Camp Bates

Make Reunion 2024 a family vacation!

Camp Bates offers engaging programming for children ages 3 to 17 on Friday and Saturday at Merrill Gymnasium. Run by Legacy Childcare, our programs provide a range of fun activities tailored to different age groups. Parents can check their children in and out throughout the day to suit family needs.

“I like Camp Bates because I got to dance with the Bobcat and play in the bounce house. I got my face painted like a Bobcat and I liked the counselors.” — Avery, age 6

To secure a spot, children must be pre-registered by May 1st at a rate of $100 per child. This ensures adequate staffing for a seamless experience. Registration for Camp Bates is within the overall Reunion registration form.

Location: Merrill Gymnasium

Camp Bates Schedule:

  • Friday, June 7th, 2024: 7pm – 11pm
  • Saturday, June 8th, 2024: 3pm – 11:30pm

Children will be grouped by age. Activities include dancing with the Bobcat, playing in the bounce house, face painting, and more. A snack will be provided on Friday evening, and dinner plus a snack on Saturday.

First Years:  3 – 5 years old

  • Sports: capture the flag and wall ball
  • Entertainment: juggler and variety show performers
  • Crafts: coloring and puppet making
  • Quiet Time: story, movie, and quiet time for those who are tired

Sophomores: 6 – 8 years old

  • Sports: capture the flag, wall ball, castle ball, tag games and more
  • Entertainment: juggler and variety show performers
  • Games: carnival, Minute To Win It contest, Hula Hoop games, and bounce houses
  • Quiet Time: story, movie, and quiet time for those who are tired

Juniors: 9 – 11 years old

  • Sports: capture the flag, castle ball, tag games, and more
  • Entertainment: juggler and variety show performers
  • Games: carnival, Minute To Win It contest, and bounce houses
  • Late Night: casino games, movie, or choose your activity in the gym

Seniors: 12 – 15 + years old

  • Sports: capture the flag, castle ball, tag games, and more
  • Entertainment: juggler and variety show performers
  • Games: carnival, Minute To Win It contest, and bounce houses
  • Late Night: casino games, movie, or choose your activity in the gym
Register for Reunion and Select Camp Bates!
Moments from the Alumni Parade on The Quad and Alumni Walk on June 9, 2018
=9:30–10:30amCamp Bates: Story Time with Author-Illustrator Matt Tavares ’97Join award-winning children’s book author-illustrator Matt Tavares ’97 for a reading of Zachary’s Ball, and hear the story of how his senior thesis at Bates became his first published picture book. Matt will also give a behind-the-scenes look at his process of writing and illustrating children’s books, followed by a drawing demonstration and questions. Open to all.Muskie Archives
=9:30–10:30amCamp Bates: Story Time with Author-Illustrator Matt Tavares ’97Join award-winning children’s book author-illustrator Matt Tavares ’97 for a reading of Zachary’s Ball, and hear the story of how his senior thesis at Bates became his first published picture book. Matt will also give a behind-the-scenes look at his process of writing and illustrating children’s books, followed by a drawing demonstration and questions. Open to all.Muskie Archives
=9:30–10:30amCamp Bates: Story Time with Author-Illustrator Matt Tavares ’97Join award-winning children’s book author-illustrator Matt Tavares ’97 for a reading of Zachary’s Ball, and hear the story of how his senior thesis at Bates became his first published picture book. Matt will also give a behind-the-scenes look at his process of writing and illustrating children’s books, followed by a drawing demonstration and questions. Open to all.Muskie Archives
=9:30–10:30amCamp Bates: Story Time with Author-Illustrator Matt Tavares ’97Join award-winning children’s book author-illustrator Matt Tavares ’97 for a reading of Zachary’s Ball, and hear the story of how his senior thesis at Bates became his first published picture book. Matt will also give a behind-the-scenes look at his process of writing and illustrating children’s books, followed by a drawing demonstration and questions. Open to all.Muskie Archives
Andy’s Animals” Exploring Andrew Wyeth’s Depictions of AnimalsJoin Victoria Wyeth ’01, only grandchild of American artist Andrew Wyeth, for an interactive and family-friendly art activity. Victoria draws on her experience leading children’s programs at art museums across the country and offers a unique approach to the creative process. Please note that no photography is allowed during this presentation.Benjamin E. Mays Center
8am–midnightRegistration for Reunion 2016Commons
8am–midnightRegistration for Reunion 2016Commons
8am–midnightRegistration for Reunion 2016Commons
8am–midnightRegistration for Reunion 2016Commons