The January Summer Camp Reality in MetroWest

The January Summer Camp Reality in MetroWest

It's January. Summer is 6 months away.

But in MetroWest, if you aren't thinking about July right now, you're already behind.

Here's what actually needs to happen this month.

Summer Camp Registration Opens NOW

When registration typically opens across MetroWest:

• Early February: Most town recreation programs

• Late January: Some private programs

• Rolling: Specialized programs (first-come, first-served)

What fills up first:

• Small group programs (6-8 kids max)

• Specialized supports (social skills, sensory-friendly, executive function)

• Specific weeks (avoid July 4th week, end of August)

• Morning slots (afternoon-only camps stay open longer)

Where to Check in Your Town

Town Recreation Departments: Every MetroWest town runs summer programs. Check your specific town:

• Natick Recreation

• Framingham Parks & Recreation

• Wayland Recreation

• Sudbury Recreation

• Wellesley Recreation

• Needham Recreation

• Newton Recreation

• Weston Recreation

• Concord Recreation

Google: "[Your town] recreation summer camp registration 2026"

What to Look For in January

Program descriptions that mention:

• Small group ratios

• "Inclusion counselors"

• "Social skills" or "executive function" focus

• "Sensory-friendly" or "quiet weeks"

• Staff-to-child ratios (lower is better)

Red flags to avoid:

• Vague descriptions about "fun activities"

• Large group sizes (15+ kids per counselor)

• No information about structure or support

• Programs that don't answer emails promptly

The Registration Strategy

Do this NOW (before registration opens):

1. Create your account on your town's recreation website

2. Save your payment information

3. Set a phone alarm for registration day

4. Have 3 backup choices ready

5. Know which weeks you need (write them down)

Why this matters: Small group programs fill up in 48 hours. By the time you're setting up your account on registration day, spots are gone.

The IEP "Pulse Check" Timing

Why January specifically:

• Holiday break just ended - you've seen how your kid's doing

• Teachers have had 4+ months with your child

• Enough time before annual IEP to make changes

• You can catch problems before they become crises

What to do:

• Email your case manager: "Can we schedule a check-in meeting to see how [child's name] is doing?"

• Ask: "Is what we put in place in September still working?"

• Request data on current goal progress

• This is NOT the full IEP meeting - just a pulse check

When to escalate:

• Kid's anxiety has increased since September

• Frequent calls/emails from school

• You have a feeling something's off (trust this)

• Goals aren't progressing

Finding local help:

• Google "[your town] special education advocate"

• Ask in your town's parenting Facebook groups

• School district websites often list parent liaisons

• Other parents are your best resource

The Practical System That Actually Works

Create a folder on your desktop: "2026 Summer & School"

Every time you see something relevant:

• Screenshot it

• Drop it in the folder

• Don't organize it yet

Just collect:

• Camp programs people mention

• IEP resources

• Advocate recommendations

• Summer program flyers

• Facebook posts about camps

In May, when you're panicked: This folder will save you hours of searching.

Set ONE reminder on your phone:

"Check summer camp registration - early February"

That's it. One reminder. Future-you will be so grateful.