WELCOME TO CAMP HILLSIDE

Your Kid Deserves the Best Summer Ever!

Adventure awaits this summer. Camp Hillside at the Saugus Family YMCA is a day camp program for children ages four to fifteen. At Camp Hillside, children will make new friends, discover new passions, explore creativity and develop skills through a wide range of fun activities in the great outdoors.

Camp Hillside is so much more than a typical day camp. It is a place for values, learning, skill-building, self-confidence, and fulfilling dreams. Our program encourages independence and teamwork leading to happy, healthy, confident kids.

It Pays to be a YMCA Member!

A membership at the YMCA of Metro North is a tremendous value! Save up to $900 on camp this summer when you become a Family Member and maintain your membership through the duration of your camp. A family membership at the YMCA gives you access to group exercise classes, gym time, family swim, Child Watch while you work out, access to join the outdoor pool club, discounted rates on
programming, and so much more!

A Typical Day

Each day, parents drop campers off at a designated location for a prescreening. Staff escort campers to their groups for small assemblies to energize their day. Activities include swimming, field games, arts & crafts, and more, with days ending in a ceremony for announcements and awards. Weekly themes focus on social responsibility, featuring hands-on projects and games.

Camp Hillside Vision

Camp Hillside intentionally fosters achievement, relationships, and belonging through fun, safe, and enriching experiences at day camp. We help children build skills, develop strong friendships and feel like they are part of something great.

Camp Hillside Goals

• Deliver a summer full of rewarding experiences to campers of all ages.
• Ignite a passion for physical activity and appreciation for the great
  outdoors.
•  Encourage campers to try new experiences.
•  Give campers the opportunity to belong in a safe and supportive
  environment.
• Inspire socially responsible campers ready to give back to the community.

Camp Hillside Young Explorers Highlights (Ages 4-5)

• A transitional program for our youngest campers to gain all the benefits that Camp Hillside has to offer with modifications for this age group.
• Campers arrive in a relaxed environment with their peers where they will have a morning meeting to meet and prepare for the day.
• Campers participate in similar Camp Hillside activities such as low ropes, nature hikes, team building activities, and service-learning themes but in an age-appropriate environment.

Camp Hillside Highlights (Ages 6-15)

• Conquer challenges, experience a variety of guided outdoor activities including low
  ropes courses, and engage in stimulating summer learning fun!
• Plenty of outdoor play space including a playground, basketball court, and gaga pit.
• Outdoor pool center with splash pad, playground, and picnic areas.
• Indoor alternative facilities including a full court gymnasium, fitness studio, and
  classrooms for STEAM activities.
• Participation in our community garden project from planting, maintenance, and the
  health and wellness benefits that come from learning about and engaging in this
  process.
• Weekly camp newsletter with important information and announcements for parents
  and campers.
• Dedicated staff team with years of camp experience and extensive training

Counselor In Training (CIT) Highlights (Ages 14-15)

• Develop leadership, confidence, and communication skills.
• Gain hands-on experience managing campers and responsibilities.
• Training covers camp operations, child development, safety, and teambuilding.
• Mentored by unit leaders and shadow experienced counselors.
• Encouraged to take on more responsibilities over time.
• Ideal for those who enjoy working with children and want to grow in a
  dynamic environment.
• Interested teens must apply and be accepted. Apply here: https://www.ymcametronorth.org/camp-counselor-training/

Safety at Camp Hillside

YMCA camps prioritize a safe, healthy environment for children, following health expert and local guidelines for hygiene and sanitation. All camps meet Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations and are licensed by the Board of Health. Explore our summer camps and safety practices: ymcametronorth.org/summer-camp.