The impact of Overnight Camp lasts forever

For over 90 years South Shore YMCA Camp 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 gain independence, build community, and foster friendships as they explore new talents, interests and adventures with seven cabin mates.

As we celebrate 95 years of camping excellence at Camp Burgess and 63 years at Camp Hayward, we want to provide an update of what’s new and exciting at this magical place, give a look forward to our future, and share the amazing social and emotional impact that Y overnight camp has on its participants. We invite everyone to learn more about the South Shore YMCA Camp Burgess & Hayward by scheduling a visit to camp, joining our committee, or helping send a kid to camp.

Please take a moment to hear from South Shore YMCA leadership along with camp parents, volunteers and donors, in our 2023 “State of Camp” video.

“There is no other program that exists today that has the potential to positively impact children and provide life-long experiences.”

– Bruce Netherwood, Vice President of Camping Services, South Shore YMCA