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About Mahackeno
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Where is Camp Mahackeno Located?
Camp Mahackeno is located on the sunny shores of the Saugutuck River, 5 minutes from Downtown Westport.
Nestled in Fairfield County, our 32-acre site is beautifully situated in Westport, Connecticut two miles
north from the center of town. The Red Barn Restaurant is a convenient landmark (Exit 41) Wilton Road.
How old does my child need to be to go to camp?
Camp Mahackeno has programs for children from ages 6 to 15 or entering 1st grade through entering 9th grade.
Why choose Camp Mahackeno over another Day Camp?
Camp Mahackeno is rich with tradition, bringing a unique summer experience to parents and campers.
Our well-rounded programs give the campers opportunities unlike any other day camp in the area. With
archery, nature, outdoor living, and canoeing, swimming, teambuilding... to name a few; it's a wonderful place to make new friends and lasting
memories. Campers come from all over Fairfield County to join in on the fun of Camp Mahackeno.
What is a typical day like?
The campers arrive via our Sunny Lane entrance and walked down a lined path of cheery staff members
to our LOGS (lots of great stuff) area! LOGS is where attendance is taken, lunches collected and
LOTS OF GREAT STUFF happen. Singing camp songs, dance parties, cheers, it all happens at LOGS.
All campers are dismissed around 9:20am to begin their day.
A sample day for a Shawnee and Mohegan
9:20- Sports
10:10- Theater
11:00- Swimming
11:50- Lunch
12:15- Nature
1:15- Arts and Crafts
2:00- Snack and Store
2:45- Canoeing
3:30- Dismissal
A sample day for a Lakota, Cayuga, Apache, and Ranger
9:20- Archery
10:10- Canoeing
11:00- Arts and Crafts
11:50- Lunch
12:15- Teambuilding
1:05- Outdoor Living
1:50- Sports
2:45- Snack and Store
3:25- Swimming
4:15- Dismissal
The schedules rotate each day, with the Lakota's, Cayuga's, Apache's and Ranger's having additional activities
(archery, outdoor living, wood working, leather making).
How many campers and staff does Camp Mahackeno have?
There are 330 campers between grades 1 through
9 with over 100 staff members. Our low staff/camper
ratio is important. The state of Connecticut
requires a 1:12 counselor/camper ratio. Camp
Mahackeno prides itself on maintaining a 1:8
ratio for Shawnee and Mohegan groups and a 1:10
ratio for Lakota, Cayuga, Apache and Ranger units.
Most of our counselors are college-age or older
with a background in camping. We do employ high
school age counselors who have either completed
a Counselor in Training Program or have a strong
desire in working with children. Each unit (Shawnee,
Mohegan, Lakota, Cayuga, Apache, Ranger, Special
Cares) has a Unit Director in charge of the counselors
and campers. Our Unit Directors are typically
schoolteachers or are pursuing a degree in a
field working with youth. Our 4-day intensive
orientation prepares each staff member for the
summer. Staff members are required to be certified
in Standard First Aid and CPR and if necessary, hold additional
certifications for their respective program areas.
Is the pool heated?
At this time we rely on nature's way of heating a pool. The sun typically shines from first period
until the pool closes.
What happens when it rains?
We make every effort to keep to our regular schedule
and only go to the
Dew Day schedule in case of severe weather (plan
accordingly). Generally the children enjoy a
series of activities such as freeze dance, karaoke,
a talent show, cheers and songs, nature activities,
gimp and much more.
Do we spray for ticks?
The health district does not allow Camp Mahackeno to spray for ticks due to the close proximity of
the Saugutuck River. We highly recommend each camper be checked daily for ticks.
What type of facilities does Camp Mahackeno have?
30 acres of beautiful land Mahackeno has wonderful memories to offer.
Multi-sport court
Basketball courts
Sand volleyball
Outdoor amphitheater
Soccer fields
Softball fields
12 acre pond
Archery range
Fire Circles
6 lane outdoor swimming pool
Waterfront area with canoes
Playground
Nature Trails
Indoor program facilities
What type of activities does Camp Mahackeno offer?
Creative Camping
Arts and Crafts
Nature
Camp Crafts
Overnights (Rangers)
Camp Fires
Woodworking
Leathermaking
Athletics and Skills
Soccer
Badminton
Volleyball
Basketball
Tennis Baseball
Archery (3rd grade and up)
Teambuilding
Water Activities
Fishing
Canoeing
Swim Instruction
Free Swim
What does Mahackeno do to make every child feel welcome?
Camp Mahackeno Directors have an open house
May 17th, 2 - 4 pm where your camper can come
to meet some of our Unit Heads and become acclimated
to the campgrounds. Can't make the open house?
Self-guided tours are available by contacting
the camp office.
How do campers arrive to Camp Mahackeno?
Pick up and drop off at camp is a very busy time, therefore we recommend using the bus service. We have
two bus routes that make 3 stops each in the morning and the evening. You may sign up for either one way
or round trip transportation. Buses arrive at camp at approximately 9:00 am and leave camp at 4:30pm.
Shawnee and Mohegan bus campers are supervised and play games until the 4:30 all camp dismissal. Buses
have staff monitors for proper supervision.
If you choose not to take the bus service, dismissal
is via Sunny Lane and begins at 3:45pm for Shawnee
and Mohegan's and 4:15 for Lakota, Cayuga, Apache
and Ranger.
How can I get more information about Camp?
You may contact our camp office at 226-8981 (winter)
and 226-4221 (summer), or download our registration
form via this website.
Are boys and girls in the same group?
Yes, we try to put an even amount of boys and girls in a group. The campers are separated by birth date.
Who will take care of my child if they get sick or injured?
Camp Mahackeno has a registered nurse or EMT
on staff during the day. They are located in
Beck's Lodge. The registered nurse or EMT review each camper's medical
history and medications. Proper documentation is required for all campers
before they are allowed to start camp. All counselors are required to
attend CPR and First Aid courses prior to the beginning of camp.
What is the right reason to choose a camp?
The single most important word to keep in mind is QUALITY! This means quality of care; quality of
facilities; quality of staff, programs and instruction; and quality of the directors. Experienced
leadership is a key ingredient found in the best camps. People who care and who couple thoughtfulness
with expertise define excellence at Camp Mahackeno.
What is the Special Cares Program?
Our Special Cares program offers children with physical, emotional, 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. Ages range from 6-16.
What are family nights?
The second Thursday evening of each session (except
session 1 which will be on July 1st) campers
and staff host a family night program. Families can
bring a picnic dinner, meet the staff and participate
in the fun their children enjoy each day. Family
Night runs from 5:30-7:30, with the show beginning
at 6:30.
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