BCC Offers Series of 'Free College' Information Sessions

• Thursday, July 11, 5-7:30 pm: Berkshire South Regional Community Center, 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington 
• Thursday, July 25, 5-7 pm: Berkshire Community College's One Stop Center, 1350 West Street, Pittsfield 
• Wednesday, August 7, 6-8 pm: North Adams Public Library, 74 Church Street, North Adams 

• Are 25 or older on the first day of classes         
• Are enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education at a public community college 
• Have not previously earned a college degree 
• Are enrolled in at least six credits per semester 
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 
• Are a Massachusetts resident 

• Reside in Massachusetts for at least one year prior to the beginning of the school term and be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations, or have an approved eligibility status designated by the Board of Higher Education; 
• Have not earned a prior degree; 
• Not be in default on any state or federal student loans for attendance at any institution; 
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually; 
• Be enrolled full-time or part-time in a nursing program at a community college in Massachusetts; 
• Meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP); and 
• Demonstrate unmet need toward the costs of tuition, fees, books and supplies, after all other grant and scholarship aid has been accounted for. 

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.