Camp Mahackeno
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Camp Mahackeno

Since 1938, the Mahackeno Outdoor Center has been the setting for our Family Y's summer day camp. For the 2013 season, Camp Mahackeno will be collaborating with another Westport institution, Earthplace, the Nature Discovery Center, so we can continue to serve our campers and families during the construction of our new Y facility at Mahackeno.

This wonderful opportunity will allow us to have yet another great summer in a beautiful outdoor setting here in Westport. Earthplace and the Family Y are working together to plan a summer with fun activities and themes, great staff and many opportunities for campers to make new friends and memories.

The program is for campers who are entering 1st grade through 8th grade. Earthplace will continue to welcome preschoolers age 3 to Kindergarten to camp.

Just minutes away from Mahackeno, located at 10 Woodside Lane, Earthplace offers acres of hiking trails, playgrounds, play spaces, wildlife exhibits and more. Campers will be able to participate in free swim 4 days a week at the Y's downtown facility and take part in weekly field trips to fun locations in our area. Camp will run in one-week sessions from 9 am to 4 pm each day. There are extended care options starting at 8 am and extending until 6 pm. Parents will drop off their children and pick them up at Earthplace.

2013 Weekly Themes

NEW: Parent Handbook for Summer Camp 2013 (pdf)


Registration is now open for all interested campers.

Camp Forms


2013 Camp Brochure
2013 Camp Registration Form
2013 Health Form
2013 Parent Handbook
2012 Guardian Authorization Form For Pickup
Medication permission slip
2013 Authorization of medication
LIT/CIT Application
Summer Employment Application 2013
Financial Assistance Application

Click here to help a child go to camp. Your donation will make a real difference.

Contact us at: Winter phone: 203.226.8981 Fax 203.454.4840 or email the director at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Preschool Camp
(3yrs-5yrs)
Campers in this part of camp will be organized into co-ed groups by the class they are entering in the fall; 3’s, 4’s and kindergarten and using the Earthplace Preschool Classrooms. Campers will stay with their counselors throughout the day. Counselors will lead activities that will include trail walks, crafts, playground, water play, story time, music, and activities related to the theme of the week. An animal visitor will come to the groups twice a week. Snack is provided and children bring their own peanut free lunch.


Traditional Camp Grades 1st-7th
(Grades 1-7)
Campers in this part of camp will be organized into co-ed groups by the grade they are entering in the fall. Campers will stay with their counselors throughout the day as they travel to pre-assigned activity areas. 4 days a week the campers will be brought by bus to the Y's downtown facility for free swim and then return to the camp site at Earthplace. Each week, campers will go off camp on a field trip. These trips are selected based on the theme of the week and the appropriateness for our campers.


Trackers Program
(Grades 5-9)
This program takes a limited number of campers off camp for special trips focusing on nature and discovery. While these campers will not be participating in most camp activities, they will be learning and exploring outside of camp with our great staff. Space is limited in this popular program so don't wait to register.

Leaders in Training (LIT)
(Entering 8th - 9th grade - Ages 13 & 14)
LITs will be spending their time making the exciting transition from camper to role model. They will alternate between traditional camp activities and leadership development. This experienced camper will gain experience working with school-age children, practice problem-solving skills and assisting counselors and CITs. All interested participants email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Counselor in Training (CIT)
(Entering 10th grade - 15 years old)
Under the guidance of the CIT Director and other qualified staff, the CITs will observe and assist with the leadership of groups, develop initiatives, clarify values, and prepare to assume the role of counselor. The CITs will also undergo leadership training and increasingly take on more responsibility during their time at camp. CITs will get regular feedback on performance. Field trips are also scheduled. Interested participants email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Special Cares
(Grades 1st-7th)
Our Special Cares program offers children with physical and mental disabilities a traditional day camp experience. Mainstreamed as far as their ability allows, Special Cares campers are assigned an age-appropriate Camp Mahackeno unit, and join in as many activities as possible. The staff to camper ratio is 1:1 or 1:2, providing the camper with the attention and encouragement needed to develop at his or her own pace. Please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 203.226.8981 x179 for registration information.

Special Cares Summer Camp
Ages 6-16
Our Special Cares program offers children with physical and mental disabilities a traditional day camp experience. Mainstreamed as far as their ability allows, Special Cares campers are assigned an age-appropriate Camp Mahackeno unit, and join in as many activities as possible.
Staff to camper ratio is 1:1 or 1:2, providing the camper with the attention and encouragement needed to develop at his or her own pace. Please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information or further registration procedures.

Special Events Week
This is one fun-filled week of summer after the regular 8 weeks. Many of the regular camp activities continue with the addition of a few special events. Space is limited, and early sign-up is recommended.

Extended Care
We know that some families may need a little extra time at camp. For an additional fee, campers can arrive at camp as early as 8 am and be picked up as late as 6 pm. These programs are signed up for a weekly schedule. We suggest parents pack an extra non-refrigerated snack for the campers if they are staying till 6 pm.


For more information, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 203-226.8981 x179 to speak with Meg George, Director of Camp & Youth.