The week of June 16 marks the beginning of summer for the Y, because that is when over 40 counselors and nearly 150 youth begin their summer adventures at the YMCA.

Critter Camp (3-4-year-olds), Scamper Camp (children entering Kindergarten in the fall), Camp Knickerbocker, Y ARTS Music Theatre Camp and the YMCA’s Counselor (Leader) In Training programs all begin the week of June 16. Throughout the course of the summer, Adventure Camps, half-day camps, baseball, football and basketball camps as well as Y-Arts dance and creative art camps join the line up for a summer of fun, adventure and memory making.

New to Camp K this summer, but not to the Y, are Camp Knickerbocker Co-Directors Maddie Rideout and Tracey Hall. Both are currently in the interviewing process for camp counselors for all different age groups at Camp Knickerbocker including a camp nurse.

Y Aquatics Director Shane Pennington has staffed Camp K’s waterfront including the boating instruction programs. When parents drop off at Camp K this summer, they will be greeted by the camp co-directors as campers step out of their vehicles and will move along to their camp group.

No need to enter the camp office unless parents need to see the camp nurse. You will also find Tracey and Maddie out and about at Camp K. Little of their time will be spent in the camp office. You will find them each morning at flag pole leading the day’s ceremonies.

From there you will find them interacting with the campers and counselors on the sports field, in the woods, at the waterfront, on the archery range and at the playground, too. Their main goal this summer is to be active with all camp participants.

Y-Arts Music Theatre Camp is making a transition from spending the full two-week session at the Boothbay Playhouse as in years past to last summer’s first week at the Y Annex and second week at the Playhouse to this summer’s first week at Camp K in the newly renovated McEvoy Lodge to the second week at the Boothbay Playhouse. Many may not know the lodge has a stage and with the upcoming renovations being made, the Y-Arts Theatre Campers will also have daily access to swimming in Lake Knickerbocker and being part of the overall feel of summer camp.

Adventure Campers this summer can look forward to white water rafting (two weekly sessions are offered of this popular camp), Acadia National Park, Mt. Blue State Park, Island Hopping Camp, Forts & Beaches of Maine Camp & H20 Camp.

Our half day camps, which run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day with the option to add on Camp K in the afternoons, are designed for 7-12 year olds. Our tried and true Fishing and Digital Media Camps with Jonne Trees are coming back along with some new Half Day Camps, which include Wilderness Exploration Camp, Ocean Adventure Camp, Primitive Skills Camp, Planes, Trains and Boats Camp, Swimming and Boating Camp and Beach Vacation Camp.

We are offering three of our most popular summer sports camps: Football camp with BRHS Football Coach Bryan Dionne, baseball camp with former Minor League player Dale Plummer, and basketball camp with Coach I.J. Pinkham.

For youth ages 12-14 years of age who are ready for a summer of fun and a bit more responsibility, we offer our 10-week Counselor (Leader) In Training program.

Our YMCA’s C.I.T. program is the first step in a youth’s transition from a camper to a potential staff member. C.I.T.’s develop strong leadership skills through training, discussion, observation and practice. The skills they develop are directly applied in leadership opportunities throughout camp in supervised programs. Through mentorship and leadership of experienced camp counselors, the C.I.T.’s engage in new and traditional camp activities, build friendships and develop a positive work ethic.

Save the dates

Camp Clean Up Day (we are looking for volunteers): Saturday, May 31. To volunteer for a project such as raking, painting or planting, please email rmooney@brymca.org or call 207-633-2855 and ask for Rose.

Financial Assistance Application due: Friday, June 6.

Camp Payment Plan Dates: Began February 6 and goes through to September 30, 2014

Y-Arts Music Theatre Camp Performances: Fridays: June 27, July 11, August 1 and August 15.

New This Summer: Friday, July 25. Grill Party at Camp K for campers, their families and friends, Y counselors and staff and a welcome to our friends from our sister Y in Katwijk Holland who will just be arriving. Enjoy a cookout and refreshments as well as swimming and boating!

Camp Carnival: Thursday, August 7.