Hale Outdoor Learning Adventures (HOLA)

What is HOLA?

Hale partners with schools to provide a variety of high-quality education and camp programs that positively impact youth. HOLA is one such program. Studied by both RAND Corporation and the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST), HOLA uses best practices and proven methods to create fun, educational and memorable summer experiences.

Students are being challenged mentally. They’re being challenged physically. They’re being pushed to make new friends, and to get along with other kids they have never met before. This is an incredible program.Patrick Scialoia, BPS Teacher & HOLA Summer Staff

HOLA is comprised of two projects, both of which blend academic content taught by certified teachers with traditional camp activities such as swimming, boating, climbing, archery, and more.

The first project is the HOLA Summer Learning Academy (SLA). Hale, Boston Public Schools (BPS), and Boston After School & Beyond collaborate to deliver this five-week experience. The program is free and more information is available through participating schools:

Channing Elementary School, Hyde Park
Chittick Elementary School, Mattapan
Clap Innovation School, Dorchester
William Ohrenberger School, West Roxbury

The second project is the HOLA Match Project. Hale collaborates with Match Education to deliver this four-week experience. The program costs $100 and financial assistance is available. More information is available through Match Charter Public School.

An HOLA Camper’s Day at Hale

8:45am – Teachers welcome us during Opening Circle.

9:00am – Academic period. Today we’re writing our own books about wildlife at Hale.

10:30am – Time for camp! The lifeguards make sure we swim safely.

12:00pm – Lunch with friends.

12:30pm – More camp activities. Today we’re doing arts and crafts and playing field games.

2:00pm – Another round of academics. Math and English are more fun outside!

3:30pm – We recap our day and say goodbye during Closing Circle.

4:00pm – Waving goodbye to our friends and teachers. Can’t wait to come back tomorrow!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register my student?

If your child is a student at one of the schools listed above, and he or she has completed Grade 3 or Grade 4, please contact your school’s main office to request information about its registration process. If your child is not enrolled at one of these schools, or has not yet completed Grade 3 or Grade 4, he or she is not eligible for HOLA. Please consider enrolling him or her at Hale Day Camp instead.

Who staffs the HOLA program?

HOLA SLA teachers are certified Boston Public Schools teachers. HOLA Match teachers are also certified teachers. Group counselors are typically senior high school and college students. Trained specialists supervise swimming, climbing, and archery.

How will my student get to Hale?

Transportation is included in the program. Four buses travel throughout Boston to pick up students. Stops include local elementary schools and other common areas. Buses do not provide door-to-door service.

I still have questions. Who should I contact?

Please reach out to Geidy Romero, HOLA Administrator.