The YMCA of Central Massachusetts is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility.

YMCA Camp Blanchard at Sutton, MA

YMCA Camp Blanchard

Lake Manchaug
Sutton, Massachusetts

YMCA Camp, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character, and making friends. Our camp programs teach self-reliance, a love for nature and the outdoors, and the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership—all amidst the fun of swimming, team-building, learning, growing, and building meaningful relationships. Our Y camp counselors are dedicated to making sure camp is an amazing experience for every camper!

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

For all questions about camp offering, sessions, and registrations, please contact:

Camp Blanchard Email:
[email protected]

Camp Director, Curtis Ojeda
Central Community Branch YMCA
(P) 508.755.6101 (ext. 1261)
(Fax) 508.753.7969
(Email) [email protected]

Family Access Administrator, Nayrovis Alicea
(P) 508.755.6101 (ext. 1226)
(Fax) 508.753.7969
(Email) [email protected]

Director of Childcare Services, Sarah Levy
Central Community Branch YMCA
(P) 508.755.6101 (ext. 1229)
(Fax) 508.753.7969
(Email) [email protected]

Enroll Online for 2026 Camp

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YMCA Camp Blanchard Information

2026 Announcements

The camp day will be from 8:00AM to 5:00PM with no extended day.

Transportation will be available from the Central Community Branch YMCA located at 766 Main Street, Worcester MA 01610. Space is limited and spots are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. When registering for the bus you will be put on a waitlist so we can verify that you also have a space registered for that week of camp. Space on the bus will not be given unless you also register for that week of camp. For questions regarding transportation please email [email protected].

Program & Activities

Camp Blanchard is located at 208 Manchaug Road in Sutton, MA on Manchaug Pond, with 15+ beautiful acres of land to include open fields, a basketball court, a beautiful waterfront, and three activity cabins.

This summer we will focus on character development, team building, outdoor education, friendship and fun! Campers will enjoy the great outdoors with games in the field, swimming in the lake, crafts indoors and outside and much more! Camp counselors will do all they can to ensure fun each day for campers and will guide them as they experience this traditional summer camp!

At YMCA Camp Blanchard every camper is encouraged to participate in the following activities:

Free Swim
Team Building
Games
Arts & crafts
Nature
Fishing
Science
Free Play

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

Registration & Schedule

Registration will be open soon and can be done electronically using our online enrollment system.

(Ages: 7 and Up)

Monday - Friday
(8:00 am - 5:00 pm)

One Week Sessions (Feel free to sign up for one, a handful or all!):

2026 Season

Session 1 - Adventure Awaits at Camp Blanchard: June 22 - June 26

Let the Best Summer Ever Begin! Starting off the summer strong with classic camp fun and deep rooted traditions ensuring that campers will get to know what it means to be a part of Camp Blanchard.

Session 2 - Stars, Stripes, and Smores: June 29 - July 3

Oh say can you see! Celebrate the red, white, and blue with star-spangled activities, cooperative games, festive crafts, and the joy of gathering around the campfire.

Session 3 - Animal Planet: July 6 - July 10

Humans aren’t the only creatures at camp! A week designed to spark curiosity about the animal kingdom through activity based learning, hands-on experience, and interactive games and crafts.

Session 4 - Survivor: July 13 - July 17

You’ve got to dig deep! An all out challenge-paced week focused on teamwork, problem solving, and friendly competition as campers work together through obstacle courses, team challenges, and strategy-based games.

Session 5 - Where the Y-ild Things Are: July 20 - July 24

Things are getting wild at camp! A week full of imaginative fun that will encourage campers to embrace their wild side through games, art, themed adventures, and self expression

Session 6 - Camp Without Borders: July 27 - Jul 31

Boarding Group Blanchard Now! A global adventure celebrating cultures from around the world through music, food, crafts, and games that promote community, inclusion, teamwork, and curiosity.

Session 7 - The Great Outdoors: Aug 3 - Aug 7

Hiking boots are on! Campers will explore everything that nature has to offer at Camp Blanchard. Activities will be focused on outdoor exploration, environmental protection, plant life, and appreciation for the world around us.

Session 8 - Soak it Up: Aug 10 - Aug 14

Bathing suits on, sunscreen applied! As the summer winds down, campers will beat the heat and soak up every last drop of fun. Days will be filled with a mix of high energy aquatic activities and relaxation that will keep campers hydrated and refreshed.

Session 9 - One Last Blanchard Blast : Aug 17 - Aug 21

Best Summer Ever! An all out camp finisher full of campers’ favorite games, special events, and end-of-summer fun to wrap up the season with unforgettable Camp Blanchard memories.

Rates

Camp Rates (Ages 7 & Up): $270 / week

Transportation (from Murray Ave, Worcester to Camp Blanchard and back): $90 / week

*Rates will not be adjusted based on attendance.

**All campers must be the age of 7 by the first day of camp attendance.

Medical Requirements

A physical from within the last 12 months and immunization records MUST be completed and turned into the YMCA at least 21 days prior to a camper’s start of Camp. Physical and immunizations records can be emailed to [email protected].

Any medication needing to be administered at camp, including inhalers, must have a medication order turned in at least 21 days prior to a camper’s start of camp. The Health Form REQUIRES a Doctor’s signature in addition to parent signature and information.
*Campers cannot attend without completed health and registration forms on file at the YMCA

Lunch

Pack a lunch daily from home, preferably packed in a bag with the child’s name on it (lunch boxes tend to be forgotten). Send your child with a drink, or a water bottle to refill. PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING.

What to Bring

Swimsuit
Towel
Water Bottle
Spare Clothes
Lunch & Snacks
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Closed toed shoes only - NO SANDALS

Please LABEL everything you send to camp with your child’s name. Things that are brought to camp are the sole responsibility of the camper. Camp staff cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

All campers should wear regular play clothes and sneakers. PLEASE do not send campers in sandals or open-toed shoes. Parents should send children with appropriate cold & wet weather clothing.

YMCA Camp Blanchard FAQs

CAMP BLANCHARD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How do I register for Camp Blanchard?

Registration is available through our website - ymcaofcm.org. Under the childcare section, choose camp. Once there, scroll and select Camp Blanchard. On the left side, click the option “Enroll Online for Camp.”

2. When is Camp?

Camp starts June 22nd and runs through the entire summer! The Camp Day will run from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

3. Do I need to register for the whole summer?

Feel free to register for one week, a handful or the whole summer! We are looking forward to having your child join us for any length of time.

4. Is there transportation to camp?

Yes! Bus transportation from the Central Branch YMCA (766 Main Street, Worcester MA) is available on a first come first serve basis. To register for transportation please do so online. Spots are limited – so please register sooner rather than later!

5. Do you offer camp scholarships?

The YMCA offers financial assistance, based on family size and income. For more information contact ([email protected])

6. Do you provide food at camp?

All food is to be provided from home (please include snacks, lunch and a refillable water bottle).

7. What does my child do during a typical camp day?

A typical camper’s day begins with free play or a structured activity until opening ceremonies, welcoming campers to the day and giving any quick updates. After opening ceremonies campers swim, play various physical activities, participate in arts and crafts, read, and throughout the week also participate in STEM activities and boating. Following activities, campers meet for end-of-the-day announcements before boarding buses or going to parent pick up at camp. At pickup, campers will either participate in free play or a structured game.

8. What are the counselors like?

In hiring our staff we look for candidates who enjoy being around children, think outside of the box, and look for a variety of ways to have fun. Our counselors are personable and kind, and strive to make connections between campers. Prior to being selected, all staff must pass background checks, interview with the hiring committee, and have all references verified. Staff attend training which includes planning activities, child protection, behavior management and an in-depth training on safety and procedures.

9. What should my camper bring with them to camp?

Campers should wear sneakers every day and bring a swimsuit, towel, bug spray, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, and water. Sandals are not a safe footwear choice and are not allowed. Participants should wear closed toed shoes while at camp.

10. Can my child bring their electronics to camp?

Camp is an outdoor adventure experience and our goal is for all campers to be fully present in all camp activities. When electronics are present it takes away from a camper's desire to engage with their peers in games and activities. We ask that you don’t send your child with electronics! Additionally, the program is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken electronics and by not having electronics present this possibility is avoided.

#BestSummerEver

A Man and a little girl wearing sunglasses, enjoying a Summer Camp in Central Massachusetts.

A young girl barbequing a marshmallow on a bonfire during YMCA camp in Central Massachusetts

Two kids crafting something using paper and cardboard at a YMCA camp in Central Massachusetts

Connect with our community! Use our hashtags: #YMCAofCM #BestSummerEver

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