International Sessions at Pinewoods Camp

Children at Pinewoods

Updated: June 2023

Pinewoods is a magical place for everyone, especially for children, and the Folk Arts Center is pleased to welcome families to attend our International sessions in June! We are allowed a very limited number of children under the age of 16 during the Weekend session, but a greater number during the FolkDays. If the FolkDays numbers warrant it, we will develop specific programming for different age groups of young campers.

Policies for families and children at Pinewoods

I. FAC’s Policies for Families at Pinewoods

Parents: even if you have been to Pinewoods before, please read these policies carefully. Anyone who does not comply with any of these rules may be asked to leave camp. The term “child” applies to anyone under age 18.

General Notes

The number of children aged 3–13 that we can accept is limited. We expect that children who get the opportunity to attend will participate in the programs offered.

It is essential that you review this information with your children before coming to camp. We will have a meeting at Pinewoods at the beginning of each session for clear understanding of the policies.

Parents are fully responsible for their children at all times while at camp, and in particular at the waterfront.

Dance Events

Children are welcome to participate in classes and parties. However, for everyone’s safety and enjoyment, children must be effectively supervised on and around the dance floor. No running around or screaming is permitted.

During the FolkDays sessions, children are expected to attend at least two classes per day. The age ranges given for classes are general guidelines; children (and adults, for that matter) may attend any class. Children under age 6 must be accompanied in class by a parent or other adult designated by the parent. Children aged 6 and over may attend classes unaccompanied.

Waterfront Regulations

Swimming and boating rules are specified in Pinewoods Camp’s Rules for Campers Under 18 (below). Please thoroughly familiarize yourself with these rules. Note that:

  • NO children are allowed on the dock or in the water in the evening (after dinner) without a parent or guardian accompanying them.
  • NO children are allowed in canoes in the evening without a parent or guardian accompanying them.

Camp Store

Because the Camp Store is self-service, children under age 12 must be supervised by an accompanying adult when in the store.

Evening supervision

After 8 pm, children under age 14 must be accompanied outside their cabin by a parent or an adult designated by the parent.

These regulations have been carefully considered and discussed; if you are unable or unwilling to abide by them, your deposit will be fully refunded.

Please contact the Folk Arts Center if you have any questions. We really appreciate your cooperation and look forward to seeing you at camp!

II. Pinewoods Camp’s Rules for Campers Under 18

Welcome, families! We are glad to have you here. For your children's safety, remember that Pinewoods is not certified as a children's camp, nor is it childproof. Your children could easily get hurt or lost if not closely supervised. The camp environment is also fragile— please help your children to respect and care for the trees, plants, and paths.

  1. Campers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who is responsible for those children at all times. A Parent Responsibility Form form for each child must be signed by the child's parent (and by the appointed guardian, if applicable) and provided to Pinewoods before arrival at camp.
  2. Parents who send their child to camp with a guardian must also sign a Parent Responsibility Form authorizing emergency medical treatment.
  3. General waterfront rules are posted at camp. Please review them with your children. Pinewoods Camp, Inc. does not assume responsibility for campers swimming or using the boats.
    1. Swimming:
      • Ages 0–9: must be accompanied and supervised by their parent or another adult designated by a parent. Ages 10–17: may swim without a parent when the lifeguard is on duty, and with a parent's consent. May also swim with a parent or another adult designated by a parent during non-lifeguarded hours.
      • Campers under 18 must pass the lifeguard's swimming test in order to swim beyond the dock, even when accompanied by a parent or other adult.
      • One adult may not supervise more than 4 children at one time when the lifeguard is not on duty.
    2. Boating:
      • Campers under 18 must be accompanied by their parent or another adult designated by a parent. However, campers aged 13–17 may canoe with another teen during daylight hours if both have passed the swimming test and if their parents permit.
      • Anyone under 18 must wear a life jacket at all times when boating.
  4. The illegal use and sale of alcohol and drugs are prohibited. The Massachusetts legal drinking age is 21.

Registration policy

This year the FolkDays session can accept up to thirty children aged 5–13 and if there are sufficient numbers of children, will offer separate workshops for them. These classes may include dancing, arts and crafts, singing, and other activities. The Weekend session, though geared toward adults, may accept up to twelve children aged 5–13 on a first-applied, first-accepted basis. For any session, 14–17 year olds register as young teens or young adults, but they must attend with a parent or guardian. Fees are listed on the Fees and registration page.

Parent Responsibility Form

Parent and Guardian Responsibility Form and Medical Care Authorization Form

A Statement of Responsibility form for each camper under age 18 must be signed by the child's parent (and the appointed guardian, if applicable). This form should be downloaded, printed out, completed, and sent to the FAC office before arrival at camp. Forms can be scanned and sent by email to the FAC office or mailed to FAC at:
10 Franklin Street, Stoneham MA 02180-1862.

Download this form.