YMCA Camp Hi-Rock
A Branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA

Camp with Character, Programs with Purpose since 1948

Activities at YMCA Camp Hi-Rock
Click on the links below to read more about these activities, or to see photos from previous summers.

Please note:
*Campers must be blue- or green-level swimmers to participate in wakeboarding, waterskiing, sailing, or kayaking.
** Campers must be green-level swimmers to participate in advanced swimming, windsurfing, or snorkeling.

Click here to see photos of our many activities!

Our Program Philosophy

Programs are vital to any summer camp. At Hi-Rock, we offer a diverse and creative series of programs to excite, stimulate and educate your child. Our programs are not conceived "by the book." Rather, we are flexible, and view each class as a group with certain abilities - we teach to the level of the campers, taking them as far as they can go. Our focus is on challenging each child and helping them grow, while showing them how to support each other. YMCA Camp Hi-Rock uses its diverse programming to explore individual values while reinforcing the four principle YMCA character values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Our programs are as varied as the interests of our campers. We have fine arts programs including dance, drama, creative writing, arts and crafts, and web journalism. Hi-Rock's many waterfront activities include water-skiing, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, boating, kayaking, and fishing. For campers more into land sports and activities, we have soccer, basketball, volleyball, flag football, softball, archery, BB guns, tennis, rugby, hiking, camping, and other activities. A large high ropes course, a climbing tower, and a low ropes course offer outlets for new and challenging physical activities.
YMCA Camp Hi-Rock is a very traditional camp in that we introduce your child to a wide variety of activities. These experiences become starting points, exposing kids to new activities which parents can help them pursue when they return home. We also have all the traditional activities you would expect to find in a summer camp. We sing at campfires, play Capture The Flag, have special weekend programs and theme days, and have meaningful traditions like our Candlelight and Key Log Ceremonies.

Swimming

The YMCA teaches a structured progressive swim program which is followed at camp. The program accommodates everyone from the non-swimmer to the competent swimmer. Our objective is to motivate all levels of swimmers to improve their skills and become more comfortable in the water while enjoying themselves at the same time. We have well-trained, competent swim instructors who will make swimming lessons both fun and effective.
Our policy is that all campers who test below an advanced level will take swim lessons. Advanced swim and competitive swim classes for advanced swimmers are offered as optional choices. Parents may sign a waiver when checking in their child if they prefer that their child not take swim lessons or if they prefer that their child opt out of all water activities. Please note that enrollment in many waterfront activities is restricted according to swimming proficiency for safety reasons.

Each camper is given a swim test upon arrival at camp to assess his/her swim level. Swim level requirements are listed below (one length = 17 yards):

Remember, swimming in a lake is different from swimming in a pool. It is not uncommon for campers to test differently than expected because of this. Please do not set your camper's expectations before he/she comes to camp.

Waterskiing and Wakeboarding

For those who pass an intermediate swim test, waterskiing instruction on all levels is available. Waterskiing and wakeboarding is available at an additional charge, as outlined in the registration materials. Interested campers should pre-register and pay for waterskiing in advance, since classes fill up quickly and may not be available upon arrival at camp. Advance payment will reserve a spot in the waterski course for your child. Our waterski week consists of taking your camper for 2 1/2 laps around our 90-acre lake each day during a 5-day week. In the case of uncooperative weather or other qualifying circumstances, prorated refunds will be issued.

Target Sports

Air riflery (BB guns) and archery are offered to campers by our staff, who are trained in safe and certified policies and procedures. YMCA Camp Hi-Rock has decided not to offer .22 caliber riflery due to concerns for safety and philosophical reasons. At YMCA Camp Hi-Rock, safety is paramount, and is the dominant message of these programs.

Other Activity Information

On Sundays before the start of the week, counselors and staff will review coaching periods to be offered that coming week, and campers will sign up for the four coaching periods they wish to take. We will do our best to help campers get at least two of their most desired coaching periods each two-week session. The coaching periods offered each week vary, depending on our staff's skills and on camper interest. Not all coaching periods are offered every session.

If there is an activity in which you or your camper is extremely interested (whether or not it is listed above), please feel free to notify our staff in advance to see if special accommodations can be arranged.

With the exception of the waterfront, close-toed shoes or sneakers are required at all times. Flip-flops may only be worn in the cabin, shower house, and on the waterfront.

Visit the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA,
an Activate America YMCA

Welcome! We hope you will spend some time exploring our website. Camper forms and staff forms are available for downloading. We welcome any comments or questions you may have.
Emails can be sent to info@camphirock.org
We add new materials often, so please bookmark us and check back soon!

This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.