YMCA Camp Mahackeno: Preparing to open June 29, 2020

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Days Until Camp Mahakeno 2020 Starts

NEW Pool, Splash Pad and Locker Rooms

Westport YMCA New Camp Rendering

Overhead View of NEW Amphitheater

COVID 19 Updates:

There are a lot of questions and uncertainties surrounding much of our lives at the moment. We hope that you and your family are safe and healthy and able to enjoy some quality time together. Here at Camp Mahackeno we are deep into our camp planning and preparation season. This has undoubtedly been a planning season like no other.

With so much up in the air right now we would like to address several frequently asked questions that are on everyone’s mind:

Q: Will camp run this summer?

A: Yes. We are taking preventative measures that will allow us to run camp beginning June 29 as allowed by Connecticut State Officials to support families who are beginning to return to work.

Q: Is camp registration still open?

A: Yes. We are still accepting registrations for the summer. To view our registration system, click the button at the bottom of the page.

Q: If we need to cancel our registration will we receive a refund?

A: Families who request a refund ten business days prior to start of their selected weeks will receive a full refund. Families who request a refund within the ten business days window will receive a refund less their deposit. Refund requests during selected weeks, once in session, will not be processed. Should your selected camp week be cancelled or not run, you will be refunded in full.

Q: What is the YMCA doing to ensure the safety of my camper?

A: We are closely monitoring government guidelines as they are provided to us. We are constantly adapting our policies and safety measures to meet all health and safety guidelines. We are also ordering supplies early to ensure we have more than enough sanitary supplies and equipment to meet the needs of our entire camp program.

Q: Who can I contact if I have additional questions or need to update our camp registration?

A: Feel free to contact: Jesse Kanaple; Camp and Family Services Director at jkanaple@westporty.org.

Updated Program Information:

Accreditation:
YMCA Camp Mahackeno is accredited by the American Camping Association. We are also a State of Connecticut Licensed summer camp through the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. We are following guidelines from the YMCA of the USA and the American Camping Association. We are still waiting on further direction from the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.

Camp Ratios:

Currently the State of Connecticut is allowing group sizes of 10. We follow American Camp Association ratios which are lower than State ratios. The ratios we will continue to follow are Kindergarten are 1:6. Grades 1-4 are 1:8. Grades 5-10 are 1:10.

Groupings:

At this time we are planning on having the camp groups stay together for the week. This would include the counselor. This is not different from the past however, this summer the groups will not be mixing with other groups at transition time, lunch, etc. Groups will be scheduled to keep them as far apart as possible. The camp schedule is being modified to allow for maximum group distancing. Groups will be broken up by grade. As in the past first graders will be grouped with first graders and so on.

Camp Events:

Large camp events have been eliminated. There will be no all camp special events or opening and closing ceremonies. This is in an effort to keep groups as far apart as possible. Each group will have a specific meeting place for each morning and afternoon. Groups will be assigned areas to eat lunch. We have added additional pavilions as part of our renovation project that will allow us to space groups in shaded areas.

Program Areas:

These are some of the most important spaces at camp. Program areas are places such as Arts and Crafts, Canoeing, Bouldering, Low Ropes and Sports to name a few. These areas and their equipment will be cleaned after each groups use. For programs that are traditionally indoors we will be moving them outdoors whenever possible. This largely includes programs such as Arts and Crafts.

Health Screenings:

Health will take place every morning for all campers and staff upon arrival. The screening will include a temperature check and a few basic questions. Anyone displaying an elevated temperature above 100 degrees or other symptoms will be sent home. Campers or staff who show symptoms and or an elevated temperature will need to go at least 24 hours without symptoms before returning to camp.

Masks/ Face Coverings:

Campers will not be requires to wear masks or face coverings throughout the day. Alternatively, staff will be required to wear masks as outlined in recent Office of Early Childhood guidance.

Pool/ Splash Pad Areas:

At this time we are waiting for further guidance regarding the outdoor pool and splash pad. In recent communication with the Office of Early Childhood it was indicated that we will provided additional guidance within the next week or two. As soon as we are provided additional information about pools we will be passing it on to our camp families.

Field Trips:

We will not be running any off site field trips this summer. This is in an effort to minimize the risk of Covid exposures for our participants and staff. Groups that would have gone on a trip will have the opportunity to partake in a special activity just for them on the day the trip would have taken place.

Informed Consent Forms:

Per new Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Guidelines all camp families will need to sign an “Informed Consent Form” on the risks of Covid-19 prior to sending their child to camp. We will have the form available for families in the coming days.

Pre and Post Camp Care:

Due to the guidelines set forth by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood pre and post camp will NOT be availible this summer. Camp will run during normal camp hours of 8:30am-3:30pm.

Why choose YMCA Camp Mahackeno?

YMCA Camp Mahackeno is a co-ed summer camp for campers in grades K-10th that offers a traditional camp experience. YMCA Camp Mahackeno is located on the Westport Weston Family YMCA campus alongside the Saugatuck River.

NEW THIS SUMMER: Pool and Splash Pad, Bouldering Wall, Amphitheater, Two Giant Slides, Multi-Use Sports Field, Expanded Playground, Two Additional Pavilions, Fully Renovated Beck Lodge, Archery Range, Camp Store and so much more.

In addition to the new facilities many camp traditions and activities will be continued including Canoeing, Arts and Crafts, Theatre, S’mores, Ropes Course and team building just to name a few.

We are proud to be accredited by the American Camping Association. ACA Accreditation is awarded to camps that have voluntarily worked to meet a series of standards relating to health and safety, staff development and program quality. We are proud to have received this accreditation and how it represents the hard work of our staff and our commitment to running a quality camp for our campers and families.

MAHACKENO INFORMATION & FORMS

These forms should be completed and either scanned and emailed to Mahackeno@westporty.org or delivered to the YMCA at 14 Allen Raymond Lane in Westport CT 06880. Families applying for financial assistance are asked to reach out to the camp office directly.

2020 Camp Brochure PDF

Parent Handbook PDF

Physical Health Form PDF

Medication Authorization PDF

Individual Care Plan PDF

Financial Aid PDF

Registration Form

(only for those unable to register online)

Informed Consent Waiver

Informed Consent Waivers are required per State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Guidance for all campers this summer.

Dates & Fees

Camp is offered in 1 week sessions to allow for easier summer scheduling. In order to receive the member rate, your child must be a member of the Westport Weston Family YMCA

2020 Camp Dates – Please note dates are as they appear in the registration system

Week 2; June 29- July 3
Week 3; July 6- July 10
Week 4; July 13- July 17
Week 5; July 20- July 24
Week 6; July 27- July 31
Week 7; August 3- August 7
Week 8; August 10- August 14
Week 9; August 17-August 21
Week 10; August 24-August 28

2020 Fees

Grades K-5

Week 1-9 Member $395 Non Member $415

Grades 6-8

Week 1-9 Member $405 Non Member $420

CIT/LIT Grades 9-10

Week 1-9 Member $325 Non Member $345

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Families can register for camp online through our registration website provided by CampBrain. Registration will begin in January 2020. You will be asked to create a log in and a household. Then you will be taken step by step through the registration process. Through CampBrain you will be able to make payments, upload forms and review your chosen sessions of camp. If you registered for camp online in 2019 you will be able to do so through the account you created.

EMPLOYMENT AT CAMP MAHACKENO

A job at Camp Mahackeno is not only a fun way to spend your summer, it is a chance to make a difference in the lives of kids, learn more about yourself and develop skills you will use the future. Our staff, new and returning, are invited to complete our staff application online. Camp applications will be accepted starting in January 2020

Group interviews will be conducted in April, May and June.

Apply Here

CAMP CONTACT

Jesse Kanaple – Camp & Family Services Director

(203) 226-8981 X126
jkanaple@westporty.org

Mahackeno Office (summer season only)

(203) 226-2609

GIVE THE GIFT OF CAMP

A summer at camp has countless benefits for a child.New experiences, friends, role models and positive memories are just a few of the gifts that camp gives a child. You can help provide these gifts to children who can benefit from camp. For more information on our Annual Campaign please Click Here.

GIVE SO FUTURE GENERATIONS CAN ENJOY CAMP!

We are excited for the expansion and renovation project we are embarking upon. Our number one goal is to serve our members and this project will allow us to do so for generations to come. Will you join us?

Be part of the next generation, visit

GENERATIONSSTARTHERE.ORG

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