YMCA Camp Hi-Rock
A Branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA

Camp with Character, Programs with Purpose since 1948

Registration forms are available for the summer of 2010 -
sign up now!

How much can a child grow?
How much fun can he or she have?
How many good friends can a camper make in one summer?

These are the challenges that YMCA Camp Hi-Rock has been successfully taking on since 1948 with its resident camp program. Our adventure-filled sessions, ranging in length from one to eight weeks, give boys and girls ages 7-15 excellent opportunities to experience a world of fun, friends, and activities in the uniquely beautiful setting of the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. Additional information for parents may be found by downloading our Parent Handbook, or by visiting the Parent Info page..

SUMMER 2010 SCHEDULE
2-week Sessions: $1295
Individual Weeks: $735

Session 1: 6/27 - 7/10 (Individual weeks available)
Session 2: 7/11 - 7/24 (Two-week session only)
Session 3: 7/25 - 8/7 (Individual weeks available)
Session 4: 8/8 - 8/21 (Individual weeks available)

Leader In Training Segments: $1750
Sessions 1 + 2 or Sessions 3 + 4
(Interested LIT applicants should contact the
Camp Director for more information.)

Resident Camp at YMCA Camp Hi-Rock

Hi-Rock campers are grouped into units according to gender and age/grade. Our blend of supervised cabin, unit, and all-camp activities, along with individual choice programs, provides a customized personal experience for younger and older campers alike. Campers can even request to be bunked with a friend from home. The Camp Hi-Rock staff will design coaching periods to meet individual needs while developing in-depth skills. Campers choose up to four activities during a sign-up period at the start of each week. Separate from these coaching periods, campers will also take part in separate cabin and unit activities, as well as activities as an entire camp.

Resident Camp Daily Schedule

The following schedule represents a typical day at camp from Monday through Friday. Every Wednesday dinner is a Unit cookout held in the unit. The Saturday and Sunday schedule will vary according to the planned Weekend Program. This usually involves a theme that is carried on throughout the weekend and replaces the Coaching Periods.

7:15 Wake-up Call
7:30 Flag Raising
7:45 Breakfast
8:15 Cabin Kapers
9:00 Coaching Period I
10:00 Coaching Period II
11:00 Cabin/Unit Activities
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Siesta
2:00 Coaching Period III
3:00 Coaching Period IV
4:00 General Swim
5:45 Flag Lowering
6:00 Dinner
7:15 Evening Program
9:00 Cabin Devotions
9:30 Lower Unit Lights Out
10:00 Middle Unit Lights Out
10:30 Upper Unit Lights Out

On weekends, the schedule is set by our Weekend Program staff. Different themed activities will take the place of the Coaching Periods, and a segment is devoted to Reflections, an all-camp, non-denominational get-together to consider some of the character values embraced by the YMCA: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Our Evening Programs include activities such as campfires, scavenger hunts, costume contests, Capture the Flag, mini-Olympics, talent shows, "Clue" night, camp socials/dances, and our special Key Log and Candlelight ceremonies, which occur at the end of each session.

During brief periods of light rain, camp still runs normally, and rain offers a chance for creativity and fun. In the case of heavy rain, thunder, or lightning, the daily schedule will be modified accordingly. Waterfront activities are cancelled under any potentially unsafe weather conditions. Campers will participate in alternate indoor programs that include a variety of fun games and activities. Please make sure your camper comes to camp equipped with appropriate rain gear.

Coaching Periods

On Sundays, counselors and staff will review coaching periods to be offered that coming week, and campers will sign up for the four coaching periods they wish to take. We will do our best to help campers get at least two of their most desired coaching periods each two-week session. Some classes have age and swim level requirements. The coaching periods offered each week vary, depending on our staff's specialties and on camper interest. Not all coaching periods are offered every session. A list of our daily activities can be found here.

Overnights

Each camper will go on an overnight campout once during a two-week session, provided the weather cooperates. Overnights are available to resident campers and older day campers. All overnights take place at various sites on or adjacent to camp property. The staff and campers cook their dinner, take part in some evening camp activities (campfire songs and skits, s'mores, etc), sleep under the stars, and return in time for breakfast. Campers will need an appropriate sleeping bag for their overnight. Overnights are rescheduled, if possible, if the weather does not cooperate.

Cabin Assignments

Campers will generally be placed in cabins according to age and grade. Campers should not come to camp expecting to be in a particular unit since the makeup of each unit changes from year to year, and from session to session, based on total camp enrollment. The unit names are:

Want to read more about our cabins? Answers to commonly asked questions appear on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

When assigning campers to cabins, the camp administration does their best to honor cabin bunk mate requests. However, we are unable to guarantee that we will meet requests. Bunk mate requests are limited to one in order to promote camaraderie. Requests should be indicated on your camper’s registration form before submission. Any changes should be submitted to the camp office at least two weeks before the camper's arrival.

Resident Camp Leader In Training Program

The Leader In Training (LIT) program is four weeks of service- and leadership-building which is designed to give teens experience with staff and campers through hands-on training as well as the use of prior camping knowledge. LITs are placed into cabins, where they learn from watching and experiencing life with both campers and staff. Amidst our nurturing camp setting, LITs will bond with campers who look up to them, staff who will help guide them, and peers with whom they will develop some of the greatest friendships they will ever have.

Interested teens must be entering their Junior year of High School. To apply, please contact the Camp Director and submit relevant application forms available from our "Forms" page.

Resident Camp Health and Safety

Licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, YMCA Camp Hi-Rock takes every precaution to ensure the health and safety of each camper. At least one of our medical staff is on duty at all times. Our consulting pediatricians and local hospitals are close by and on call 24 hours a day. All participants who come to Camp Hi-Rock are required to have a physical exam within 24 months of their arrival at camp. Each counselor receives pre-camp training on group living and safety concerns. We also require all our staff to be trained in CPR and First Aid.

Visit the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA,
an Activate America YMCA

Welcome! We hope you will spend some time exploring our website. Camper forms and staff forms are available for downloading. We welcome any comments or questions you may have.
Emails can be sent to info@camphirock.org
We add new materials often, so please bookmark us and check back soon!

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