Every August, our team at SSYMCA Camp Burgess & Hayward in Sandwich welcomes children from Amazing Grace Cape Cod for a meaningful week of Y camp. Amazing Grace Cape Cod is an organization that provides a series of cost-free programs for children with an incarcerated family member.
“Many of these children have been bullied and ostracized by their peers, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, and grief,” shared our partners at Amazing Grace. “Statistics tell us that children of incarcerated parents are six times more likely to become incarcerated in their lifetime. Access to stable, caring, adult role models help kids avoid the intergenerational cycle of incarceration.” Amazing Grace’s mission is to break the cycle of family incarceration by nurturing positive futures for children and their families.
“Amazing Grace is a second home sort of thing because everyone there is so kind. No one judges one another,” shared Jaiden, one of the participating campers.
During this special week at Y Camp Burgess & Hayward, the children are surrounded by caring adults, dedicated to creating the best possible experience. Campers are paired with two SSYMCA camp counselors and several volunteer mentors who guide campers through their week, building life-changing memories along the way.
Throughout the week, campers enjoy a wide variety of camp activities, including meeting the farm animals at the Burgess Farm, building forts in the woods, and conquering fears on the high ropes course, ending with a zipline through camp. Campers spend hours at the waterfront each day, swimming, canoeing, and jumping on the water trampoline. Evenings are filled with campfires, night hikes, and the all-time favorite, Y Camp Burgess & Hayward’s game of “Capture the Lantern.” This is a week for the kids to have fun with their peers, surrounded by positive role models.
"From helping at the farm to simply singing songs in the dining hall, the joy that these campers show in each and every activity is unparalleled," shared Bruce Netherwood, the South Shore YMCA's Vice President of Camping Services. "And, it reminds us just how impactful our programs are, and how critical it is that camp remains accessible to all."
“Camp helps us feel less alone about things we have gone through,” says camper Apallo. “It’s a lot of fun. Every year we get super excited to go on the zipline and jump on the water trampoline. But, personally, my favorite part is at the end of the day when we sit down at the campfire and sing, or even just have a chance to talk.”
We’re thankful for ten years of camp experiences with Amazing Grace here at SSYMCA Camp Burgess & Hayward, and we look forward to welcoming them back to camp this summer.
