This week will be a good old fashioned summer camp to allow for the counselors and new campers to get used to the hustle and bustle of summer camp. This week will have all the classics that make summer camp, including Smores, Swimming, and friendship bracelets.
June 23
SESSION 1 BEGINS
June 26
DJ LUNCH
June 27
SESSION 1 ENDS
Bead Ceremony
This week will focus on the outdoors and how to not only have fun outside, but also how to protect the environment. This week will include fun crafts using recycled materials as well as be the first week for our annual camp Watchaug garden. This week will end with a special guest appearance from the Denison Pequot Nature Center
June 30
SESSION 2 BEGINS
CIT’s ARRIVE
July 3
SESSION 2 ENDS
DJ LUNCH
July 4
NO CAMP!
A rogue counselor has unleashed spirits upon Camp Watchaug turning it into the spookiest camp in Rhode Island. Dress up for Halloween in July as we find clues and work together to solve the mystery of the Camp Watchaug ghosts. This week will be a light and playful Mystery/ghost theme with Halloween themed hijinks throughout the week.
July 7
SESSION 3 BEGINS
July 10
DJ LUNCH
July 11
SESSION 3 ENDS
Bead Ceremony
Tribes decorate their torch and name their tribe. Then they compete to win points for their team, find secret advantages, and stay off Redemption Island.
July 14
SESSION 4
BEGINS
July 17
DJ LUNCH
July 18
SESSION 4 ENDS
Bead Ceremony
Grab your map and your sense of adventure for this action-packed week at camp where we will have our annual swim across the pond, as well as our gold rush day.
July 14
SESSION 4
BEGINS
July 17
DJ LUNCH
July 18
SESSION 4 ENDS
Bead Ceremony
This week will be a blast to the past. The future as campers will dress up in the decade of their choice as we work together to get back to the present time.
July 28
SESSION 6 BEGINS
July 31
DJ LUNCH
August 1
SESSION 6 ENDS
Bead Ceremony
It is time to represent for your Country as camp Watchaug goes to the Olympics. Campers will compete in a wide array of games throughout the week to win the gold and have all the bragging rights a camper could ask for. Expect spirited costumes and high competition for this week.
August 4
SESSION 7 BEGINS
August 7
DJ LUNCH
August 8
SESSION 7 ENDS
Bead Ceremony
Bring out the popcorn and Dels because it is time for the annual penny carnival, where kids will run and enjoy carnival games they created! Campers will work together to build a carnival game and run the stand, collecting pennies and handing out prizes to those skilled enough to beat their game
August 11
SESSION 8 BEGINS
August 14
DJ LUNCH
August 15
SESSION 8 ENDS
Bead Ceremony
Immerse campers in an out-of-this-world experience, where they must work together to defend their camp against an alien takeover, including activities like decoding alien messages, participating in strategic “invasion” games, learning about space exploration, and even creating their own alien species through art and storytelling.
August 18
SESSION 9 BEGINS
August 21
DJ LUNCH
August 22
SESSION 9 ENDS
Bead Ceremony
Injoy this new favorite at Watchaug. A fun filled week of team spirit, competitions and our color run which involves an explosion color.
August 25
SESSION 10 BEGINS
August 28
DJ LUNCH
August 29
SESSION 10 ENDS
Bead Ceremony
In 1948 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.
Toni’s Kids is an integration initiative designed to provide support for children with diverse emotional, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. This program allows participants to engage with typically developing peers in Y programs and activities at Camp Watchaug as well as our Westerly-Pawcatuck Branch.
At Camp Watchaug, these campers will receive the support of specialized staff so they can participate in all regular activities and learn the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility with fellow campers. The Toni’s Kids Initiative enhances mutual respect among individuals of all abilities and helps every camper establish positive relationships and build lifelong social skills.
To see if your child qualifies for Toni’s Kids, please contact Dori McGovern, Inclusion Director, at dmcgovern@oceancommunityymca.org
Thank you to all of our Toni’s Kids supporters including;
The Fogarty Foundation
Rhode Island Foundation
The Liguori Family
Our YCares Financial Assistance program provides aid to those in need and ensures that no one is turned away for the inability to pay. YCares offers children, teens, adults and families the opportunity to benefit from Y programs and services that they otherwise could not afford. Every year, thousands of individuals and families participate in Y programs and services through our financial assistance program. If you are interested in obtaining financial assistance to participate in our Y programs, please click the button below.
Jasmine began training as a Fitness Specialist in 1983, gaining 40 years of experience. She has created diverse programs using equipment like weights, bands, machines, and paddle boards. She enjoys focusing on exploring the science of recovery and practical modality instruction.
Areas of Strength: Applying fitness exercises in a variety of gym, spa, and outdoor environments. Aerobic Dance, Barre, Sunrise Yoga, Kids Camp Paddle Fit Training, Weight Training, Aqua Classes, Pilates
Maryann, a longtime YMCA member from Ledyard, CT, has a lifelong passion for health and fitness, starting with high school sports and long-distance running. She now focuses on helping others improve mobility, strength, and balance through foundational fitness, and is committed to continuous learning and growth.
Athletes centric training, sports specific training, advanced lifting technique and programming, breaking bad habits, and pushing through plateaus. “You’ll never be bored and you are always guaranteed a big smile!”
Laurie became a personal trainer to share the benefits of functional movement, focusing on mobility, stability, and balance for better overall movement. She believes everyone can improve fitness and resilience, regardless of age or ability.
Incorporating screening and corrective exercise programming into workouts. Focus on balance, agility training, core and glute control, active aging.
Health & Wellness Director at OCY Naik Family Branch, is a lifelong athlete, dancer, and U.S. Army veteran. With a background in military training and bodybuilding, she believes physical discipline supports balance in work, family, and healthy living.
Provide corrective exercises and fascial network support tailored to each client’s fitness level, promoting a holistic approach to mental and physical balance. “Find your OWN healthy balance in life!”
Janek is a passionate personal trainer at the YMCA. With a love for fitness and a dedication to helping others, Janek is committed to guiding members to achieve their goals. Whether it’s building strength, improving endurance, losing weight, or reaching new milestones, he is there every step of the way. Get ready to be motivated and inspired!
Friendly and easy to approach and connects well with clients of all ages. “Your HEALTH is your WEALTH!”
Heather is an avid gardener and poetry and fiction writer who has worked for the YMCA for 8 years. Her experience teaching the basics with great form will build a foundation for excellent results.
Works well with all ages and fitness levels while specializing in dynamic stretching and strengthening.
Landon volunteers with the Westerly Fire Dept. In his own training, Landon prioritizes the development of barbell movements paired with complimentary Isolation exercises. Landon is going to put you as the client and your goals first.
Improve strength while teaching fundamental movement patterns.
“With awareness and commitment, your goal is never out of reach.”
Jim is a US Marine Corps veteran, dog lover, and retired RI Police Officer. Jim was a defensive tactics instructor on the dive team and assisted the RI Police Academy with physical fitness assessments while on the police force. NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) d personal trainer
Emphatic outlook towards clients with in-depth effort to ensure the most progress in each clients goals.
“If you are looking for someone that believes in the golden rule of quality service (I give the quality service that | would like to receive) then | am the coach for you”
Amy is a retired military officer and navy pilot. Amy has expertise meeting the unique training needs of women, retirees, and cancer survivors. Amy’s passionate about creating a positive, safe & motivating space where individuals can pursue their personal fitness goals
Areas of Strength: YMCA‘s “Women on Weights,” “Livestrong” programs, and is a Livestrong Coach
“Define Your Own Strong–Your Best Workout Starts Today!”
Cameron is our full-time Fitness Coordinator. While working for the YMCA for 3 years, he has become very confident in his ability to listen to and understand the needs of clients and implement the proper program. He is commended for his extensive knowledge of the fitness floor and his easy-going attitude while helping clients to meet their goals.
Connects well with all different types of clients from youth to seniors, demonstrated by his coaching of the youth/teen strength and conditioning classes, Punch Back @Parkinsons Instructor
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
Ethan, a Team USA athlete and 9x world games medalist, is also Stonington’s Deputy Harbormaster. A former U.S. Naval Academy rowing captain and wilderness ranger with the National Park Service, he offers training for goals like hiking the AT, preparing for sports, military service, or marathons
Athlete-centric training, sports-specific training, advanced lifting technique and programming, breaking bad habits and pushing through plateaus.
“It’s supposed to be hard. If it were easy, everyone would do it.”
As a competitive soccer player in Mexico City, Gerardo developed a passion for lifelong wellness and total life fitness—both mentally and physically. He studied Communications and is fluent in Spanish, Italian, and English.
Body core strengthening, functional body weight training, and balance-stability focus especially for seniors
Helen is a triathlete, marathon runner, author, wife, and mother of two. As a Wellness Coach and Personal Trainer, she helps women achieve health goals across 10 life areas, offering personalized nutrition and workout plans for overall wellness.
Strength, nutrition, running, flexibility, LIVESTRONG Instructor
“Anything is possible!”
Anna has 34 years of experience in fitness and is a military spouse, has moved 17 times in 40+ years of marriage. A mother and grandmother, she’s patient and dedicated to helping clients reach their fitness goals. Friendly and approachable, she enjoys sharing healthy habits.
Strength training, women’s programs, cancer survivors, and clients with Parkinson’s. She’s a former WBFF and NPC bodybuilding competitor.
Originally from New Hampshire, Brennan is a former Division 3 basketball player with a degree in sports management. He emphasizes the importance of balancing fitness with daily life to help you thrive and feel your best at any age.
Trigger point therapy, corrective exercises, weight loss, strength training, TRX, Golf & Basketball
“It’s not just fitness, it’s a lifestyle.”
Providing support to current levels of fitness to recovering from surgery, a long bout of inactivity or looking to progress to the next level of fitness.
“My greatest joys are to help my clients discover or rediscover their personal strength, flexibility, range of motion and endurance capabilities waiting to be realized!”