Camp Sequoia

Hello Campers/ Members/Friends,

I am so happy to return as the Head Counselor this year. We had a very successful 2024 camp season. Every year I am amazed at how quickly our camp weeks fill up. It makes me so excited to come back to see new and old faces. I have been learning about so many more things in science and history this year that I cannot wait to share with our campers.

This summer I want the campers to explore their creativity through team-building activities. They will all learn through projects and investigations to create educational experiences throughout the grounds of Blithewold. On top of that, we will continue to make new camp traditions to merge with the ones I remember from my time as a camper. No two weeks at camp are ever the same, so the campers always have fun memories to share.

Each camper brings a unique personality and set of experiences to camp. I cannot wait to celebrate each of them as I get to know the campers each week. Feel free to email me at any time with questions, comments, or concerns. I am looking forward to another fun, safe, and educational summer!

Thank you!

My best,
Casey Motta, Head Counselor
E-mail: [email protected]

Check out the daily Camp Sequoia blog HERE!

• The camper-to-counselor ratio is 6:1
• There will be 3 counselors and 4 to 5 CITs watching the kids at all times
• We will take small group trips to the restroom frequently throughout the day.
• Surfaces will be sprayed and wiped frequently
• There will be both small and whole-group activities
• There is an accessible water bottle filling station
• Each child is assigned a cubby at the start of the week to keep their belongs in
• The Education Space has an attached yard that is fenced in with a large tent for shade
• The Education Space has both AC and heating

9 AM – 3 PM
For children ages 5 to 10

$225 Member | $275 Non-member
(Non-Members are automatically enrolled into a 12-month Blithewold Household Membership)

Imagine your child’s summer days spent exploring Blithewold’s magnificent gardens, arboretum, and seashore. It is nature’s finest classroom and an idyllic camp setting. Your child will be immersed in the natural world and in outdoor activities like hikes on the grounds, exploration of the bamboo forest, trips to the frog pond, beach time, mornings in the vegetable garden, picnicking and more! There will also be mansion tours, special guest visits, music, games, and arts and crafts.

Click below to enroll as space is limited.
We will continue to watch for any changes to the current date set for school re-opening. 

We feature camp in sessions rather than weekly themes.
No week at camp is ever the same, so enroll in one or all sessions!

Session 1: July 7 – 11

Session 2: July 14 – 18

Session 3: July 21 – 25 (2 spots left, 7/10)

Session 4: July 28 – August 1 (2 spots left, 7/10)

Session 5: August 4 – 8 (1 spot left, updated 7/10)

Session 6: August 11 – 15 (2 spots left, updated 7/10)

Session 7: August 18 – 22 (Full, waitlist open)

Signing up two or more children in a family? Use the discount code CMPSQ

This Counselor-in-Training program is a fantastic, leadership-building experience for those who may be interested in learning to become effective and talented counselors.

The CIT program is designed for those who are ages 12 to 15 and are interested in expanding their leadership skills by learning how to work with elementary school-aged children. We look to have four CITs per week to ensure they each get to work closely with the campers and have as much interaction with the environment as possible. The CIT position provides an expertise learning experience where they will observe camp staff on how to become an effective counselor. While participating in all games and activities at camp the CITs will act as a role model for all the campers. The CITs will always be supervised by the camp staff and will not be left alone with the children.

Program Requirements: Participants have to be between the ages of 12-15. Some previous camp experience is preferred but is not required. CITs must be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:15 pm. There will also be a required CIT orientation the Saturday before the first camp week begins. Participants should be responsible, creative, and dedicated individuals with a sincere interest in working with children.

Fee: The fee is $65 per week. It demonstrates a commitment to the program and covers the cost of materials provided during orientation. The fee must be paid through the link that you will be provided after the acceptance of your application. If you are unable to fulfill any of your chosen sessions, you will have that week’s fee returned to you.

Daily CIT Responsibilities

• Lead a small group of 5 campers in crafts inside the camp space
• Model how to follow directions for the campers
• Participate in every camp activity
• Assist in whole group activities be reinforcing camp rules when needed
• Aid with camp chores at the end of the day (ex. Cleaning, restocking supplies, setting up for the next day)

Weekly CIT Responsibilities

• Create a CIT Surprise activity to be executed on the last day of the camp week
• Promote the community service project selected for the month but handing out flyers are leading the campers in the activity associated with it
• Observe and ask questions to camp staff about leadership or working with children

CIT Program Outcomes

• Successfully execute an activity at the end of the week
• Complete two community service projects during the summer
• Gain leadership skills
• Create memories and meet new people
• Engage in an experimental learning experience

CIT Registration

Click below to start the application process. We prefer CIT to be available to attend for 2 or more weeks. Once your form is submitted it will be reviewed and you will get an answer from Casey on June 1, 2025.

CIT Application Form

Additional CIT Information and Policies

For questions, please contact Casey Motta, Head Counselor, at [email protected], or Jillian Cleveland, Blithewold Registrar, at [email protected].

Head Counselor – Casey Motta

My name is Casey Motta and I live in Portsmouth, Rhode Island with my family. I graduated with a degree in Elementary and Special Education from Salve Regina University. I am a part of the Learning Unlimited program through Salve which aids adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Some of my hobbies include watching sunsets, biking, and playing the trumpet. Camp Sequoia played a significant role in my life as it contributed to my lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. Every summer I come to Blithewold, the beauty of the grounds inspires me. I look back on my experiences over the last 16 years at Blithewold and I am full of ideas on how to make camp special every week. I truly believe every child is unique. It brings me no greater joy to watch them grow up through Camp Sequoia as I did. I love learning about the shores of Narragansett Bay and the wonders of Blithewold. I cannot wait to instill the same love in the campers. I am looking forward to another fun and educational summer!

Assistant Counselor – Kiah Fielding

My name is Kiah Fielding. I am from Tiverton, Rhode Island and attend Portsmouth High School. I am currently a rising senior. For the past three years, I have participated in the Child Development and Human Services Pathway in school. There, I have learned so much about elementary education which sparked my interest in becoming an elementary school teacher! Every summer since I was thirteen, I participated in the Counselor- In Training Program at Blithewold. I loved my experience so much and am thrilled to be returning this year as a counselor. I believe Blithewold is a beautiful place to spend the summer. I have a deep interest in the history of the mansion and the grounds. I am very excited to help make this a fun and educational summer for everyone!

Assistant Counselor – Will Woods

My name is Will Woods. I am from Shelton, Connecticut but I am spending the summer here in Rhode Island. I am going into my Junior year at Salve Regina University studying finance and accounting. I play guitar in Salve’s Pep Band and Jazz Band. I’m also the Treasurer of the Salve Treehawks, a group dedicated to our campus Arboretum. This year I helped plant multiple trees on Salve’s campus and documented lots of different plants. I love being in nature and learning about our planet. I am excited to explore Blithewold for the first time this summer! I really enjoy history and cannot wait to learn all about the mansion and the Van Wickle family. I am looking forward to a great summer here at Camp Sequoia!