Hale Outdoor Learning Adventures (HOLA)

Hale Outdoor Learning Adventures (HOLA) is a 5-week day camp experience in Westwood and Dover. Campers from BPS partner schools explore more than 1,000 acres of adventure as they learn in the great outdoors. Teachers and counselors double as mentors who inspire curiosity, spark learning, and build community.

Academic Lessons

Campers focus on Math and ELA, but they can expect several STEM and social-emotional learning opportunities, too. HOLA takes learning outside the classroom and onto the trails, into the pond, and among the trees.

Recreational Activities

Collaboration and resiliency are key as campers take swimming and boating lessons, climb on the ropes course, aim for success at the archery range, and learn to creatively express themselves in arts and crafts.

Enrollment

We welcome rising 4th , 5th, and 6th graders from schools throughout Boston. You can apply now via Boston Public Schools’ Common Application (click here for how-to guides) or request outreach from Hale’s staff.

About HOLA

Studied by both RAND Corporation and the National Institute on Out-of-School Time, 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

As an official Summer Learning Academy of the City of Boston, HOLA blends academic content taught by certified teachers with traditional camp activities such as swimming, boating, climbing, archery, and more. Hale, Boston Public Schools, and Boston After School & Beyond collaborate to deliver this five-week experience. The program is free and more information is available through participating schools:

Phineas Bates Elementary School, Roslindale
Roosevelt K–8 School, Hyde Park
Russell Elementary School, Dorchester
William Ohrenberger School, West Roxbury

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!

Become a Camper

If you have questions or require assistance completing the BPS Common Application, please reach out to Jaclyn Ross, Hale’s Director of Camp and Youth Programs.

Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register my student?

If your child is a student at one of the schools listed above, and they have completed Grade 3, 4, or 5, 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, 4, or 5, they are not eligible for HOLA. Please consider one of Hale’s Camps or Family and Community Programs.

Who staffs the HOLA program?

HOLA teachers are certified Boston Public Schools 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 Jaclyn Ross, Hale’s Director of Camp and Youth Programs.