Kaleidoscope began forty-five summers ago in Andover as a one-week, half-day program with fifty children and seven creative teachers. In the summer of 2024, we welcomed over 700 children and more than 100 teachers and aides to a five-week extensive enrichment program with nearly 200 half-day and full-day courses. Some of these teachers actually attended as students years earlier. Many of these children are second generation Kaleidoscope kids, whose parents still remember their positive childhood experiences at the program.
It is difficult to talk about Kaleidoscope without acknowledging its history. Founder Janis Baron, an experienced teacher, principal, and staff development consultant, carefully chose the best teachers she knew to inspire children with high interest topics, small classes, and a commitment to kindness and mutual respect. As the program expanded, Creative Learning for Children, Inc., the official name of the non-profit that runs Kaleidoscope, endeavored to include classes that reflect all areas of Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory. Kaleidoscope was always designed to be an educational program rather than a traditional summer camp. This year, it runs in one-week sessions from June 30-August 1 at The Pike School in Andover and draws children from forty different communities. Children can choose one half-day or full-day course that interests them or enroll for multiple weeks and take many different courses. Course fees range based on instructors and content; please see our website for specifics. Extended Day options are available until 5 PM.
There are exciting courses in art, music, theater, science, math, writing, technology, engineering, architecture, athletics (including dance, fencing, fishing, yoga), video game design, and so much more. Some extremely popular courses have been offered for more than ten years to enthusiastic reviews. These include Domino Physics, Marble Machine Madness, Musical Theater, Adventures in Science, Camping Out, Kitchen Chemistry. Young Chefs, Fashion Design, Fairy Houses, LEGO City Planning, Understanding Animals, Superhero Academy, and others.
Kaleidoscope also partners with outstanding outside organizations, including Einstein’s Workshop, Tinker and Create, and Circuit-Lab to bring their popular STEM classes to our campus. These include App Inventors, many Minecraft offerings, Circuitry & Coding, Fun With Physics, Roblox Game Design, Animation, Robot Commanders and many more.
The KITE Program, offered for one week (July 28-August 1) is a unique offering for above-grade-level/ advanced learners currently in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8. Information about KITE, as well as all the Kaleidoscope offerings, can be found at www.kaleidoscopekids.com or by calling (978) 494-3978. A brochure can also be requested at info@kaleidoscopekids.com.
Directors Tim Stonecipher and Grant Elliott, along with Assistant Director Kelsea Lussier, and consultant Janis Baron are prepared to continue the rich traditions of Kaleidoscope and KITE for generations to come.
Kaleidoscope/KITE
The Pike School
34 Sunset Rock Rd
Andover MA 01810
9784943978
Email: kelsea@kaleidoscopekids.com
Website: https://www.kaleidoscopekids.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaleidoscopeSummer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaleidoscopekidsandover/
Business Review
Some testimonials (more available online):
"Please allow us to thank you and all Kaleidoscope staff for taking care of (our children) in your camp this summer. They enjoy all the courses and extended stay very much. We talk about camp every day."
"The kids are loving their Kaleidoscope courses and it is clear they are learning a lot, having fun and making new friends."
"This is such a terrific program. So incredibly organized and well run. My children had an incredible 3 weeks. And the programs are reasonably priced compared to other alternative programs during the summer."
"This was our first time at Kaleidoscope and I cannot say enough as to how pleased I was with everything. My daughter and I are sad it is over, and my kids will definitely be attending for years to come. Everyone from the teachers to the aides to the people at the front door were so helpful and nice!! Very very pleased!!!"
