Eagle Archives, July 1, 1957: Baby boom hasn't hit camps; kids coming in force anyhow

Eagle Archives, July 1, 1957: Baby boom hasn't hit camps; kids coming in force anyhow describes how summer camps in the Great Barrington area reported strong attendance despite fears that the postwar baby boom would crowd schools and delay camp enrollment. Camp directors said children were arriving in large numbers for an eight-week stay, with many pointing to the cost barrier: summer camp fees ranged from $500 to $700, which some parents allegedly could not yet afford. The article notes that programs typically served boys and girls ages 5 to 17, including water sports, athletics, campcraft, and nature study, along with select training in drama, music, and dance. Camps also organized field trips to attractions such as Tanglewood and Jacob’s Pillow, while others offered trips beyond the tourist circuit.