To empower generations of kind, capable, and conscientious individuals.
In mid-2020, Thomas Phillips and Co-founder Jessie Stephens formed Island Roots Camp Group, LLC, in response to Covid-19. Both deeply immersed in the world of after school and summer camps, Thomas and Jessie sought to support their peers in the industry as many organizations struggled to reopen programs under strict regulations after months of quarantine. They knew they could help by writing policy and training plans to help teams adapt.
In the fall of that year, Thomas, Jessie, and colleague Alex Regan, like many, found themselves suddenly self-employed. Alex joined the team and within one month, Island Roots began offering Remote Learning Support for students whose learning routines had been disrupted by hybrid or remote learning plans in Marblehead, Swampscott, and surrounding towns on the North Shore.
With a mission to empower generations of kind, capable, and conscientious individuals, the Island Roots team saw their small learning pod as an opportunity to create an environment which encouraged natural practice of social/emotional skills in addition to classroom support for students, and peace of mind for working parents and guardians.
As education and recreation programs slowly returned to ‘normal,’ the team pivoted back toward their pre-pandemic areas of expertise: after school and summer camp programs. Island Roots has become a staple in communities around the North Shore and Greater Boston area, with programs and partnerships in Marblehead, Nahant, and Concord MA, and a diverse community of participants from over 30 towns.
Originally named as homage to the camp where the founding team grew up, Island Roots stands for the idea that a strong community is the foundation of our mission.
Explore Island Roots Summer and Academic Year Programs
Colleen is a certified preschool teacher and taught for several years before joining Island Roots. She enjoys child lead activities and seeing where a child’s natural Curiosity for for the world can lead them. She is also a Girl Scout Leader and enjoys camping and hiking.
Colleen’s favorites:
Color: Purple
Animal: Penguins
Sport: Swimming
Ice Cream: Rocky Road
A kind-hearted person, Kevin is a former social worker with over a decade of experience working with children and adolescents. He is a natural leader and heavily encourages confidence and individuality with children and families.
Kevin's favorites:
Color: Red
Animal: Crocodile
Sport: Football
Ice Cream: Strawberry
Thomas grew up in the communities of Swampscott and Marblehead, and has worked in camp and after school programs for over a decade. With a formal background in business, as well as experiences in theater, outdoor education, and teaching, Thomas is passionate about creating environments for lifelong learning through experience, arts, and s
Thomas grew up in the communities of Swampscott and Marblehead, and has worked in camp and after school programs for over a decade. With a formal background in business, as well as experiences in theater, outdoor education, and teaching, Thomas is passionate about creating environments for lifelong learning through experience, arts, and self expression. Thomas has developed CIT and outdoor “adventure” programs for other well-known local camps and after school providers before breaking away in 2020 to open Island Roots.
"Mr. Alex" is a lifelong Marbleheader and licensed early education professional. With more than 10 years of classroom experience, he made the 2020 launch of Island Roots “Learning Pods” possible as the primary online learning facilitator. He has a strong understanding of children’s growth and development and differentiated instructional s
"Mr. Alex" is a lifelong Marbleheader and licensed early education professional. With more than 10 years of classroom experience, he made the 2020 launch of Island Roots “Learning Pods” possible as the primary online learning facilitator. He has a strong understanding of children’s growth and development and differentiated instructional styles, and uses his training and experience to engage children in natural learning activities that they find fun! Alex believes that the greatest gift a teacher can give is to empower children to become independent, critical thinkers, able to see and engage with the world through their own lens.
There are many more members of our incredible team of Counselors and After School Leaders, who make working toward our mission possible.
We provide sustainable, responsible, high-quality educational enrichment, teaching independence, care, and life-long learning so individuals can understand themselves and their place in their community and the world. The foundation of our care is a lifelong skill-set, based on the pillars of Knowledge, Nature, and Wellness.
At Island Roots, we seek, gather, and share knowledge. Appreciate and preserve nature. Prioritize wellness for self, community, and world.
We aim to build and maintain strong relationships with our families even beyond their involvement in our programs, to embed sustainable practices in all elements of our business and programs, and to provide a positive, enjoyable, and supportive culture for our stakeholders.
"At Island Roots, we seek, gather, and share knowledge. Appreciate and preserve nature. Prioritize wellness for self, community, and world."
- Peter Sawin (aka: Ranger Pete) 1937-2002
Used with permission from Kim Sawin Staples
Start planning your summer with Island Roots today. Click below to see what's in store for 2024!