Camp Watchaug

YMCA Camp Watchaug will not open in 2020 due to the pandemic.

We will miss you in 2020, but can’t wait for 2021!

Thank your for your interest in YMCA Camp Watchaug! YMCA Camp Watchaug is a 30 acre premier Day Camp on Watchaug Pond. Camp is more than making new friends and trying new activities. At Camp Watchaug we also focus on intentionally offering opportunities for campers to develop 21st Century skills. Campers are having so much fun, they don’t realize they are learning important life skills along with swimming, boating, archery, climbing and much more!

Camp Watchaug is a place where your child will play, learn and thrive!

Join us and make summer memories for a lifetime.

OPEN HOUSES

To learn more about YMCA Camp Watchaug, please join us for an Open House!

2021 Open House dates will be posted in the fall.

These are great opportunities to see the facilities, meet the Camp Director and hear about all that YMCA Camp Watchaug has to offer. If you can’t make an Open House, email the Camp Director or give her a call at 401-364-6535 to set up a personal tour at your convenience. Camp Watchaug Open House Photos click here

HISTORY

In the 1940’s YMCA Camp Watchaug was founded by the Westerly-Pawcatuck YMCA. The summer day camp was originally operated on the Burlingame State Park for several years. Graciously, a 30 acre waterfront property on Watchaug Pond was donated to the YMCA allowing the camp to run on its own grounds in 1948. This premier camp has gone from just 40 campers a day to serving over 300 per day. Since its inception, Camp Watchaug has served thousands of children, families and its surrounding community. We look forward to offering this valuable outdoor experience to the next generation of campers this summer. Become a part of the Watchaug Legacy today by learning more about our programs, enrolling your camper or joining our staff.

FACILITIES

In addition to 35 acres of woods, Camp Watchaug is home to:

Main Lodge

Completely remodeled in 2011. Includes the Camp Office, spacious meeting and rainy day indoor space, fire-place, bathrooms and changing rooms. Not to mention an outdoor deck overlooking Watchaug Pond.

Arts & Crafts Center

Creativity abounds in this indoor area where campers travel at least once a week to see what amazing project the Arts & Crafts Director has planned for them.

Nature & Science Building

Most of our nature activities take place in the great outdoors. However, we also have informative displays and activities for rainy days that take place here.

Hummingbird House

Our youngest campers have their own space to play, learn and have fun.

Waterfront

Located right on Watchaug Pond, our H swimming dock, boating dock, water trampoline & playscape, sandy beach, sand volleyball court and boathouse all contribute to providing a FUN, safe waterfront experience for all!

Amphitheater

Where we gather at the beginning and end of each day to sing songs, see skits and hear important announcements.

Archery, Low Ropes Course, High Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, Giant Swing and Zip Line

These all are part of “upper camp” where campers learn new skills and develop confidence through our “challenge by choice” programs in which counselors encourage campers to try new activities and step out of their comfort zones.