Camp Sequoia

Camp Sequoia is designed to provide a fun and rewarding experience for all who participate. We are dedicated to giving each camper a safe, educational, and enjoyable summer to remember.

Start clicking any of the options below:

• Welcome • Registration • CIT Program •

• Pick-up & Drop-off • Attendance Policy • What to Bring •

• Meet our Staff • Contact Information • Gallery •

Welcome to Camp Sequoia 2023!

Hello Campers/ Members/Friends,

I am so happy to be returning as the Head Counselor this year along with Nick and Owen Clark as assistant counselors. We had a very successful 2022 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’ve spent the year looking over all the fun things we did last year. I am now oozing with ideas for 2023 and cannot wait to share them with the campers.

My vision for camp this year includes diving into the nature around us and exploring more about the Van Wickle family that gave us the beautiful place to spend each summer. I merged some of the traditions from the past few years and the ones I remember from when I was a camper to create many fun activities each week. No two weeks at camp are ever the same, so the campers always have fun stories to tell about their day.

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 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]

Camp Management

  • 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
  • We have a water bottle filling station
  • Each child is assigned a cubbie 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

2023 Camp Sequoia: July 10 – August 25

9 AM – 3 PM
For children ages 5 to 10

$200 Member | $250 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 I: July 10 - 14 Session Full: Waitlist Open

Session 2: July 17 - 21 Session Full: Waitlist Open

Session 3: July 24 - 28 Session Full: Waitlist Open

Session 4: July 31 - August 4 Session Full: Waitlist Open

Session 5: August 7 - 11 Session Full: Waitlist Open

Session 6: August 14 - 18 Session Full: Waitlist Open

Session 7: August 21 - 25 Session Full: Waitlist Open

Discounts are available for two or more weeks’ enrollment and for two
or more children in a family. Use the discount code CMPSQ

CIT: Learn to be a leader!

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 cna,p 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 commitment to the program and covers the cost of materials provided during orientation. The fee must be paid throught he 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 camo 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.

The completed form may be emailed to Casey Motta at [email protected] with the subject line: Attn: Camp Sequoia Summer Camp CIT Application.

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]

Pick-up & Drop-off

Each morning begins at 9:00 a.m., with a safe and distanced car-line drop off. Starting at 8:45 am with the latest time being 9:15, one of Blithewold’s staff members will be eagerly awaiting your arrival in front of the carriage house barn doors. Please stay in your vehicle and pull your car around to wait in line, it should not take long as we only have 20 campers! Parents will sign each child in for the day. The child will be greeted by our friendly counselors and the activity will begin right away.

Afternoon pick-up is at 3:00 p.m. As early as 2:45 pm, a staff member will be waiting in the car line to sign out your child. We will bring your child out to the car. Both drop-off and pick-up will be in the same area outside of  Blithewold’s restored Carriage House, a barn-like building located next to Blithewold’s parking lot. We ask that parents please be punctual; Blithewold staff cannot easily accommodate early or late arrivals/departures unless we are notified in advance.  A photo ID will be required to sign out each child.

If your child can not attend camp due to illness or other reasons, please call us no later than 9:30 am at 401-601-1760.

Attendance Policy

If your child can not attend camp due to illness or other reasons, please call us no later than 9:30 am at 401-601-1760. Please note that there will be no refunds for days missed due to illness or other reasons. Also, camp tuition will not be reimbursed if we are given less than two weeks notice. If you give two weeks notice, we reimburse in full minus a $25 administration fee.

What to Bring

Recommended Clothing
Children should arrive dressed for activity. We will be spending time outside as much as possible! We suggest you equip your child with an extra outfit, extra layers, water shoes for outdoor play and sneakers for indoor play, and waterproof outerwear (bathing suit (can be worn under clothing, towel.) All should be labeled.

Masks
While not required, if you choose a mask can be packed for children to wear around the non-camp indoor spaces, and around the non-Blithewold staff.

Water Bottle
Please bring a reusable water bottle each day, labeled with your child’s name. There is a water bottle filling station in the building for them to refill their bottles with clean cold water.

Lunch
Lunch is at 12 Noon. Bring a lunch each day with your camper’s name on it. Microwaves & refrigerators are not available.

Snacks
Participants should bring their own healthy snacks. Snack time is 10 am, an optional second snack will take place in the afternoon after lunch. Please inform the camp director immediately if there are any food allergies. We occasionally do food preparation activities for snack. Please let us know if you prefer your child to opt-out and only eat his/her own snack.

Sun Block/Bug Spray
Many activities will take place outdoors. Please arrive with your child already wearing sunscreen. We will re-apply after lunch, so please pack sunscreen. Bug spray should also be packed as it can get very buggy.

Gym Bag/Backpack
A gym bag or backpack is recommended for belongings. Please label with your family’s last name. Each camper will place belongings in a “cubby” at the beginning of the day.

Money/Items of Value
It is best to leave all personal equipment such as handheld electronic games, sentimental, monetary or items of personal value at home.  If you choose to bring these items, Blithewold is not responsible for any loss or damage.

Meet our Camp Sequoia Staff

Head Counselor – Casey Motta

My name is Casey Motta and I live in Portsmouth, Rhode Island with my family. I am pursuing a degree in Elementary and Special Education at Salve Regina University. I also have a strong interest in environmental studies and marine biology. I am a part of Learning Unlimited and Best Buddies programs which aid 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 as a camper and CIT, and now as the Head Counselor, 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 – Nicholas Clark

My name is Nicholas Clark and I live in Barrington, Rhode Island. I am a rising Junior at Barrington High School as a member of the robotics team. I enjoy being outside in nature and helping teach younger kids. I have played hockey for 10 years and I am a certified USA Hockey referee. I enjoy helping younger children learn to skate and enjoy the game for themselves. I have been at Blithewold for many years, as a counselor, CIT, and camper. I loved the camp and I am happy to share that joy with the new campers and CITs this summer. I am very excited and I can’t wait to help make this an amazing summer for everyone!

Assistant Counselor – Owen Clark

My name is Owen Clark and I happily live in Barrington, Rhode Island, with my parents and two brothers. I was first introduced to Camp Sequoia as a camper, and enjoyed it so much that I returned as a CIT, and now an assistant counselor. I currently attend Barrington High School, and my hobbies include biking , hockey, golf, and refereeing. I also am enrolled in extracurriculars, such as the high school robotics team, and volunteering as an assistant coach for my younger brothers hockey team. I have a twin brother who is also attending Camp Sequoia as an assistant counselor, and a younger brother who will be attending as a camper. I have really enjoyed my past experience here at Camp Sequoia a lot, and look forward to another fun-filled year

Contact Information

If parents/guardians need to contact camp staff about any changes in pick-up/drop-off, or any other additional information. Please consult the list below:

Casey Motta, Head Camp Counselor
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 401-601-1760

Jillian Cleveland, Communications Assistant and Registrar
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 401-253-2707 ex. 15

Liz Ripley, Administrative Assistant
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 401-253-2707 ex. 16

You can also contact our counselors at the Visitors Center at 401-253-2707 ex. 38
The phone will be answered if they are in the camp space at the time of your call.

Forms

The health and pick-up forms are sent via email before camp begins.
They are to be filled out digitally and are required to be submitted a week before camp begins.
The links below are for your own records only.

Health History Form

Camp Pickup Authorization Form

Camp Sequoia Gallery of Fun