The only way to get all the way to Shire Village is by car, although there is Greyhound and Peter Pan bus service to Northampton, MA (about 20 minutes away).

Directions by Car:

From most places in the New York area the fastest route is either the Hutchinson River parkway (which becomes the Merritt Parkway and then the Wilbur Cross) or the New England Thruway (Rt. 95), to get to Route 91 in Connecticut. (you pick up 91 outside of New Haven)

Take 91 all the way past Hartford (watch the signs, and stay in the lanes marked 91 North), past Springfield, MA to Northampton exits.
Take the second Northampton exit, Marked Route 9, and make a left onto Route 9 West, through Northampton and a number of smaller towns, following signs to Cummington (should take about 25-30 minutes from Northampton)

Bear right onto the main street of Cummington just after you go over the arched iron bridge. Go almost to the end of Main Street and then turn right on Plainfield Rd., which leads you uphill towards Rt. 116. Drive up the hill about a mile and look for the entrance to Shire Village on your left. As you enter camp, park in the designated parking area, and then check in at the office down the hill.

An alternate route (good from NJ) is the Taconic Parkway to Route 295 East, to Route 41 North, to Route 20 East to Pittsfield. Pick up Route 9 East to Cummington. Then bear left onto Main Street in Cummington just after you pass a little general store/deli (the Creamery). Turn left at the corner onto Plainfield Rd. and continue up the hill as described above.

From Boston: Mass Pike (90) West to 91 North, then follow directions from through Northampton.

Here is a packing list:

Night Gear:

• 4 single sheets (2 fitted & 2 flat)
  
• 3 pillowcases
  
• 2-3 blankets
  
• 1 pillow
  
• 3 pajamas (1 warm pair)
  
• 1 bathrobe (optional)

Gear:

• 16 underwear
  
• 1 pair long underwear (optional)
  
• 14-46 pairs of socks (2 wool)
  
• 2-4 long pants
  
• 1 pair of sweat pants
  
• 3-5 pairs of shorts
  
• 7 short sleeve or sleeveless shirts
  
• 2 long sleeve shirts
  
• 1-3 sweatshirts
  
• 1 wool sweater or fleece
  
• 1 raincoat or poncho
  
• 2-3 bathing suits

Miscellaneous:

• Postcards, stationary, pens, stamps,
  
• 1-2 cardboard or plastic shoe boxes for storing personal items
  
• laundry bag

Optional:

• Sun hat, baseball cap, etc.
  
• Nose or ear plugs
  
• Camera (as inexpensive as possible)
  
• Books, games, stuffed animals (storage is limited)
  
• Individual music/ cd player (ipods strongly discouraged!)
  
• Extra batteries (optional)
  
• Backpack
  
• Sports equipment (we have a lot)
  
• For eye glasses (spare pair/ repair kit)
  
• For braces (extra wax & rubber bands)

Toiletries:

• 4 or more large towels
  
• 2 washcloths (optional)
  
• shampoo, conditioner
  
• tissues
  
• brush & comb
  
• toothbrush & toothpaste
  
• soap & soap dish
  
• insect repellent
  
• sunblock

Footwear:

• Sneakers
  
• Boots for hiking/horseback riding (supportive with hard toe, we do have extras)
  
• Rain boots (if hiking boots are not waterproof)
  
• Water shoes (that stay on in water)
  
• Flip flops (good for showering)
  
• Shoe bag with pockets (good for storing personal items)
  
• Extra shoelaces (optional)

Overnight gear:

• Sleeping bag (fiberfill is best) in stuff sack
  
• Flashlight with batteries
  
• Water bottle or canteen

Please remember to label every item (permanent marker recommended). Items left behind at camp will not be returned.

We strongly recommend that you NOT send your camper to camp with expensive items (ipods, digital cameras, etc.) or other items they would be very upset to lose.