Mass Hort signs long term agreement with LINX Camps while former Camp Sewataro Supervisor is named Executive Director of Summer Camp program

WELLESLEY, MA – On Friday, September 11th, after signing a long term agreement with the leaders of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Joe Kahn, President and Owner of the LINX Enrichment Club named Josh Schiering the Executive Director of the summer camp operation. Schiering, who also serves as the LINX Vice President, is eager to take over the operations of LINX Summer Camp. “It’s the perfect fit for me,” shared Schiering. “I’ve been involved with camp management for over 15 years and nothing compares to what children can gain from a quality summer camp experience”.

LINX began their summer camp partnership with Mass Hort at Elm Bank this past summer. LINX made use of portions of the beautifully manicured 36-acres of Mass Hort property and incorporated the Mass Hort mission into their camp curriculum. “It was terrific, the best of both worlds” shared Kahn. “Elm Bank has everything a child could want within its borders.” For LINX and neighboring communities, the location is ideal and for Mass Hort, the arrangement is just as welcome. “A surprising number of parents who dropped off their children this past summer were seeing Elm Bank for the first time,” shared interim Mass Hort Executive Director Joe Kunkel. “They knew, vaguely, that it was somewhere in the area. LINX has helped put us on their map.” In addition to the field rental agreement between Mass Hort and LINX, LINX Camps registration includes an annual Mass Hort family membership allowing families to come back and enjoy the property all year long.

While helping managing Camp Sewataro, Schiering became well known for his bullying prevention and character development training. The programs he instituted at Sewataro were recognized by the American Camp Association in their national publication (feature article, 2005 March/April issue of Camping Magazine). “I developed a lot of programs while at Sewataro that made camp a fun and emotionally and physically safe environment for children. Implementing these programs at LINX Camps will be easy given the caliber of staff I will be working with.” LINX Camps employs their full time LINX Leaders who are all trained experts within their fields. “Working with the same staff on a year round basis makes a huge difference from a staff management perspective, while it also makes for smooth transitions for children and increases the comfort level of parents.”

While the economy was hitting most businesses hard, most camps experienced somewhere between a 20-25% decrease in camp registration, LINX Summer Camps tripled their registration over previous summers. Melissa Habersaat, Camp Director and Program Director of the LINX location on Linden Street, “Obviously, having a terrific outdoor location made a huge difference. We also incorporated a focus on spirit and good sportsmanship while campers enjoyed fishing and canoeing on the Charles, making a life size hover crafts at science, learning lacrosse at sports and sliding down our 100 foot long slip ‘n slide.”

Schiering stated, “LINX Camps plans to continue to expand its program. Helping manage LINX on Linden certainly keeps me in touch with parents and what they are looking for in a camp.” Schiering said there are 6 items that will make the difference when parents are choosing a camp for 2010:

1. LINX will offer 10 one week sessions at the Elm Bank Reservation so the camp can conveniently fit into family’s busy vacation and summer schedules.

2. LINX will add to its already extensive list of specialty camps led by expert instructors who have made a life commitment to working with children (additions to include: Field Hockey, Flag Football, Gardening, Lacrosse and Soccer).

3. Campers will continue to get plenty of choice periods. Every afternoon General Campers decide what Specialty Workshops they want to attend and they are empowered to make their own decisions.

4. LINX will continue to offer unparalleled attention to detail at a fraction of the cost of other area camps, making a first rate camp experience accessible to all surrounding communities.

5. No long bus rides needed to get to Elm Bank

6. LINX is adding early drop off at 8AM and extended day until 6PM to accommodate even more families.

In addition to the items mentioned above LINX is also looking closely at offering transportation from select area schools and Joe Kunkel shared, “We are in discussions with LINX on possible site locations for a pool at Elm Bank so they can add free swim and swim lessons to their daily programs”.

LINX Summer Camp has five age groups. They start with 3 and 4 year olds (the Humming Birds) and go up through eighth grade (the Hawks). Campers shared that along with the staff, having the ability to choose their activities was the big difference for them. Christopher Johnson-Harwitz, from Winchester shared, “I like that at this camp there wasn’t any pressure to do a certain activity. Even though I signed up for Science Camp, I was able to try other specialties that interested me.” One of Chris’s group friends, Erin, chimed in and said, “I loved the Triple-Diamond Slip ‘N Slide. We get to go down it every day!” Habersaat explained that the LINX staff had to work extra hard to keep the campers wet and cool this summer, so setting up the 100 foot Slip ‘N Slide became a part of the regular routine, and the campers clearly loved it!

Open registration for the 2010 season of LINX General and Specialty Camps at Elm Bank begins on October 1st. Parents only need to pay a $100 deposit for each week they want to register for (the fee is deducted from the final camp bill that is due in March).

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About LINX:
LINX the Enrichment Club for Kids offers programs for 18 months to 8th grade Monday through Saturday. If you would like more information about LINX and the programs, classes or special events offered please call LINX at 781-235-3210 or email information@linx-usa.com.

Massachusetts Horticultural Society
Founded in 1829, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society is dedicated to encouraging the science and practice of horticulture and developing the public's enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of plants and the environment. For more information please view our website at www.masshort.org.