
Location:
TBD
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an extended day until 5:30pm is available for a $20 additional charge.
Cost:
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- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
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North Andover STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 North Andover Summer Camps are now open for registration. Our STEM Summer Camps tend to fill, so make sure to register before it’s too late!
Reading STEM Summer Camp
Location: TBD
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an optional extended day until 5:30pm is available for $20/day.
Cost:
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- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
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Learn more about Summer Camp in Reading
Reading STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 Reading STEM Summer Camps are still open for registration while we finalize our site location. We’ll update this space SOON to reflect where in Reading our camp will be! Stay tuned…
Shrewsbury STEM Summer Camp
Location:
Saint John’s School, 378 Main St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Times: Camp runs 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off starts at 8:30am (no additional charge) and an optional extended day until 5:30pm is available for $20/day.
Cost:
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- Tech & Design Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Minecraft Camp: Half day $385/wk; Full day $665/wk
- Coding Camp: Full day $695/wk
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Learn more about our Shrewsbury Summer Camp location on our St. John’s page.
Shrewsbury STEM Camps: Program Schedule
2020 Shrewsbury STEM Summer Camps are now open for registration. Our Shrewsbury Summer Camps were filled last year, so make sure to register before it’s too late!
Somerville Maker Innovation Summer Academy
A unique summer program held in Somerville
Learn more about each session on our Maker Innovation page here!
Location:
Artisan’s Asylum
10 Tyler St.
Somerville, MA 02143
Grades: 6-10
Times: This Somerville summer program runs in two-week sessions, Mon-Fri from 9:00am-3:00pm.
Cost:
$1400 for each two-week session
Learn more about the Artisan’s Asylum Somerville Makerspace on the Artisan’s Asylum webpage.
Somerville Maker Innovation Academy: Summer Program Schedule
Our NEW 2020 Somerville STEM Summer programs are now open for registration. The Somerville Maker Innovation Summer Academy is expected to fill, so make sure to register before it’s too late!
Smart Fabrics & Wearable Tech
July 13 – July 24Designing a Micro-Space That Works For Work, Life & Play
July 27 – Aug 7Build a Community-Powered Vehicle
Aug 10 – Aug 21
*Please note, this program is not a “camp” program, as it is not licensed through the Department of Public Health
Melissa a Lexington Empow Camp mother
“It’s a unique camp… where you can learn new technologies, which is something you can’t really do at home.”
Student
“I keep coming back here because it’s a place where I can be myself.” “If I could come here all the time, I definitely would want to.”
Student
Our STEAM (STEM + Arts) Curriculum & Teaching Approach
Our STEAM (STEM + Arts) Curriculum & Teaching Approach
We have always been focused on getting girls and boys across a wide range of interests and ages excited about the creative power of technology. As educators, we’re also constantly trying to improve our practices and tools. We’ve built a new system that will support both of these goals: Talent Box.
Each child’s accomplishments are acknowledged in a way that is motivating, lasting, and flexible through the use of badges. Badges are awarded when kids complete tracks in specific technologies, and are also awarded for leveling-up in cross-disciplines, including secret unlockable badges! Kids choose projects that level-up in three domains: Art & Design, Building, and Coding.
Art & Design
Building
Coding
What makes us special?
What makes us special?
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- We’re affordable! Similar Tech Camps charge upwards of $1200! We sit at about half the price, without losing the educational quality. We also offer a liberal refund policy giving you up to 2 weeks before the start of camp to change your schedule.
- We’re local! We are teaching at 7-9 locations every single week day! We have a busy outreach team that travels MA teaching kids how to design, build, and code in a school or library near you.
- We’re year-round! College students make great counselors, but our Director and Lead Instructor team teaches year-round and is fully invested in creating a rich educational experience.
- We give back! Every year, we allocate thousands of dollars to scholarships to help families in need.
- We’re mission-driven! We strive to make STEM education available to children regardless of economic background. We were selected as a participant of Boston’s 5th Quarter of Learning, which delivers 5 weeks of free summer programming for kids who don’t have a large selection of enrichment opportunities available to them.
- We embrace the element of choice! When kids arrive at camp, we start by showing them a wide variety of projects they can choose. Then, it’s up to them to choose what tech tracks to engage with. If it’s not a good fit, we’re happy to try something else! Most tech camps have kids working on a very similar subject.
- Lastly, we’re cool! (at least we think we are) We’re a fun, yet experienced staff. Leonid, the founder of Empow Studios, has been running Summer programs for 14 years! Our Camp Directors & Assistant Directors have university degrees that match their background in art, education, or technology. Most importantly, we channel our inner “kid” to match our “playful learning” approach.
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A Day at Empow Camp
A Day at Empow Camp
Why we choose to be a licensed “Camp”
Unlike many summer technology programs, we are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, which establishes minimum health, safety, sanitation, and housing standards to protect the well-being of children who are in the care of Empow.
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- Camp Safety: Our camp locations are inspected for safe structures and equipment, adequate sanitary facilities, sufficient supervision of the campers, appropriate plans in case of medical emergencies, natural, and other physical disasters, sufficient health care coverage, and injury & fire prevention plans.
- Health & Training: We have a health supervisor at camp at all times, who is certified in first aid, CPR, and is permitted to administer medication. We also have a licensed health care consultant available for training our staff, and available on-call during camp.
- Staffing: All of our camp staff are required to go through CORI & SORI background checks, and must meet minimum health requirements by submitting immunizations and proof of physical. All staff must meet minimum age & experience requirements, depending on their role at camp, whether it’s a camp counselor or director.
- Camper Health: All campers are required to submit immunizations and a proof of physical prior to the start of camp, to meet minimum health requirements. This helps ensure a safe, collaborative environment.
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Parent resources
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- Interested in learning what to look for in a safe recreational camp? Download the Recreational Camp FAQs for Parents.
- Find out what programs have a camp license by calling the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-624-5757.
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Our Daily Schedule
8:30am – 9:30am Drop-off and special activities. Kids play games and get comfortable with friends, staff, and the studio.
9:30am – 10:00am Project Time and Camp Circle-Up. We set up the schedule for the day and let kids ease into their projects. This is a good time for anyone to ask questions or get help before we transition into the morning activity.
10:00am – 10:30am Snack time and technology demos. We show kids student projects made at Empow to influence their creativity and get them excited to learn a new craft of their choice.
10:30am – 12:00pm Project time. Campers work on projects at their own pace, guided by our expert staff. Kids can choose to work individually with help from staff, or work with friends in a group project. This is where kids build their robots, design video games, and film unique animations!
12:00pm – 1:00pm Lunch and outdoor time. Our staff will walk the campers over to a play area and have lunch outside (weather permitting). When campers stay inside, they watch some awesome videos like Mythbusters or Smarter Every Day! Only full campers are here during this hour.
1:00pm – 2:30pm Project time. Campers continue to work on their projects and ask questions to our teachers.
2:30pm – 3:00pm Afternoon Snack and tech demo. Each day Staff give kids an introduction to a different technology that we teach. Kids can choose to try out the demo or go back to their own tech project.
3:00pm – 4:00pm Project time. Campers continue to work on their projects and ask questions to our teachers.
4:00pm – 5:30pm Extended day. Campers can play games with other students, continue their projects, or try something new!
Counselor In Training (CIT) Program
The Counselor In Training (CIT) program for Empow Camps provides a new challenging opportunity for our oldest campers, while creating potential future employment opportunities as a camp counselor in years to come. Learn more about the CIT program here.
Referrals
We’re currently in the process of redesigning our referral program. Stay tuned!
Policies
We know it’s not easy to schedule summer activities, especially when parents are booking camp so early! So we want to make it easy: You’re eligible for a refund up to two weeks before camp starts; all we ask is for you to cover the $10 cost of registration & processing fees. To learn more about our camp policies, please click here.
This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health. Empow Camp shall inform parents at the time application forms are provided that they may request copies of background check, health care and discipline policies as well as procedures for filing grievances.
