Blue Hill Observatory offers intensive summer programs for youth interested in weather, climate, and the environment, as well as spring break and school break options. All programs are held at and around the Observatory on Great Blue Hill. See below for details on each.
Filter by program:
Scholarships Available
Financial assistance of various levels is available for a limited number of applicants in all programs. Apply early — spots fill on a rolling basis.
April Break
Weather & Trail Explorer
Ages 7–12Students explore the great outdoors of the Blue Hills while learning about weather, climate, and their longstanding impact on the environment. Each day starts with a hike to the Observatory, followed by scavenger hunts, weather instrument building, trail maintenance, and nature art. Students connect what they learn about weather to changes in the environment throughout the week.
Children should dress for the outdoors. Bring hiking boots or sturdy sneakers, two snacks, lunch, and a refillable water bottle. Groups are often divided into two smaller groups by age.
Summer 2026 — High School
Launch Your Meteorology Career
Rising 8th Graders – College FreshmenAn intensive week-long program for aspiring meteorologists. Students experience immersive weather observation and forecasting, examine broadcasting techniques from local meteorologists — including veteran Tim Kelley — and prepare and record their own personal forecast. Students explore careers from researchers and broadcast meteorologists to weather observers and more.
Applications open January 5, 2026 and are accepted on a rolling basis until May 1, 2026. Scholarships of various levels are available for a limited number of applicants.
Waitlist OnlyComing Soon — Get NotifiedSummer 2026 — Middle School
Explore Your Environmental Science Career
Rising 6th–8th GradersA week-long program exploring STEM careers connected to the environment. Students get in-depth exposure to at least four STEM fields through guest speakers, on-site environmental observations, field trips, and a culminating project. Students close the week by researching a local problem within a STEM field they explored and presenting their findings and potential solutions to an audience.
Applications open January 15, 2026 and are accepted on a rolling basis until May 1, 2026. Scholarships of various levels are available for a limited number of applicants.
Partner organizations: We are currently accepting applications from partner organizations. Learn more here or contact kfincke@bluehill.org. Apply by January 31, 2026 using this form.
Apply NowSummer 2026 — Elementary
Weather Inventors Lab
Ages 8–11Students create their own Micro Weather Station (MWS) to monitor and analyze real-time data at Blue Hill Observatory. Working in teams, they collect and compare data to real-world observations, uncovering patterns from local microclimates to broader climate trends — discovering how sensors work and how data tells a story.
Children should dress for the outdoors. Bring hiking boots or sturdy sneakers, two snacks, lunch, and a refillable water bottle.
Weather & Trail Explorer
Ages 7–12Students explore the great outdoors of the Blue Hills while learning about weather, climate, and their impact on the environment. Every day starts with a hike to the Observatory (about 1 mile). Each week has its own theme — families can choose the session that fits best, or sign up for more than one.
Children should dress for the outdoors. Bring hiking boots or sturdy sneakers, two snacks, lunch, and a refillable water bottle. Groups are often divided into two smaller groups by age. If your student is outside this age range, contact kfincke@bluehill.org to discuss options.
Summer Programs — Groups
Bring Your Summer Program to the Observatory
If you are a summer program organizer looking to bring your group to Blue Hill Observatory for a field trip, visit our Field Trips section to learn more about available options.
View Field Trip Options
