Camp Howe, Goshen, MA

Summer Adventures Await: Discovering Camp Howe—A Western Massachusetts Institution

As Massachusetts residents, we cherish the tradition of summer camp, a time for youth to unplug, grow, and explore. For nearly a century, Camp Howe, nestled in the scenic hills of Goshen, has stood as a beacon of high-quality, inclusive camping. More than just a collection of rustic cabins and a waterfront, Camp Howe is a transformative community experience dedicated to fostering life skills, self-esteem, and acceptance in young people from the Commonwealth and beyond. Its mission goes far beyond typical recreational activities; the programming is intentionally designed to support a diverse group of campers, ensuring everyone, regardless of background or ability, feels a true sense of belonging.

The camp’s philosophy is built on the belief that a supportive environment encourages diverse youth and adults to reach their fullest potential. Feedback from families consistently highlights the exceptional leadership, noting the staff’s kindness, competence, and passion. As one review noted, the leaders are "fun, welcoming and inclusive," exceeding expectations to create an environment that is both exciting and educational. This deep commitment to the campers’ personal growth—focusing on traits like communication, decision-making, and self-awareness—is what makes Camp Howe an enduring and vital institution for Massachusetts families. It is a place where new skills are learned, not just in arts or athletics, but in the essential art of becoming a better person and community member.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Howe is situated in the picturesque town of Goshen, Massachusetts, perfectly blending accessibility with a true sense of natural escape. The physical location is a stunning 52-acre site bordered by the expansive 1,700-acre D.A.R. State Forest, providing an immediate connection to the New England wilderness. The nearest body of water, Lower Highland Lake, is right at the camp's edge, offering excellent opportunities for waterfront activities.

Its address is 557 East Street, Goshen, MA 01032, USA. For mailing, the address is PO Box 326, Goshen, MA 01032.

For Massachusetts families, the camp is conveniently located in Western Massachusetts, approximately two hours from the Greater Boston area, making drop-off and pick-up manageable for both day and resident campers. Its location is Northwest of Northampton, a major hub in the Pioneer Valley, which is easily accessible via I-91. For those utilizing public transportation, a bus route to Northampton is an option, and the camp can arrange transportation from Bradley International Airport (BDL) for families requiring flight arrangements. This prime location allows campers to feel completely immersed in nature while remaining relatively close to home.

Services Offered

Camp Howe offers a comprehensive range of programs and facilities designed to accommodate youth of all ages and needs, all while operating under the high standards of an American Camp Association (ACA) accredited program and complying with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Diverse Programs: Offers Day Camp, one- and two-week Resident (sleepaway) Camp sessions, a specialized Teen program, and a two-week Counselors-In-Training (CIT) program.
The ECHO Program: A fully inclusive and supported program specifically designed for youth with disabilities to enjoy a traditional, fun-filled camp experience in an accommodating environment.
Food Service: Nutritious, kid-friendly meals prepared by local chefs. Meals are served family style, with constant alternative choices available, including a salad bar and options to accommodate various dietary restrictions and allergies.
Lodging: Rustic yet functional unheated cabins, each equipped with lights, electricity, bunks, and mattresses. Centralized bathhouses with toilets and hot showers are nearby and well-maintained.
Financial Aid: A strong commitment to affordability, with financial aid programs available to ensure that the camp experience is accessible to every family, regardless of economic status.
Facility Rentals: During the spring and fall (May, September, and part of October), the full camp facility is available for rent by large groups (minimum size 40-50) for retreats, reunions, or other organizational events.
Health & Wellness: A dedicated healthcare staff is on-site, managing medications according to Massachusetts state regulations and ensuring the health and safety of all campers.

Features / Highlights

The heart of Camp Howe lies in its rich array of activities and its unwavering focus on personal development, which is woven into every part of the camper’s day.

Intentional Inclusion: A core value of the camp is the appreciation and acceptance of differences, reflected in its diverse campers and staff, and a program designed to foster understanding of individual and cultural variations.
Themed Programming: Weekly creative themes (e.g., Pirates and Unicorns, Passport to the World) add a fun, changing twist to the scheduled activities, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
Skill-Building Activities: Campers engage in a variety of activities designed to build confidence, including Archery, Climbing Wall/High Ropes Challenge Courses, Boating (kayaking/canoeing), Arts and Crafts, and Environmental Studies.
Farm Life Program: Utilizing its historical agricultural roots, the camp offers interaction with farm animals like sheep and calves, integrating an educational agriculture program into the experience.
Evening Programs and Community Events: Every other evening features full-camp activities such as talent shows, campfires, scavenger hunts, and dances, promoting a strong, shared sense of community.
Camper Choice: Programs offer a balance of group activities and "choice activities," allowing campers, especially teens, to select blocks based on their own interests and skill levels (low, medium, or high energy), fostering independence and responsibility.
Expert and Caring Staff: Staff members are recruited nationally and internationally—college students, educators, and youth workers—all united by their passion for children and their commitment to the camp's mission of support and mentorship.

Contact Information

To learn more about registration, financial aid, or facilities rentals, please contact the camp office using the information below.

Physical Address: 557 East St, Goshen MA 01032

Mailing Address: PO Box 326, Goshen MA 01032

Phone: (413) 268-7635

Mobile Phone: +1 413-268-7635

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Massachusetts families, choosing Camp Howe means investing in a locally rooted, time-tested institution that directly benefits the youth of the Commonwealth. Its accessibility in the scenic Western Mass region offers a convenient way for children to gain independence without having to travel across the country. Crucially, Camp Howe’s deep commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive environment—especially through the ECHO program for children with disabilities—makes it a truly unique resource. This is a camp that consciously strives to reflect the diversity of our state, giving Massachusetts kids the invaluable life experience of living, playing, and thriving alongside peers from all backgrounds. The focus on developing social competence, leadership, and emotional intelligence, validated by consistently positive parent feedback, makes Camp Howe more than a summer activity; it is a foundational experience that prepares our youth to be confident, responsible, and accepting citizens of Massachusetts and the world. By choosing Camp Howe, you are supporting a local non-profit dedicated to making quality camping accessible and transformative for everyone.