YMCA Camp Mahackeno Helps Kids Get More Out of Summer

Trading stories and sharing a favorite book or song with a new friend. Being greeted with smiles and high-fives from staff and teammates after scoring the winning point. Always fitting in, just for being you.

This is what Mahackeno, the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s beloved summer day camp, is all about—ensuring kids get more out of their summer break: more friendships, more accomplishments and more belonging.

For parents and caregivers who enjoy seeing their child’s face glow when retelling a camp story, and want to see their child accomplish new life skills, the Y encourages you to enroll them in the Family YMCA’s Camp Mahackeno.

Find out more by attending our first Camp Open House, Saturday, Feb. 28, 1-3 pm at the Y’s new Bedford Family Center at 14 Allen Raymond Lane in Westport.

Sharing our scenic, 32-acre campus along the Saugatuck River with our new Y facility, Camp Mahackeno offers a mix of fun and learning activities aimed at improving kids’ well-being. Our program centers on three areas proven to impact kids’ development: friendship, accomplishment and belonging.

Y-USA recently surveyed nearly 40,000 parents and caregivers with kids enrolled in camp programs. Ninety-one percent of parents/caregivers said they agreed the Y’s day camp program helped kids make new friends. In addition, 81 percent said they agreed the program helped their kids discover what they can achieve, while 86 percent agreed their child felt a sense of belonging at their Y camp.

“With school out during the summer, many kids don’t get enough physical activity or learning—a critical gap the YMCA is addressing,” says Meg George, Camp & Family Services Director. “At Mahackeno, kids are in a safe environment with nurturing adults where they feel welcome, develop character and explore new talents and interests and reach their potential.”

“We want to ensure that kids in our camp program go home with so much excitement for all they’ve accomplished and enjoyed that they can’t wait to come back the next day,” Meg adds. “Don’t be surprised if you find yourself getting caught up in the stories and humming our camp songs!”

First held in 1942 on the playing fields behind what is now Saugatuck Elementary School, since 1945 Y campers have enjoyed the woodland trails, brooks and pond of the Y’s rustic Mahackeno property, just a mile and a half north of downtown Westport, at the Merritt Parkway and Route 33. It’s one of our community’s largest remaining open spaces.

After two summers away from their longtime home while the Y’s Bedford Family Center was being built, come June campers will rediscover their favorite fun spots, like the large outdoor pool, the 110-ft. zipline, archery range and shady LOGS amphitheater. Plus they’ll find some new features, like newly expanded playing fields, a newly surfaced ball court and two new open-air pavilions.

“When we ask our campers what they love most about camp, they often tell us the staff,” says Meg George. “Many of our counselors have grown up at Mahackeno. They are chosen for their experience working with children as well as the talents and interests that they can share with our campers. All staff attend a training prior to camp that includes not only how to make camp a fun place, but also a safe place where the kids come first.”

Camp is arranged in two week sessions so that kids can experience everything camp has to offer and build positive relationships. Each session has its own special events and themes to make each week unique. Campers are grouped into six units based on the grade that they are entering in the fall.

The first session of Camp Mahackeno begins the week of June 22. Registration is now under way at westporty.org, and coming up is the first of our Open Houses for prospective camp families. The first three Open Houses will take place at the Bedford Family Center, located at 14 Allen Raymond Lane, 1-3 pm on the days listed below.

• February 28
• March 22
• April 26
• May 17 (Camp tours will be given at this Open House)

When kids are out of school for the summer, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential, related to water safety, safe spaces to play and health. Through summer camp and other youth development programs, nationwide the Y helps over 9 million youth to “hop the gap” and achieve more, providing a safe to place to learn, stay healthy and build friendships.

To learn more about the Family YMCA’s Camp Mahackeno, contact Meg George at 203-226-8981 or visit this page at westporty.org.