SOUTH SHORE YMCA

Exciting 2025 Enhancements at Emilson YMCA

Posted: May. 29, 2025

The Emilson YMCA is one of the three major branches that make up the South Shore YMCA, alongside the Hale Family Y in Quincy and SSYMCA Camp Burgess & Hayward in Sandwich. Nestled on 46 scenic acres in Hanover, MA, the Emilson campus is home to a vibrant summer day camp, the inspiring Laura’s Center for the Arts, a brand-new Outdoor Aquatic Center, and a Family Farm that connects to the SSYMCA Early Learning Center and Gymnastics Training Center. Just down the road, you’ll also find the South Shore YMCA Nature Center and Nature Center Preschool in Norwell.

As we gear up for another exciting summer season at our Y, we’re thrilled to share a series of capital improvement projects underway at the Emilson YMCA and surrounding program sites. These enhancements are designed to enrich the experience for our members, campers, and the entire community. Our commitment to enhancing member experiences and deepening community engagement continues to drive these efforts.


Emilson YMCA Projects

🏕️ New Outdoor Pavilions

Beautiful, wooden pavilions are being added to the Emilson Y campus to provide shelter and shade for summer camp, after-school programs, and recreational activities. These versatile spaces will also be available for birthday parties, group exercise, and private events year-round.

🏀 Rebuilt Outdoor Sports Courts

We’re resurfacing our outdoor courts to support basketball, pickleball, and more during summer camp (June–August). Members can enjoy the courts during non-camp hours—afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Stay tuned for scheduling updates!

🎭 Laura’s Center for the Arts Upgrades

Thanks to a generous gift from the Emilson family, we’re installing state-of-the-art digital sound and lighting systems to support professional performances, youth theater, dance, and community events. Don’t miss our FREE Summer Concert Series—details coming soon!

🚿 Locker Room Renovations

Starting June 16, we’re upgrading the flooring in the Men’s and Women’s locker rooms to improve comfort, accessibility, and functionality for all members.

🌱 SSYMCA Family Farm – Coming June 2025

Our reimagined Family Farm will feature fresh produce, an apple orchard, native gardens, a teaching barn, greenhouse, chicken coop, rabbit enclosure, honeybee hive, and a nature trail connecting to the Emilson Y. We invite you to join us for weekend volunteer days and hands-on learning! Visit our website to learn more, or contact our Farm Director, Kate Smith, at ksmith@ssymca.org


🌿 Nature Center Enhancements in Norwell

At the South Shore YMCA Nature Center, we’re building on the success of our new Nature Center Preschool building by revitalizing the rest of the campus:

  • Nature Center Building Remodel: Lobby, bathrooms, kitchen, and Vine Hall are being upgraded to support family programs and events.
  • New Outdoor Pavilion: Expanding outdoor learning and event space for preschool, summer camp, and community use.
  • Astro-Field Reboot: Our multi-use field is now fully rebuilt and ready for play!
  • Reimagined Children’s Gardens: Featuring a butterfly garden, water features, outdoor classroom, raised beds, sugar maple grove, and more.

Visit our website or contact Sarah Kugel, Director of the South Shore YMCA Nature Center, at skugel@ssymca.org to learn more about volunteering and upcoming nature-based community programs.


Stay connected!

We’re incredibly proud of these developments and can’t wait to share them with you. Thank you for being part of our Y community and helping us grow stronger together. Stay connected for updates, events, and opportunities to get involved through program participation, volunteering, or giving! Contact Dan Berry, Vice President of Emilson Operations, at dberry@ssymca.org with questions or details.

Get Involved!

Help shape the future of our Y through volunteering in our programs or drop in any Saturday to the Family Farm to help us care for our beautiful farms and gardens.

Volunteer