2024 Announcements

The camp day will be from 8:00AM to 5:00PM with no extended day.

Transportation will be available from the Central Community Branch YMCA located at 766 Main Street, Worcester MA 01610. Space is limited and spots are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. When registering for the bus you will be put on a waitlist so we can verify that you also have a space registered for that week of camp. Space on the bus will not be given unless you also register for that week of camp. For questions regarding transportation please email [email protected].  

Program & Activities

Camp Blanchard is located at 208 Manchaug Road in Sutton, MA on Manchaug Pond, with 15+ beautiful acres of land to include open fields, a basketball court, a beautiful waterfront, and three activity cabins.

This summer we will focus on character development, team building, outdoor education, friendship and fun! Campers will enjoy the great outdoors with games in the field, swimming in the lake, crafts indoors and outside and much more! Camp counselors will do all they can to ensure fun each day for campers and will guide them as they experience this traditional summer camp!

At YMCA Camp Blanchard every camper is encouraged to participate in the following activities:

• Free Swim
• Team Building
• Games
• Arts & crafts
• Nature
• Science
• Free Play

This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.

Registration & Schedule

Registration is open February 1st and can be done electronically using our online enrollment system.

(Ages: 7 and Up)

Monday - Friday
(8:00 am -  5:00 pm)

One Week Sessions (Feel free to sign up for one, a handful or all!):

Session 1: June 24 - 28, 2024      

Session 2: July 1 – July 5, 2024    

Session 3: July 8 – 12, 2024      

Session 4: July 15 – 19, 2024    

Session 5: July 22 – 26, 2024       

Session 6: July 29 - August 2, 2024        

Session 7: August 5 - 9, 2024     

Session 8: August 12 - 16, 2024  

Session 9: August 19 – 23, 2024  

Fees

Camp Fee (Ages 7 & Up) – $225 / week

Transportation (from Murray Ave, Worcester to Camp Blanchard and back) - $90 / week

*Fees will not be adjusted based on attendance.

**All campers must be the age of 7 by the first day of camp attendance. 

Medical Requirements

A physical from within the last 12 months and immunization records MUST be completed and turned into the YMCA at least 21 days prior to a camper’s start of Camp. Physical and immunizations records can be emailed to [email protected]. 

Any medication needing to be administered at camp, including inhalers, must have a medication order turned in at least 21 days prior to a camper’s start of camp. The Health Form REQUIRES a Doctor’s signature in addition to parent signature and information.
*Campers cannot attend without completed health and registration forms on file at the YMCA

Lunch

Pack a lunch daily from home, preferably packed in a bag with the child’s name on it (lunch boxes tend to be forgotten). Send your child with a drink, or a water bottle to refill. PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Water Bottle
  • Play Clothes
  • Lunch & Snacks
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray
  • Closed toed shoes only - NO SANDALS

Please LABEL everything you send to camp with your child’s name. Things that are brought to camp are the sole responsibility of the camper. Camp staff cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

All campers should wear regular play clothes and sneakers. PLEASE do not send campers in sandals or open-toed shoes. Parents should send children with appropriate cold & wet weather clothing. 

CAMP BLANCHARD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How do I register for Camp Blanchard?

Registration is available through our website - ymcaofcm.org. Under the childcare section, choose camp. Once there, scroll and select Camp Blanchard. On the left side, click the option “Enroll Online for Camp.” Registration opens 2/5/2024!

2. When is Camp?

Camp starts June 24^th and runs through the entire summer! The Camp Day will run from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

3. Do I need to register for the whole summer?

Feel free to register for one week, a handful or the whole summer! We are looking forward to having your child join us for any length of time.

4. Is there transportation to camp?

Yes! Bus transportation from the Central Branch YMCA (766 Main Street, Worcester MA) is available on a first come first serve basis. To register for transportation please do so online. Spots are limited – so please register sooner rather than later! 

5. Do you offer camp scholarships?

The YMCA offers financial assistance, based on family size and income.  For more information contact ([email protected])

6. Do you provide food at camp?

All food is to be provided from home (please include snacks, lunch and a refillable water bottle). 

7. What does my child do during a typical camp day?

A typical camper’s day begins with free play or a structured activity until opening ceremonies, welcoming campers to the day and giving any quick updates.  After opening ceremonies campers swim, play various physical activities, participate in arts and crafts, read, and throughout the week also participate in STEM activities and boating.  Following activities, campers meet for end-of-the-day announcements before boarding buses or going to parent pick up at camp.  At pickup, campers will either participate in free play or a structured game.

8. What are the counselors like?

In hiring our staff we look for candidates who enjoy being around children, think outside of the box, and look for a variety of ways to have fun. Our counselors are personable and kind, and strive to make connections between campers. Prior to being selected, all staff must pass background checks, interview with the hiring committee, and have all references verified. Staff attend training which includes planning activities, child protection, behavior management and an in-depth training on safety and procedures.

9. What should my camper bring with them to camp?

Campers should wear sneakers every day and bring a swimsuit, towel, bug spray, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, and water.  Sandals are not a safe footwear choice and are not allowed. Participants should wear closed toed shoes while at camp. 

10. Can my child bring their electronics to camp?

Camp is an outdoor adventure experience and our goal is for all campers to be fully present in all camp activities.  When electronics are present it takes away from a camper's desire to engage with their peers in games and activities.  We ask that you don’t send your child with electronics! Additionally, the program is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken electronics and by not having electronics present this possibility is avoided.