General Information

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Summer Camp Parent Guide 2007 (pdf)

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General Information

Since 1903, the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA has welcomed youth and families of all races, nationalities, socioeconomic conditions, and religious faiths to its caring and supportive community. Focused on character building and leadership development, we offer a variety of programs for youth, teens, and parents on an individual or group basis. Built upon the YMCA mission, our strong programs at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA afford personal growth opportunities to people of all ages. Click here for Mission Statement

Set in a rustic environment and close to nature, Camp Becket and Chimney Corners Camp provide residential experiences for children ages 8 to 15. As members of small cabin groups, campers are taught important skills and values they can use as individuals and as group members. Through our programs, campers gain a better understanding of how to live and work cooperatively with others in a diverse community.

The camps also prepare teens for responsible citizenship, service and leadership roles through specialized programs. Among these programs are our Youth Travel Programs, where teens experience different cultures, both domestic and international. Through volunteer work and youth-to-youth exchange, participants gain a greater understanding of the world around them.

The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA Outdoor Center presents a variety of group recreation, leadership, team building, and outdoor education programs to families, youth groups, and social and civic organizations. Additionally, we serve our community's children through our year-round day care center.

OUR HISTORY
The histories of Camp Becket and Chimney Corners Camp are long and rich in tradition. These resident camps uphold the YMCA mission, while retaining their own unique personality and flavor.

The Two State YMCA established Camp Becket in 1903 as “a place of beauty, a center of happiness, a strong educational force, with a deep, spiritual influence.” Camp Becket strives to balance instruction and recreation, activity and relaxation, group involvement and individual accomplishment.

In 1931, during his retirement, Henry Gibson, former Director of Camp Becket, founded Chimney Corners Camp. Chimney Corners operated as a private camp for girls until the Two State YMCA acquired it in 1972. Chimney Corners Camp helps girls develop character and self-confidence and teaches them how to live cooperatively with others in a safe, fun, and diverse environment. Chimney Corners Camp is a place where girls and women can develop character, confidence and an understanding of their full potential. Chimney Corners nurtures cooperation, diversity and respect for all. The Youth Travel Programs and the Outdoor Center are rooted in the strong tradition of our summer programs and extend our ability to serve youth and families.

LOCATION
Situated high in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA is nestled on 1,350 acres in Becket, Massachusetts. We are centrally located approximately 3 hours from New York City and 2.5 hours from Boston. Airport, bus and train stations are available and close by. We can facilitate pick-ups and drop offs with advance notice. Directions.

STAFF
During the summer, the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA employs over 300 staff, all of which participate in a week-long training program prior to working with campers. Many cabin staff are former campers and have participated in our leadership development programs. In addition to cabin staff, the camps hire activity specialists for such activities as the creative arts, swimming, nature and boating. Support staffs, working in such areas as the office, kitchen, maintenance, infirmary and transportation, ensure that all aspects of the camps run smoothly. Both camps also recruit international staff members that share their culture and unique perspectives with the camp community. Our Youth Travel Programs enlist experienced leaders with proven ability, maturity and good judgment.

FACILITIES
The camps feature extensive program facilities including performing arts centers, woodshops, tennis courts, swimming and boating areas, athletic fields, basketball and volleyball courts, ropes courses, and miles of hiking trails. Each camp has its own pond and owns all of the surrounding land, ensuring exclusive use of the waterfront and a safe boating environment.
Cabins are simple and comfortable. Campers sleep in bunks and a counselor and assistant counselor live in the cabin with them. Each cabin houses 8-9 campers. Cabins have no electricity and are located in close proximity to modern washhouse facilities with electricity, showers, toilets and sinks. The Food Service Staff prepare healthful, family-style meals. Fresh fruit and salad bars at lunch and dinner add a great deal of variety to the menu. Vegetarian options are also available at all meals. Camp Becket Facilities.
Chimney Corners Camp Facilities.
Outdoor Center Facilities.

ACCREDITATION
All of our departments at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA have been accredited by the American Camping Association. Similarly, we comply with all regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and we are licensed by the Town of Becket Health Department.