Best Summer Camp On The Southcoast For 2014

What began as an open air morning summer program in 1968 has grown into one of the most successful youth marine science programs in the nation! It's called "Sea Lab." Designed to teach marine science studies, this six-week program, offered through New Bedford Public Schools, is for children from fourth to the ninth grade and is located at 71 Portland St., New Bedford, Mass.  (508) 997-4511 ext. 2550.

Located on beautiful Mattapoisett Harbor, YMCA Camp Massasoit has a legacy and tradition as a premier summer camp experience, since 1962. Offering archery, swimming, boating, sea kayaking, dramatic arts and even zip lines, every camper is nurtured in the YMCA tradition. Other YMCA Camps are listed below. (508) 758-4203

The Marion Natural History Museum's Summer Program is an educational science based program with an emphasis on coastal environment. Children from across the country participate every year! Register early because sessions fill up quickly. (508) 748-2098

New Bedford Boys & Girls Club's Summer Fun Program 2014 aimed at providing physical, recreational and educational activities for boys and girls ages 7 to 13 years. Summer Fun participants must be club members that costs $25 a year. (508) 992-8011

River Exploration Camp offered by the Buzzards Bay Coalition and YMCA, designed for kids interested in exploring the Mattapoisett River from its headwaters to Buzzards Bay. (508) 999-6363

The Young Historians Summer Workshop for Kids focuses on a journey of discovery of local history and life in Historic Marion, MA. Special emphasis is given to recording oral history and journal-writing. (508) 748-1116

The Kennedy Summer Day Program, presented by New Bedford Parks, Recreations and Beaches is aimed at recreational and educational activities in a safe, wholesome environment. (508) 961-3015

The Learning Leadership Academy provides a fun and games approach to youth leadership for grades 1 - 8. The program is run through St. Francis Xavier School. (508) 763-1724

The Assonet Bay Shores Association's Environment Education Summer Program conducted by the revered Lloyd Center. (508) 644-6817

Kool Kids Summer Vacation is for children entering first grade to age 12. All kinds of fun activities are offered through the Fairhaven Recreation Department. (508) 993-9269

ArtStart Program for children 4 1/2 to 9 years. Activities include arts and crafts, theatre music, stories and dance, with a young people's musical theatre class for grades 4-8. Presented by the Marion Art Center. (508) 748-1266

Cathedral Camp in East Freetown, affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Fall River, offers quality camping in a Judeo-Christian atmosphere. The camp offers swimming, sailing, water skiing, field sports, trips, music, dance and much more. Bus transportation to surrounding towns is included. (508) 763-8874

Other YMCA summer camps include: Camp Frederick Douglass at the New Bedford YMCA. Swimming, boating, field sports and all traditional activities.  (508) 997-0734 ext. 146

Camp Metacomet in Dartmouth offers outdoor activities and adventure, arts and crafts and all traditional summer camp activities. (508) 993-3361 ext. 12

Camp Nep-In-Nae in Wareham offers swimming, boating, athletics, arts and crafts, outdoor events and activities. (508) 295-9622 ext. 19