The YMCA’s Summer Day Camp programs are in compliance with the regulations of the MA Department of Public Health and meet regulations through the MA Department of Health.
For more information contact:
Camp Director, Chelsea deBettencourt
Off Season: (P) 978-343-4847
Summer: (P) 978-538-8492
(Email) [email protected]
LIMITED OPENINGS AVAILABLE FOR 2026. PLEASE CONTACT THE MONTACHUSETT COMMUNITY BRANCH FOR MORE INFO: Phone: 978-343-4847
132 Fort Pond Inn Rd, Lancaster, MA 01523
YMCA Camp Lowe offers an exciting summer to remember! Our location and staff are simply the best, hands down! YMCA Camp Lowe complies with regulations set by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Lancaster Board of Health, and is accredited by the American Camping Association.
YMCA Camp Lowe has a wide variety of camp options for your child. Based on your child’s interests we offer camps that nurture leadership qualities, strong individuals, and high self-esteem. Camps include, but are not limited to, theater, sports, cheer leading and much more!
Lunch is provided and water is always plentiful and available to campers throughout the day. Please send your child with a refillable water bottle. You may wish to send in extra snacks as well.
Your child will enjoy:
Acres of woodlands and fields, Waterfront with docks, Arts and crafts, Athletic fields, Basketball courts, Junior baseball field, Spacious recreation hall with changing area and restrooms, Boathouse with canoes and sailboats, Tetherball / 4 Square, Picnic area, and more!
Children will be able to participate in Archery with their groups 1 to 2 times per week.
Our Certified instructor will focus on providing campers with a strong introduction to the sport of archery. Campers will learn to safely handle and maintain archery equipment. Campers will also learn and practice steps of proper shooting form.
Archery equipment will be provided by the camp, we ask that campers do not bring their own.
Waterfront
All campers are expected to partake in instructional swim every day unless they have written permission from home. Campers are constantly supervised during all swim times by American Red Cross or YMCA Certified Lifeguards and the YMCA Camp Counselors.
Swim tests are given on the first day of camp each session to determine your child’s swimming ability. Your child will then take part in instructional swim and recreational swim based on his or her abilities within marked boundaries for each level.
YMCA Camp Lowe operates a “buddy system” as an additional safety precaution on the waterfront. The counselors will assign your child to a child of similar swim ability in the same group. They are to alert the nearest staff person should a child need assistance. In addition, the lifeguards clear the water every fifteen minutes for counselors to double-check swim buddies.
2026 Rates:
Members: $300 / Week
Non-Members: $350 / Week
Available all weeks
Ages: 8-14
2026 Schedule
(Monday - Friday)
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Week 1: June 29 – July 3
Week 2: July 6 – July 10
Week 3: July 13 – July 17
Week 4: July 20 – July 24
Week 5: July 27 – July 31
Week 6: August 3 – August 7
Week 7: August 10 – August 14
Week 8: August 17 – August 21
Week 9: August 24 – August 28
*Schedule based on Fitchburg Public School Calendar subject to change*
A Beautiful Outdoor Setting for Adventure
Our Fort Pond Day camp is located on the water’s scenic shores, featuring acres of woodlands and expansive athletic fields. Campers have access to a wide array of facilities, including a fully equipped waterfront with secure docks, a spacious boathouse featuring canoes and sailboats, and dedicated areas for arts and crafts camp programs. Our well-maintained basketball courts, junior baseball field, and multiple athletic fields for team games are popular with sports enthusiasts. During downtime or inclement weather, campers can gather in our spacious recreation hall, which includes comfortable changing areas and clean restrooms.
Outdoor Activities, Sports, and Team Challenges
YMCA outdoor adventure camp is centered around physical activity and teamwork. We offer a wide range of camp options for different interests, from sports programs to creative arts. Campers can enjoy traditional sports like basketball, soccer, and baseball on our expansive fields, or explore specialized programs like cheerleading and theater. One of our most popular activities is archery, led by a certified instructor. Campers learn to safely handle equipment and practice proper shooting form. Through these diverse activities and team challenges, children develop self-reliance, leadership, and the value of working together.
Waterfront Fun, Swimming, and Water Safety
Nothing says summer quite like spending time by the water. Our beautiful Fort Pond waterfront is the centerpiece of the camp experience, offering campers a safe and structured environment to cool off, learn new aquatic skills, and build confidence in the water. We prioritize water safety above all else, ensuring every aquatic activity is closely monitored by highly trained professionals:
- Swim Tests - These are administered on the first day of camp to determine swimming ability.
- Activities - Based on test results, children will participate in instructional and recreational swimming, with marked boundaries based on skill level.
- Lifeguards - Campers are constantly supervised during all swim times by American Red Cross- or YMCA-certified Lifeguards, as well as our dedicated camp counselors.
- Buddy System - Counselors assign your child to a peer with a similar swimming ability. Campers are instructed to stay close to their buddy and alert the nearest staff member if anyone needs assistance.
- Water Checks - Lifeguards clear the water every fifteen minutes for mandatory buddy checks, ensuring total accountability and peace of mind.
Beyond swimming, our waterfront activities include boating adventures, where campers can explore the pond in canoes and sailboats under careful supervision.
Creative Arts, STEM Exploration, and Enrichment Activities
While physical activity is a major part of our program, we also recognize the importance of nurturing a child's creative and intellectual growth. Our holistic approach includes a robust selection of STEM and nature education camp activities to spark curiosity and inspire imagination. In our arts and crafts sessions, campers experiment with a variety of media, from painting to nature-based projects. We also integrate STEM concepts into our outdoor education, where campers learn about the local ecosystem, observe wildlife, and participate in hands-on building challenges. These activities encourage children to express their individuality, ask questions, and explore the world around them.
Safety, Staffing, and Parent Peace of Mind
As a parent, your primary concern is your child's safety and well-being. At our camp, safety is considered in every aspect of our daily operations. We go above and beyond to create a secure, nurturing environment so that you can have complete peace of mind while your child is in our care. Highlights include:
- Compliance with all regulations set by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Lancaster Board of Health
- Accreditation from the American Camping Association (ACA)
- Experienced, compassionate, and enthusiastic counselors dedicated to youth development
- Background checks and rigorous pre-camp training sessions for all staff
- Established emergency procedures, child psychology, behavioral management, and first aid protocols
Why Families Choose YMCA Camp Lowe
Year after year, families across Central Massachusetts trust us as the best summer camp in Lancaster, MA at YMCA Camp Lowe. It’s a vibrant community where kids learn how to be independent, form meaningful relationships, and contribute positively to a group. Our intentional focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility ensures your child returns home not only with new friends and happy memories but also with enhanced self-esteem and stronger leadership skills.
Families also appreciate our exceptional value and flexibility. We offer weekly sessions throughout the summer, so you can customize a schedule that fits your family's busy life. Sign your child up today and get ready for the best summer ever!
What Should My Camper Wear and Bring?
Campers should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe athletic shoes suitable for running and active play. Pack a swimsuit, a towel, and a refillable water bottle to be refilled throughout the day. Please apply sunscreen to your child before they arrive, and pack extra sunscreen and bug spray in their bag for reapplication. You may also send your child with additional healthy snacks.
What Are the Hours of the Camp?
Our regular camp day runs from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. We ask that parents and guardians adhere to the designated drop-off and pick-up times to ensure a smooth transition for all campers and staff.
Can We Sign Up for More Than One Week?
Absolutely! We offer nine distinct weeks of camp running from late June through late August to align with the Fitchburg public school calendar. You're welcome to register your child for a single week, multiple weeks, or the entire summer. Each week brings new themes, activities, and opportunities for fun, so campers who stay for multiple sessions will always have fresh and exciting experiences.
Does Camp Lowe Offer Financial Assistance?
Yes, we're deeply committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the magic of summer camp, regardless of their family's financial situation. Financial assistance is available for families in need. To apply, please complete the financial assistance form on our website and submit it to our administrative team for review. Learn More
Does the YMCA of Central Massachusetts Offer Camp at Any Other Times During the Year?
Yes, the YMCA of Central Massachusetts is dedicated to supporting families year-round. In addition to our comprehensive summer programs, we offer specialized school vacation camps during the academic year. These programs provide a safe, engaging, and fun environment for your children during winter and spring school breaks. Please contact the Montachusett Community Branch in Fitchburg, MA for specific dates, locations, and registration details.
#BestSummerEver
Here For You
Our YMCA is more than a fitness center with a pool! The Y is a center that strengthens the foundations of community through nurturing the potential of our youth and children, a commitment to your health and well-being, as well as opportunities to give back to our community. At the Y you can look forward to connecting with members, volunteers, donors, and staff who are engaged in a movement that goes beyond them and creates an environment in which we can all learn, grow, and thrive. So what are you waiting for? Become a part of our community today!
Safety Around Water
For more than 160 years, the YMCA has nurtured potential and united communities across America to create lasting, meaningful change. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to teach youth, teens, and adults to swim, so they can stay safe around water and learn the skills they need to make swimming a lifelong pursuit for staying healthy. Y swim instructors are nationally certified. Their training includes CPR, AED, First Aid and Oxygen Administration. Swim lessons provide important life skills that could save a life and will benefit students for a lifetime.
Learn, Grow, Thrive
What does it mean to learn, grow, and thrive? The YMCA of Central Massachusetts does more than just watch children; we create an environment that is enriching and aids in the development of the children we serve daily whether before, during, or after school, and throughout the summer. We know you’re busy, so we’re here to support you, your family and all your needs. Whether you're looking for child watch programs while you work out, preschool for your little ones, or after school programs to help support your children's academics, the Y has a program for you!
