in 2023, We LAUNCHed AN ALL-NEW SUMMER CAMP WITH THE Wenham Museum - Camp Whirlygig!
The Wenham Village Improvement Society and the Wenham Museum jointly announce the launch of a collaborative summer camp for children ages 4 through 7 called Camp Whirlygig. Camp Whirlygig builds on the legacy of the beloved WVIS summer program, Tea House Camp, and the history-based summer enrichment programming offered by the Wenham Museum in years past.
Young campers will enjoy open-ended, child-centered arts enrichments in studio art, dance, and drama; explorations related to museum exhibitions, local history and culture; STEM and STEAM experiments; mindfulness and movement experiences designed to support emotional development; outdoor recreation and games; tennis and pickleball; free play on the playground; and friendship-building activities within camper groups. Each week, Camp Whirlygig will have a different theme to guide activities and enrichment opportunities. A special guest or walkable field trip on Fridays will round out the week.
Bethany Minich, 2023 Co-President of the Wenham Village Improvement Society says, “We are thrilled that the legacy of Tea House Camp will continue in partnership with the Wenham Museum through Camp Whirlygig. WVIS remains committed to meeting the changing needs of our community, and we’re confident an expanded summer offering will honor our traditions while supporting families today.”
The newly conceptualized Camp Whirlygig combines the best of both organizations’ past summer programs and leverages the facilities of the historic Wenham Village Improvement Society and the 100-year old Wenham Museum. “By combining the museum’s galleries and program spaces with the wonderful recreational opportunities at WVIS, we can create a more robust and engaging camp experience that better meets the needs of today’s families,” added Kristin Noon, Executive Director of the Wenham Museum.
Noon continued, “Camp Whirlygig would not be possible without the generosity and leadership of WVIS. As the founder of the Wenham Museum, WVIS has always been an important partner. With this collaboration and with their generous grant to underwrite the launch of Camp Whirlygig with the Wenham Museum, they have demonstrated incredible commitment to this community and its heritage as well as the families we serve. In this, the museum’s 100th year, it’s especially gratifying to launch a new, forward-looking program that brings the best of our traditions forward for new generations.”
WVIS members, Wenham Museum members, and Wenham residents will have early access to enrollment, followed by the public at large. Need-based camp scholarships are also available. Enrollment begins each January for the following summer sessions. To enroll in Camp Whirlygig or to receive updates regarding enrollment dates, please visit wenhammuseum.org/camp.