Camp Starfish is a nonprofit, coed summer camp in Rindge for youth aged 6-17. It serves campers with social, emotional, behavioral, learning, and sensory challenges with 1:1 support and has a nurse living on site all summer. Activities include traditional camp activities, outdoor adventure, survival skills, boating, and a lake swim/boating beach.
Photos
Photos from Camp Starfish’s own website and materials.
- Children with social, emotional, behavioral, learning, or sensory challenges who need 1:1 support
- First-time campers and families seeking pre-camp support and shorter try-it sessions
- Families who need financial aid to attend
- No camper phone calls; communication is by mail and one-way email printed for campers
- There is no Visitor’s Day during the session; the final day is a camp-wide Visiting Day
- Some participants may face an optional $795 bridge weekend fee when staying from Creative Week into LARP Week
Last season’s sessions (2026)
Camp Starfish hasn’t published its 2027 dates yet. These are its 2026 sessions, for reference only: dates and prices usually change for the new season.
| Session | Dates | Price | Per week | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sibling Camp5 days · Ages 6-14 | Jun 29 – Jul 3, 2026 | $1,000 | $1,400 | Ended |
| Treetops5 days · Ages 6-14; referral only | Jun 29 – Jul 3, 2026 | – | – | Ended |
| Teen Adventure Week5 days · Teens 13-17 | Jul 6 – Jul 10, 2026 | $2,100 | $2,940 | Ended |
| Teen Creative Week5 days · Teens 13-17 | Jul 14 – Jul 18, 2026 | $2,100 | $2,940 | Ended |
| Session 12 weeks | Jul 14 – Jul 27, 2026 | $5,350 | $2,675 | Ended |
| LARP Week5 days · Teens 13-17 | Jul 21 – Jul 25, 2026 | $2,100 | $2,940 | Ended |
| Session 22 weeks | Jul 30 – Aug 12, 2026 | $5,350 | $2,675 | Ended |
| August Bonus Week5 days · Returning campers up to 15 | Aug 14 – Aug 18, 2026 | $2,050 | $2,870 | Ended |
Winter camp: last season (2026)
Camp Starfish hasn’t published its new winter dates yet. These are its 2026 sessions, for reference only: dates and prices usually change for the new season.
| Session | Dates | Price | Per week | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekenders Winter/Spring — Jan 16-183 days · Ages 13-17 | Jan 16 – Jan 18, 2026 | $675 | – | Ended |
| Weekenders Winter/Spring — Feb 6-83 days · Ages 13-17 | Feb 6 – Feb 8, 2026 | $675 | – | Ended |
| Starfish Day Out — February 161 days · Returning campers ages 12+ | Feb 16 – Feb 16, 2026 | $200 | – | Ended |
| Weekenders Winter/Spring — Mar 6-83 days · Ages 13-17 | Mar 6 – Mar 8, 2026 | $675 | – | Ended |
What it really costs
Activities
Camp life
Getting there
Straight-line distance. Driving is usually 20–30% longer.
What families say about Camp Starfish
★ 4.4 · 59 reviewsParents say Camp Starfish is a supportive, structured camp where children with autism and other disabilities receive attentive staff support and a sense of belonging. Campers describe feeling at home and wanting to return, and reviews often mention friendly staff and daily activities. One camper recalls a mixed but ultimately rewarding experience.
- Campers want to return 6 of 11
- Supportive staff 5 of 11
- Special needs support 3 of 11
- Welcoming environment 3 of 11
- Activities and structure 2 of 11
Based on 11 real family reviews of Camp Starfish, 2018–2026.
Reviews last checked Nov 2026
“My 7 year old son just wrapped up a week here and absolutely loved it. The staff are extremely friendly and well organized. Every day was full of activities and my son has been talking about it nonstop. Fishing, swimming, tag, campfires, Lego…”
“New York DEC runs environmental ed summer camps. I worked there for several years (and was a camper!). They have a staff of 16 or so (counselors, kitchen, medical) per each camp. AMA about the program.”
11 family reviews
“This camp has been the only camp my son has been successful at. He gets a 1:1 the entire time and always leaves feeling so confident and ready to take on the world. I wish every kid with a disability could go to Starfish to feel what its like being around people who understand you and have the same struggles.”
“My child Loved this camp he went 2 separate weeks.Came home over the weekend couldn’t wait to go back. Singing songs & very tired but asking if he can go longer next year this made me very happy. Thank you Camp star fish for being part of my child’s great summer experience 😊”
“My 7 year old son just wrapped up a week here and absolutely loved it. The staff are extremely friendly and well organized. Every day was full of activities and my son has been talking about it nonstop. Fishing, swimming, tag, campfires, Lego building, group and individual activities; there's so much to do. The entire camp caters to children with Autism and the attention to detail and dedication from the staff to serving these kids is apparent throughout their operations. I'm incredibly impressed and my son, who rarely talks, has been asking to go back again. Which is probably the best testament I can give. Looking forward to next summer and I highly recommend checking it out!”
“Camp Woodland in Eagle River, Wisconsin. All girls, it’s been the same wonderful place since I was there in the 1970s, daughter was there in the 2000s. It is what you think of when you think of summer camp: archery, horseback riding, riflery, etc. Socials with the boys camp down the road (owned by the same family).”
“New York DEC runs environmental ed summer camps. I worked there for several years (and was a camper!). They have a staff of 16 or so (counselors, kitchen, medical) per each camp. AMA about the program.”
“Tremendous staff, very supportive and caring. Great activities planned every day. Very structured. Most importantly you always feel welcomed and wanted there. No one is excluded. Amazing place for your kids.”
“It's my 8th year going to this camp and it has always been great. The staff are very friendly some I have known since my first year at camp.”
“I had a mixed but ultimately rewarding experience there many years ago. Hopefully they find all the staff they need.”
“Camp Starfish was the #1 best camp I've ever been to when I was little. whenever I used to go there, it felt like home! So many memories”
“An amazing experience for both my son (11 with ASD and ADHD) and my daughter (15 (ASD and severe unspecified anxiety). Counselors were amazing”
“happiest place on earth and this place taught me who i am meant to be”
Parents ask about Camp Starfish
What do families say about the staff at Camp Starfish?
5 of 11 family reviews mention supportive staff. One parent wrote: “The staff are extremely friendly and well organized. Every day was full of activities and my son has been talking about it nonstop.”
What activities do campers like most at Camp Starfish?
2 of 11 family reviews mention activities and structure. One parent wrote: “Great activities planned every day. Very structured. Most importantly you always feel welcomed and wanted there. No one is excluded. Amazing place for your kids.”
In the news
Questions about Camp Starfish
How much does Camp Starfish cost in 2027?
Camp Starfish hasn’t published 2027 prices yet. Last season (2026) tuition ran from $1,000 (Sibling Camp, 5 days) to $5,350 (Session 1). The lowest weekly price is $2,675. Extra fees: Optional Creative Week bridge weekend: $795
What ages does Camp Starfish take?
Camp Starfish takes campers from 6 to 17.
When are the 2027 sessions at Camp Starfish?
Camp Starfish hasn’t published its 2027 dates yet. Last season (2026) it ran: Sibling Camp: Jun 29 to Jul 3. Treetops: Jun 29 to Jul 3. Teen Adventure Week: Jul 6 to Jul 10. Session 1: Jul 14 to Jul 27. Teen Creative Week: Jul 14 to Jul 18. LARP Week: Jul 21 to Jul 25.
Does Camp Starfish run a winter camp?
Yes. Camp Starfish also runs winter sessions. Dates for this winter aren’t on its website yet, so ask the camp.
Can campers bring phones?
No camper phone calls home; parents may call office; one-way email available
Is there a visiting day?
No Visitor’s Day during session; final day is camp-wide Visiting Day
Is it good for first-time campers?
Set Up For Success process; pre-camp meetings in June; LITE ideal for first-time campers
Is financial aid available?
Yes; application on application page and CampMinder
How do campers get to Camp Starfish?
Alewife T-Station transport by inquiry; transportation included in tuition per FAQ
Similar camps
Run Camp Starfish? Check what we show and send corrections, photos or spots left for 2027. Families see updates after our next check.