Regular Program

Starter Program

In this program girls (who have finished 2nd or 3rd grade) enjoy a two-week camp experience and are prepared for a longer camp stay in subsequent summers. Two cabins in our youngest unit are designated for the Starter Program. These campers are fully integrated into our traditional camp program. There is no Moms’ Weekend component to the Starter Program. A closing ceremony is held on their last night at camp. This program fills quickly and will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Four Week

Our four-week program is at the heart of everything we do.

Campers live in cabin groups of 8-9 campers with two staff members. They live, laugh and learn as a group. The main focus is on the time the cabin group spends together. Meals and cabin activities are well thought out and goal-oriented. Afternoons are spent in skill activities chosen by each individual camper.

Goodnight Circle and Cabin Chat are the signal to the end of each Chimney day. Campers sing during Goodnight Circle and then bond over Cabin Chat before going to bed.

A Typical Day at Chimney Corners

8:15am Breakfast
9:15-11:15am Morning Cabin Activity -Each cabin group (with counselor) chooses activities for the cabin to do together. These activities will vary throughout the session.
11:15am Free Activity Period - Camp Store and program areas open. The Infirmary is open for any campers or staff requiring medical attention.
12:00pm Lunch
12:45pm Siesta (Rest period)
2:00–2:50pm First Activity Period
3:00–3:50pm Second Activity Period
4:00–4:50pm Third Activity Period
The campers choose these activities after an orientation day. The campers choose six activities to participate in throughout the session. Depending on their swim level, camp will place each camper in 5 or 6 of the activities she has chosen. The campers will attend three activities on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and three activities on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Sunday afternoon activities are usually all-camp events.
5:00pm Free Activity Period - Waterfront, camp store, and program areas are open for campers.
6:00pm Dinner
7:15pm Unit Assembly followed by Unit Activity, Cabin Activity, or Special Program
9:00pm Taps followed by Cabin Chat. Cabin Chat is a quiet time just before campers go to bed when the cabin group bonds over a questions reflects on the day’s events.

Camp Activities to Choose From

  • At the Waterfront: Canoeing, Diving, Kayaking, Sailing, Swimming Lessons, Advanced Aquatics, and our popular Water Trampoline
  • In the Art Center: Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, Jewelry Making, Sewing (new for summer 2008), photography, arts & crafts, woodworking, Firefly (camp newspaper)
  • In the Theatre: Drama, Musical, Dance
  • On the field: Fitness, yoga, archery, tennis, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, field hockey, volleyball, flag football, softball, kickball and dodgeball
  • Out in Nature: Outdoor Living Skills, Nature, Animal Hunt, Outdoor Cooking
  • On the Challenge Course: Project Challenge, Climbing, Alpine Tower
  • In the Kitchen: Culinary Arts (new for summer 2008)
  • On the Ranch: English Riding Lessons, Farm (new in 2007)
  • All around camp: GALS (service and leadership) and Colonial Living at the Brewster House
Specialty Cabins

Construction Cabin

For campers who have finished the 8th or 9th grade, Construction Cabin poses a new challenge. Participants work toward building a new facility at their respective camp. Through their hard work, campers experience a significant sense of achievement. The program encompasses instruction in hand and power tool use, construction mathematics and basic carpentry skills. Construction campers spend about 2 hours per day on the construction project and the other half involved in the regular camp program. Participants must bring work boots, a hammer, a tape measure & a tool belt with them. Hard hats are provided by camp.

Riding Cabin

Girls who have completed 5th through 7th grades are eligible for the Riding Cabin Program. They spend their mornings with the horses, helping with the stable work, learning about the horses, riding, and in other related activities. Campers will be placed in the riding cabins according to age and grade. Riding Cabin campers can also speak with the Program Director about choosing to assist in riding lessons during one of their afternoon activities.

Climbing Cabin

Campers with an interest to learn how to climb or improve their climbing skills can be in the Climbing Cabin. The program is open to campers finishing the 7th through 9th grade and who are 12 years or older. Campers will climb on Chimney's and Becket's challenge facilities and learn to belay. Two off site trips are also planned so campers can challenge real rock faces in the Berkshires. Climbing shoes are not required, but do improve the successfulness of climbers.

Travel and Service Programs

Domestic and international travel opportunities for those completing the 9 th-11 th grade. More information at bccymca.org/ytp.

Leadership Programs

Service Corps

(new for Summer 2008 for girls who have completed 10th grade)

Participants in this four week program will engage in meaningful service projects within camp and in the greater Berkshires community. Participants will also work with cabin groups, plan unit activities and assist in afternoon activities. Service Corps participants will also have a main focus on program development in a specific program area, being trained to be future program staff. The Service Corps provides an excellent means for young women to bridge the gap between camper and staff member.

Aides

Former campers who have completed the 10th grade may apply for the Aides Program. Over the course of eight-and-a-half weeks, the aides learn about the operation of a resident camp through involvement in various support services. They assist in leading camp activities and eventually plan their own activities. As the summer progresses, they are given greater opportunities to work with younger campers. An important aspect of the program is learning to live and work together as a group. Aides receive lifeguard training and are expected to return to camp as staff.

Staff

The final step in a CCC Career is becoming a staff member. Our staff return rate is 76%. This allows our cabin staff to understand what new campers may be going through as they start camp. We also hire international staff in help in support and program roles. These staff members bring a unique learning experience for our campers and other staff members. Cultural diversity and understanding are highlighted during our International Night. Before being hired all staff go through extensive background checks and an interview with year round camp staff. Staff training is mandatory and covers many important topics such as behavior management and age group characteristics.

     

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