Welcome to YMCA Chesterfield Summer Camp, where adventure meets growth in the heart of New Hampshire’s stunning wilderness. For over three decades, our camp has transformed summer breaks into unforgettable journeys of discovery, friendship, and personal development. Nestled among towering pines and crystal-clear lakes, this dynamic summer program combines traditional camp excitement with innovative activities that challenge and inspire young minds.
Each day at our camp brings a perfect blend of structured activities and guided exploration, designed to nurture confidence, creativity, and character in campers aged 5-15. From early morning nature walks to evening campfire stories, every moment is carefully crafted to create lasting memories and meaningful connections. Our experienced counselors, many of whom were once campers themselves, bring passion and expertise to activities ranging from archery and swimming to arts and crafts and outdoor survival skills.
Whether your child is a first-time camper or a returning adventurer, YMCA Chesterfield Summer Camp provides the perfect environment for summer growth and excitement.
Camp Activities with a Musical Twist
Daily Camp Schedule
At YMCA Chesterfield Summer Camp, every day is thoughtfully structured to blend outdoor adventure with musical enrichment. The day kicks off at 8:30 AM with an energetic morning assembly featuring group songs and stretches. From 9:00 to 10:30 AM, campers participate in traditional camp activities like swimming, archery, or hiking through our scenic trails.
The late morning brings music-focused activities, including instrument exploration, vocal workshops, or drum circles from 10:45 AM to noon. After a social lunch break filled with camp songs, afternoons are split between outdoor sports and creative arts sessions. Between 1:30 and 3:30 PM, campers rotate through activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and music composition workshops.
The day wraps up with an all-camp gathering from 3:30 to 4:00 PM, where groups share their daily musical creations and participate in collaborative performances. Special events like talent shows and mini-concerts are scheduled throughout the week, giving campers opportunities to showcase their growing skills. This balanced schedule ensures every camper experiences the perfect harmony of outdoor adventure and musical discovery.
Special Music Workshop Sessions
At the heart of YMCA Chesterfield’s summer camp experience lies our engaging Special Music Workshop Sessions, where campers discover the joy of musical expression. Led by experienced music educators, these daily workshops introduce children to a diverse range of instruments, from guitars and drums to keyboards and traditional folk instruments.
Each session combines hands-on learning with creative exploration, allowing campers to try different instruments at their own pace. Whether your child is a complete beginner or has some musical background, our instructors adapt their teaching methods to suit individual skill levels. Small group settings ensure personal attention and create a supportive environment where young musicians can flourish.
Campers participate in fun music games, songwriting activities, and collaborative performances that build confidence and foster teamwork. These workshops culminate in an end-of-session showcase where families can witness their children’s musical progress. The program also includes special guest appearances by local musicians who share their expertise and inspire our young performers through interactive demonstrations and mini-concerts.
Through these engaging sessions, campers not only learn musical skills but also develop patience, discipline, and creative expression while making lasting friendships with fellow music enthusiasts.
The Perfect Outdoor Concert Setting
Nature’s Stage
Nestled within YMCA Chesterfield’s sprawling grounds, our natural amphitheater transforms into Chesterfield’s premier summer music venue, where the magic of music meets the serenity of nature. Tall pines create a natural acoustic canopy, while gently sloping hills form perfect viewing areas for young performers and audience members alike. The outdoor stage, set against a backdrop of rolling New Hampshire hills, offers an authentic performance experience that can’t be replicated indoors.
Our specially designed performance spaces include intimate woodland clearings for small ensemble practice, a lakeside pavilion for evening concerts, and multiple outdoor practice areas where campers can fine-tune their skills while surrounded by birdsong and gentle breezes. These natural venues not only enhance the musical experience but also help young performers develop a deeper connection with the environment, making every practice session and performance truly memorable.
Evening Campfire Performances
As the sun sets over the Chesterfield campgrounds, the magic of evening campfire performances begins. Every night, campers gather around the crackling flames for a cherished camp tradition that creates lifelong memories. Song leaders guide the group through classic camp songs, from silly tunes that get everyone laughing to heartfelt melodies that celebrate friendship and adventure.
Campers have the opportunity to showcase their own musical talents, whether it’s playing guitar, leading a group song, or sharing a special performance they’ve practiced during the day. The atmosphere is supportive and encouraging, making it the perfect setting for building confidence and discovering new talents.
These nightly gatherings often feature special themed performances, including folk music nights, cabin group showcases, and even staff musical performances that leave campers inspired. The evening concludes with the traditional YMCA camp songs that have been passed down through generations, creating a sense of belonging and community under the starlit New Hampshire sky.
Community Involvement and Special Events
Guest Artist Program
The YMCA Chesterfield Summer Camp proudly welcomes talented musicians and artists through our dynamic Guest Artist Program, adding an exciting musical dimension to traditional camp activities. Each week, campers have the opportunity to learn from professional musicians who share their passion and expertise through interactive workshops and performances. Similar to popular local artisan events, these sessions allow children to experience music-making firsthand.
Guest artists lead engaging workshops in songwriting, percussion, vocal techniques, and various musical instruments. Campers can participate in drum circles, join impromptu jam sessions, and even collaborate with visiting musicians to create their own original songs. These workshops are designed to be inclusive and fun, welcoming children of all skill levels and musical backgrounds.
The program culminates in a special end-of-session performance where campers showcase what they’ve learned alongside their guest mentors. This cherished tradition not only builds confidence but also creates lasting memories and potentially sparks lifelong musical interests in our young campers.
Family Concert Series
The YMCA Chesterfield Summer Camp proudly presents our Family Concert Series, a cherished weekend tradition that brings camp families together through the power of music. Every Saturday evening during the camp season, our amphitheater comes alive with performances featuring both campers and local musicians. These special community events create unforgettable moments where families can watch their young performers showcase their newly developed musical talents.
Pack a picnic blanket and join us from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for these magical evenings under the stars. Each concert features a unique theme, from folk music celebrations to rock band performances, reflecting the diverse musical experiences our campers enjoy throughout their stay. Parents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, snacks, and their enthusiasm to support our young musicians.
The series culminates in our grand finale performance during the last weekend of camp, where every camper participates in an extraordinary showcase of their summer achievements. Best of all, these family concerts are completely free for camp families and their guests.
Practical Information for Parents
Registration and Dates
Registration for YMCA Chesterfield Summer Camp opens on February 1st, with early bird discounts available through March 15th. Families can choose from six two-week sessions running from June through August, with flexible options for full-day (9 AM – 4 PM) or extended care (7 AM – 6 PM).
To secure your child’s spot, visit the Chesterfield YMCA website or stop by the main office to complete the registration forms. A non-refundable deposit of $50 per session is required, with the remaining balance due two weeks before your child’s session begins.
Available 2024 Summer Sessions:
– Session 1: June 10-21
– Session 2: June 24-July 5
– Session 3: July 8-19
– Session 4: July 22-August 2
– Session 5: August 5-16
– Session 6: August 19-30
YMCA members receive priority registration and special pricing. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through our Open Doors program. Space is limited to ensure quality programming, so early registration is strongly encouraged. Contact our camp director at (555) 123-4567 for more information or to schedule a tour.
What to Pack
To ensure your camper has the best experience at YMCA Chesterfield Summer Camp, pack these essential items:
Daily Basics:
– Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities
– Swimsuit and towel
– Closed-toe shoes for activities and water shoes for swimming
– Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and bug spray
– Reusable water bottle
– Rain jacket or poncho
– Hat or cap for sun protection
Music Festival Gear:
– Small camping chair or blanket for outdoor performances
– Earplugs for sensitive ears during concerts
– Small backpack for carrying personal items
– Battery-powered fan for hot days
Optional Items:
– Musical instrument (if participating in music workshops)
– Camera to capture memories
– Journal and pen
– Flashlight or headlamp
– Personal hygiene items
– Extra socks and underwear
Remember to label all items with your camper’s name. Please leave valuable electronics and jewelry at home. The camp provides all necessary equipment for scheduled activities, so focus on packing personal comfort items and weather-appropriate clothing.
Safety and Supervision
At YMCA Chesterfield Summer Camp, your child’s safety is our top priority. Our staff undergoes rigorous training and certification, including First Aid, CPR, and youth development practices. Each counselor completes a thorough background check and receives specialized training in emergency procedures and child supervision techniques.
We maintain an excellent counselor-to-camper ratio of 1:8 for younger campers and 1:10 for older groups, ensuring personalized attention and supervision throughout all activities. Our waterfront activities are overseen by certified lifeguards, and all adventure programs are led by specially trained instructors.
The camp grounds are regularly inspected and maintained to meet the highest safety standards, with secure check-in and check-out procedures in place. Our on-site health supervisor is available during camp hours to address any medical needs or concerns.
The YMCA Chesterfield Summer Camp offers an unparalleled blend of outdoor adventure and musical enrichment that sets it apart from traditional summer programs. Here, campers don’t just experience the joy of nature – they create their own soundtrack to summer memories through daily music activities, group performances, and collaborative artistic expression. Whether your child is a budding musician or simply loves to sing around the campfire, this unique program cultivates creativity while building confidence and lifelong friendships. The combination of expert music instruction, traditional camp activities, and the breathtaking natural setting of Chesterfield creates an enriching environment where young people can grow, learn, and discover their passion for both music and the great outdoors. It’s more than just a summer camp – it’s a transformative experience that harmoniously blends adventure, artistry, and personal growth.