The South Shore YMCA has provided life-changing Y camps for children of all ages for over 100 years, offering traditional and specialty day and overnight summer camp programs for thousands of kids across the South Shore.
At Y camp, children stay active, build new friendships, explore the outdoors, and discover more about themselves and the world around them.
For many children, camp is unattainable without financial support. Donations to the South Shore YMCA through its annual “Send a Kid to Camp” campaign help extend financial assistance to families in need, ensuring that more children in our community can get off devices, get out of the house, and enjoy the benefits of camp for years to come.
“From our earliest days, Y summer camp has been a core component of our youth development mission,” said Paul Gorman, President and CEO of the South Shore YMCA. “Camp serves many purposes, from basic childcare for working families to summer learning loss prevention, teen leadership development and more. Camp is one of the most unforgettable experiences a child will have.”
Kids who are unable to attend summer camp activities can fall behind their peers socially and academically once school begins in the fall. Therefore, it is at the core of the Y’s mission to offer every child access to Y camps that are safe, fun, and engaging learning and recreational environments.
CAMP IS FOR EVERYONE
By partnering with families and identified support systems, campers with developmental or other challenges are provided with the opportunity for fun and successful camp experiences. Through the National Inclusion Project partnership, the South Shore YMCA inclusion leadership staff offers inclusion training for all camp staff. Campers are fully integrated into traditional day camp experiences and are able to participate independently.
“When you donate to help send one kid to Y camp,” said Mr. Gorman, “you give all kids the chance to thrive and truly become their better selves.”
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South Shore YMCA Camps
South Shore YMCA Camp Quirk, Quincy
South Shore YMCA Camp Quirk is situated in the heart of Quincy, at the Hale Family YMCA and Quincy High School campuses. Named in 2019 after Dan Quirk for his generous gift to the Y, SSYMCA Camp Quirk offers traditional and specialty camp programs for campers ages 4 -12. Camp Quirk brings together campers from all backgrounds to enjoy exploration of the outdoors, a chance to make new friends, and the opportunity to learn from positive role models, Y camp counselors. Daily swim is included in most Camp Quirk programs to teach kids water safety.
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South Shore YMCA Camp Gordon Clark, Hanover
In 1994, SSYMCA Camp Gordon Clark in Hanover was named to honor the legacy of W. Gordon Clark, a third-generation South Shore YMCA leader. Serving children ages 3-15, SSYMCA Camp Gordon Clark is a traditional day camp situated on 46 beautifully wooded acres of the Emilson YMCA branch. The camp offers access to our brand new Outdoor Aquatic Center pools and splash park, athletic fields, archery range, basketball and tennis courts, organic farm and gardens, low ropes course, traverse climbing wall, and programming at SSYMCA Laura’s Center for the Arts. Daily swim and play are included in most Camp Gordon Clark programs.
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South Shore YMCA Nature Adventures Camp, Norwell
Located at the South Shore YMCA Natural Science Center in Norwell, at Y Nature Adventures Camp, campers develop an awareness and appreciation for our environment and its creatures. Campers explore the habits and habitats of animals living in our woods, ponds, meadows, and along the shore, using their imaginations, getting a little muddy, and having fun while they learn in an outdoor environment.
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South Shore YMCA Camp Burgess & Hayward, Sandwich
For over 90 years South Shore YMCA Camps Burgess & Hayward have been leaders in overnight camping. Since 1960, Camp Hayward for girls has looked across the shores of Spectacle Pond towards its brother camp, Camp Burgess for boys, which was established in 1928. Located on 300 acres in Cape Cod’s Sandwich, MA, these brother-sister camps have shaped the lives of thousands of children ages 7-16. Here, campers learn to disconnect from technology, gain independence, build community, and foster lifelong friendships as they explore new talents, interests and adventures with seven cabin mates.
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Send a Kid to Y Camp
To help a child in need to experience the benefits of summer camp, make a donation to our Send a Kid to Camp campaign, knowing you’ve made a difference in the life of a child.
Send a Kid to Camp