It may be the middle of winter, but at the Lynch/van Otterloo Y we have our sights set on summer. We are so excited for camp, which means warm days, fun with friends, trying new things and outdoor adventures. With special day programs onsite at our Leggs Hill Road location and the most unique summer camp experience on our very own Children’s Island off the coast of Marblehead, the Y has opportunities for all children to have an incredible summer making memories that will last a lifetime.
At Y summer camp, your child will learn new skills, gain confidence, stay active and have fun.

Our camps offer children positive developmental experiences that build confidence through skill-building activities suited to their age. Campers can explore creativity, teamwork and leadership in a wide range of physically active programs that influence positive lifelong skills. Whatever interest your child has, there is a Y camp for them.
Last summer, our Y provided summer camp experiences for more than 3,500 children over the course of 10 weeks. We are proud to ensure that every child feels a sense of belonging and achievement. Our summer camp staff is trained to deliver the highest quality camp experience.
In addition, all our summer camps are licensed by the Department of Public Health to ensure health and safety protocols are followed.
General registration opens to the community on Monday, January 23, at 10:00 a.m. Special early summer camp registration is open now for Y family members and families enrolled in Y childcare programs. Choose your adventure at these Y camps:
Children’s Island Day Camp (ages 5-15) Experience the magic of Children’s Island, a beautiful ocean oasis in Marblehead Harbor. Campers take the 15-minute Hannah Glover ferry ride from State Street Landing to the island each day. The stunning, rustic island setting offers unique opportunities to explore the seacoast while swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. The art barn is stocked with arts-and-crafts activities. There are also a saltwater pool, sports, Gaga pit and more.
Seal Pups: Our youngest island campers (ages 5-6)
Seal Pup campers can explore the island, swim in the pool, treasure hunt on our beaches, play sports on the field and get a great introduction to a traditional outdoor camp.
Rangers Camp (ages 8-15)
This longstanding island tradition dates back to the first days on the island when campers learned to appreciate the nature, wildlife and beauty of Children’s Island through exploration and skill-building in the outdoors.
Counselor in Training or CIT (ages 14-15)
Fun is built in with camp counselor shadowing, operating the camp store, swimming and CIT-exclusive activities that take advantage of everything the island camp has to offer.
Looking for camp onsite at the Y, 40 Leggs Hill Road in Marblehead? Check out:
Gymnastics Camp (ages 5-12) With offerings for all skill levels, beginner gymnasts and competitive athletes can hone their skills while also enjoying outdoor activities, pool time and arts and crafts.
Sports Camp (ages 5-12). Athletes and enthusiasts of all levels have many options to choose from, including Sports Mania, Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, and Wrestling camps.
Day Camp at the Lynch/van Otterloo Y (ages 5-12) This traditional day camp offers theme weeks and fun activities for campers using all the Y’s amenities, including outdoor water park, indoor pools, sports fields and gymnasium.
For registration details or questions, contact Camp Registrar Sara Marshall at marshalls@northshoreymca.org.
The Y offers meaningful membership where you can share in a mission to strengthen the community. Not a member? Take a tour and see all the wonderful things available at your Y. Reach out to Jane Rizza at rizzaj@northshoreymca.org.
About the YMCA
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For more than 160 years, the YMCA of the North Shore has been the foundation of the community. It serves more than 40,000 members and program participants in 25 cities and towns across the North Shore and in Southern New Hampshire.