WESTPORT WESTON FAMILY YMCA CELEBRATES 80 YEARS OF CAMP MAHACKENO

Westport, CT – August 21, 2025 — The Westport Weston Family YMCA (WWFY) is proud to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Camp Mahackeno, a beloved tradition that has played a central role in Westport’s history and in the growth of the Y itself. More than just a summer camp, Mahackeno is a place where generations of children have built lifelong memories, friendships, and confidence in a safe, welcoming environment.

The Y’s summer camp legacy began in the 1930s at Doubleday Field, a local athletic space. In that first season, 58 boys participated in a program that offered nature study, crafts, sports, swimming at Compo Beach, songs, and storytelling. It wasn’t until 1945, with the help of Mr. Frederick T. Bedford and a $5,000 gift from the Bedford Fund, that the YMCA acquired the 32-acre property along the Saugatuck River, officially giving rise to Camp Mahackeno. That land purchase proved to be a turning point, allowing the Y to expand its offerings and, decades later, become the permanent home of Westport’s YMCA, following the construction of the Bedford Family Center and its relocation from downtown in 2014. The move was made possible by years of vision, determination, and community support through the “Make Mahackeno Happen” campaign. The result is the thriving, full-service YMCA campus we know and love today, built by and for the people of Westport.

By 1969, Camp Mahackeno expanded to include both boys and girls, continuing the YMCA’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility. The Mahackeno Outdoor Center has grown significantly since its inception to offer a wide range of recreational amenities that support unplugged, adventurous, and imaginative summer experiences. The grounds now include a heated outdoor pool with a splash pad, a supervised dock for canoeing and paddle boating, two large slides, a climbing and bouldering wall, laser tag, and mini golf. Campers also enjoy an archery pavilion, multiple playgrounds, a gaga pit, basketball courts, sports fields, picnic areas, fire pits, wooded trails, and LOGS amphitheater, which is used for camp events and performances.

Today, over 1,000 children attend WWFY summer camps each year, supported by a seasonal team of nearly 200 teens and young adults. For many, Mahackeno is more than a summer job—it’s a rite of passage. Over the decades, generations of campers have returned as counselors, and now watch their own children experience the same magic, continuing a proud tradition of growth, mentorship, and community connection.

At its core, Camp Mahackeno remains true to its original purpose: providing a meaningful summer experience in nature. While the amenities have evolved, the mission has stayed the same. Camp staff work each season to create an environment that is safe, inclusive, and fun. In an increasingly digital world, Mahackeno continues to offer kids something unique, a place to disconnect from screens, explore the outdoors, be creative, and build confidence in a way that only camp can provide.

“Camp Mahackeno has been part of Westport’s story for 80 years,” said Christina Scherwin, COO of the Westport Weston Family YMCA. “These grounds hold history, tradition, and a sense of belonging. They helped shape who we are as a YMCA, and we’re proud to continue building on that legacy for future generations.”

As the WWFY celebrates this milestone, it also looks ahead to the future of Camp Mahackeno, continuing to expand and improve programs that enrich the lives of children and families. Registration for the 2026 season opens in January, and with sessions filling quickly year after year, Camp Mahackeno proves to be a cherished summer tradition for families across the community.