Each Saturday night, campers at Nashoba North come together for a one-act play, and twice each summer, campers put on a full-length musical production. Jess Smith, whose daughter has attended Camp Nashoba North for several years, enthusiastically leads the theatre program. She says, “every time I dropped my daughter off at camp, I was really yearning to stay. I loved camp growing up, and being theatre director lets me share that passion!” Jess also says that she has many ideas for the productions this summer, but is equally excited for the variety of classes available at Nashoba North. “Throughout the week, we teach campers acting, vocal, makeup, lighting, and other production skills. The camp has both indoor and outdoor lighted stages, so the kids have so many options,” she adds.

As Jess looks forward to the summer, she will build on her background in musical theatre. She says, “I’m truly a camper at heart, and I am so excited to bring my music theater experience to Nashoba North.” Jess graduated from the Boston Conservatory, and has more than 20 years of experience as a vocal coach, director, and teacher. She also owns The Studio For Musical Theater (Studio FMT) in Danbury, CT, where kids and adults alike learn musical theater skills in both private lessons and groups. She resides in western Connecticut, and is fiercely proud of her Massachusetts roots.

Jess’s passion shines through in every conversation. “I am so excited to be back at camp! I’m a little bit of a goofball at heart, and it feels so good when a group reaches our goal together.” Although eager to share her enthusiasm, she wants the campers to find out about the planned musicals at camp. “I don’t want to give anything away, we have some really great shows coming up this summer!”

If you’re looking for an incredible performing arts camp experience for your child, we hope you’ll consider Camp Nashoba North this summer where your child can try new activities, make new friends, gain confidence, and experience their best summer ever.

At the Arts and Crafts building, Camp Counselor Andres Gutierrez shares his passion for weaving with campers. Using traditional techniques he learned weaving in Mexico, Andres encourages each camper to embrace creativity.

First, campers start with the basics of using a loom. “One of my favorite parts about camp is seeing the kids work together—older kids usually learn faster, and help the younger campers master weaving,” says Andres. “The looms we have at camp are perfect for learning, and the kids get really creative,” he adds. By starting small, Andres gives every camper a chance to learn this art form. From there, campers often work together on new projects.

Andres has worked at Camp Nashoba North for five years. While he’s not at Camp, Andres works with his family in Oaxaca, Mexico, weaving mainly in wool. “The looms I work with are quite big, and the materials are heavier. At camp, I get to be really creative with smaller projects.” Campers benefit from Andres’ positivity, enthusiasm, and extensive knowledge.

Camp Nashoba North’s Arts and Crafts building has a dedicated area for weaving, making it accessible to groups large and small. It also features a wide selection of cotton string colors, which allows for independent inspiration.

“Once the kids know how to weave, I like to say, ‘now you can weave your dream!’ They have so many ideas for creative and unique designs. They can use many colors, and it’s totally up to them. Sometimes, they will use six or seven colors in a single piece, which is really difficult.”

Campers enthusiastically weave away, imagining new and different patterns, colors, and shapes. Everyone is encouraged to explore their artistic boundaries, expand their skills, and build up this new ability. Through weaving, campers at Nashoba North develop teamwork, creativity, and artistic skills.

Ready to experience summer as it’s meant to be? We hope you’ll join us this summer to try new activities, make new friends, gain confidence, and experience your best summer ever.