Business Directory

Berkshire Art Center, formerly known as IS183 Art School, is the leading provider of high quality, hands-on instruction in the visual arts year-round at sites throughout Berkshire County. Founded in 1991 as a place where “people who love art, regardless of age or ability, can gather to experience creative expression,” Berkshire Art Center has evolved to reach over 2,500 students each year through studio-based classes, artistic events, and out-of-school engagement programs. Berkshire Art Center’s classes provide opportunities for our community to feel what it’s like to create the art seen in our local museums, to connect with local artists, and to be empowered to make something with their own hands.

Celebrate Your Inner Cowboy/Cowgirl Through Experiential Programs  Rooted in Life Skills DevelopmentRanch Life 101, co-facilitated by early education specialist Chris Ciepiela and Eagala advanced certified equine specialist and Berkshire Horse Works founder/Executive Director Hayley Sumner, is an authentic ranch adventure that provides a platform in nature for life skill development as children engage in developmentally appropriate experiences. 

Through the powerful interaction with horses in both ground-based and mounted activities, participants will learn how to develop relationships with the herd of horses and donkeys which, in turn, will grow their own ability to apply new skills to experiences outside the ranch. 

In addition to the Eagala- based activities, children will have the opportunity to learn basic riding skills, burn some energy doing yoga or trail walking with their equine partners, practice team building while engaging in ranch “chores”, and use their imaginations and creativity during innovative nature- based arts and crafts. Practicing patience, growing friendships, building trust, developing confidence, and cultivating responsibility, mentor/mentee skills and respect will all be explored. 

Structured for all ages and abilities, Ranch Life 101 is a unique opportunity to learn and play side by side with the beautiful therapy herd of horses and donkeys.

Eight weeks of summer fun! We offer our campers a variety of age-appropriate activities and special events to make their summer unforgettable. Campers will take advantage of our facilities including our playgrounds, fields, hiking trails, and pool.  From sports to creative arts to STEM, campers will have opportunities to build positive character traits and create long lasting memories and friendships. 

Curiosity Camp at Simon’s Rock is open to inquisitive and motivated students interested in exploring academic and creative interests in a college environment while they are currently completing grades 9, 10, or 11. Students will participate in Simon’s Rock’s signature Writing and Thinking Workshop along with a Seminar, and arts and science courses to experience diverse and exciting academic offerings. Students live on campus in the college’s residence halls. 

Students will have the opportunity to take advantage of the 275-acre wooded campus of natural beauty and trails and nearby downtown Great Barrington (rated the “No. 1 Small Town in America” by Smithsonian Magazine), and planned excursions to cultural attractions in the Berkshires. Curiosity Camp at Simon's Rock costs $3,000 for the two week program which includes tuition, room and meals, as well as off-campus excursions.

From sports and enrichment programs to after-school activities, swimming, youth groups, family events, and more, the Dalton CRA boasts a plethora of activities for kids in the Berkshires.

Our summer camp program aims to ensure that each camper has an experience that they will long remember and cherish. Developing skills, building self-confidence, and forming friendships go hand-in-hand with a summer’s worth of fun and learning. Our staff is made up of dedicated and experienced employees from the Dalton Youth Center and CRA. The staff is deeply committed to ensuring that each camper develops to his or her full potential in a safe, structured environment.

South Berkshire Kids is one of the coolest community organizations in the beautiful Berkshires. These folks are all about supporting families and kids through free, FUN playgroups, storytimes and literacy events throughout the area. They also offer a series of parenting workshops.