Art program — professional MFA teachers, fully equipped studios
Professional MFA artists teach in fully equipped studios. Drawing, painting, printmaking, watercolor, ceramics, sculpture, black and white photography, digital photography, crafts/sewing, and jewelry are offered by the art department in small classes organized by age and skill. Facilities include two gas-fired kilns, ceramics wheels, etching press, complete dark room with eight stations, digital photo studio, equipment for sewing, and silver work.
Girls can be themselves, discover themselves while having fun in a safe and supportive family-like community. Campers make friends that will be sisters-for-life — bright, hard-working, talented, passionate, creative, supportive young women from across the country and the globe.
Former camper essay — first-timer nerves and what Belvoir became
I can still recall the sick feeling in my nine-year-old stomach, the one that spawned from my realization that I was leaving my parents for a large duration of time for the first time. I boarded the camp bus unsure of what would come from this camp that was somewhat discerningly different from the kind of camp I always had imagined myself attending. I never even thought that a camp could be a world, but Belvoir is. But the most important thing I did at Belvoir was grow up.
All-elective program — campers choose their own schedule
Campers grades 2–10 follow an exciting, all-elective, educational program in art, dance, music, theater, and individual sports. In Belvoir's supportive environment, campers develop self-confidence while gaining new skills and making life-long friendships. Class groups are organized by interest, experience, skill and age so they are comfortable and successful for both campers and teachers.
Belvoir Terrace was designed by Rotch & Tilden and built between 1888–1890 for Morris K. Jesup, with landscaping by Frederick Law Olmstead. As a summer camp, Belvoir Terrace preserves the great lawn, wooded paths, and imported trees, while restoring the mansion and carefully developing new facilities. In 2001, a study stated, 'Among the great estates, Belvoir Terrace is one of the best examples of an estate that maintains a reasonable balance between active use and preservation.'
In addition to the exciting individualized program, Belvoir campers have fun with Carnival Days, Theme Nights, Camp-Sister Dance Parties, Counselor-Hunt, outdoor games on the sprawling lawn, bunk skits, ice-cream parties, campfires, cook-outs, square dancing, trip days, socials with Camp Greylock, and more! Location in Lenox also allows for exciting evening trips to cultural events in the area including Jacob's Pillow, Barrington Stage, Berkshire Theater Group, Clarke Art Museum and Tanglewood.
Parent review — growth in confidence, sense of accomplishment during teen years
The social environment at camp is wonderful for Elizabeth. She is able to spend so much time with so many girls similar to herself in interests and motivation and learn how to work out issues with the others, knowing there is guidance when needed. During these somewhat difficult teen years, Elizabeth is able to return from camp feeling both a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Both Elizabeth and I are aware of how supportive both the staff and campers are of each other. I am always amazed at how warm and sincere the applause, along with compliments and hugs, is after the performances.
Parent review — international camper, grew in confidence and drive (parent from China)
She loves Belvoir so much, the classes, the people – counselors, teachers, camp mates, the food, evening activities, horseback riding and etc. She says Belvoir is like paradise and she wishes to stay there instead of going back to school. She told me the girl camp allows her being more focused on learning. She becomes more confident yet modest. She seems to have more drive to pursue what she wants to do.
Dance program — beginners to pre-professional, performance opportunities
Beginning through pre-professional classes are available in all styles of dance for every age group. Pre-professional focused dancers are challenged by the expert faculty and can choose three or more dance classes daily, six days a week. Belvoir offers professional instruction in classical ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, hip hop, choreography, and tap. All dancers have an exciting performance opportunity during the summer! Classes perform in the Pavilion and Jessup Theaters at Belvoir or at the Boland Theater at Berkshire Community College, a nearby professional venue.
Music program — 22 private studios, private lessons, recitals, guest artists
Music is everywhere as you walk around the Belvoir campus. Twenty-two private studios nestled in the woods house private music instruction in voice and all instruments. Belvoir enjoys exciting master classes including guest Laura Goldberg, a family member and Juilliard Pre-College teacher. Classes in chorus, opera workshop and chamber music complement two private lessons weekly. Campers also enjoy trips to nearby Tanglewood.
