Cambridge Camping's mission is to provide meaningful experiences to urban children from under-resourced circumstances in supportive and inclusive camp communities through enriching and inspiring programs. 

Since 1893, Cambridge Camping has been dedicated to transforming the lives of children from urban and under-resourced circumstances through exceptional summer camp and out-of-school programs. Born from a passion for equity, we have positively impacted over 25,000 children, fostering a unique sense of community and mentorship for more than 500 campers each year.

Originally called Cambridge Country Week, we began in 1893 by placing children in country boarding houses. By 1898, we were serving over 100 children each summer, collaborating with local organizations like the YWCA and Margaret Fuller House. To put this timeline into perspective, in 1893, while we were transporting families to the countryside by trolley, the first gas-powered automobile was being invented, and penicillin had not yet been discovered!

In 1969, we launched Cambridge Adventure Day Camp to serve urban children and address racial and economic tensions. Recognizing the need for specialized support, we introduced Daybreak Day Camp in 1989 for children with social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

In 2018, we expanded our offerings to include year-round programming, such as workforce development for teens, school vacation camps, and Saturday camps, further enhancing our commitment to community support.

In 2025 we expanded our CCAccess Program, which provides summer camp scholarships to over 300 Massachusetts children every year at overnight and day camps in New England and beyond.

Camp is vital for child development, providing essential opportunities for social interaction, teamwork, and skill-building outside the classroom. Research shows that these experiences enhance confidence, resilience, and social skills, fostering positive relationships with peers and mentors.

While we have evolved to meet the changing needs of our families and community, we remain committed to our founding mission, driven by the same passion for equality and social justice that sparked our journey over a century ago.