Dining Hall Exterior at Camp Frank A. Day Dining Hall Exterior at Camp Frank A. Day

Giving a capital gift is a powerful opportunity for those who wish to support the bricks and mortar that enables us to make a sustainable impact on children, families, and active older adults. We are stewards of our properties in Newton, Wayland, and East Brookfield and remain committed to improving them to benefit generations to come.

Give a Capital Gift

A Place for Discovery

Capital Campaign

The West Suburban YMCA has served residents of Newton and surrounding communities for the last 140 years. Among the many life-changing programs offered through the Y, our four summer camps form our largest and most impactful youth development program. 

Understanding the importance that the physical environment has on our campers’ experiences, the time has come to reinvest in all four of our properties. The Place for Discovery capital campaign will allow us to ensure the quality of our buildings and properties match the unforgettable quality of our programs at our camps.

A Place for Discovery

Camp Chickami

Where Magical Moments Last A Lifetime

Camp Chickami’s huge success has created challenges. Most of our facilities were built in 1963 or even much earlier and were designed to serve half as many kids as we serve today. Thanks to a great staff and lots of creative thinking, we make magical moments despite our limitations. But we can do even more. It’s time to ensure that our campers have amazing experiences well into the future. And we look to you to help us make that happen.

 

PHASE 2: MORE ROOM TO LEARN AND SPLASH: NEW AQUATICS COMPLEX 

Now that we have met the need of additional indoor space, we will begin Phase 2 of our project to improve our aquatics facilities. 

Campers jumping into the pool at Chickami
  • Larger Pool: Our current pool was built for a previous generation and can no longer accommodate the growing number of campers. A new, larger pool will provide more time for lessons and recreational swimming by allowing us to serve more campers at once.  
  • Larger Locker Room Facility. The current locker rooms are outdated and too small for our growing camp. Our new, modern facility will more comfortably accommodate campers and staff. 
  • Splash Pad. We’ll add a new form of magic that provides more old-fashioned fun in a 21st century way. A splash pad is perfect for kids of all swimming abilities and will allow them to stay cool in the summer heat.

 

PHASE 1 IS COMPLETE: MORE SPACE, MORE MAGIC: NEW MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING AND RECREATION CENTER

View of Loch Lodge at Camp Chickami

We are proud to have completed construction on two new buildings to address the need for more indoor space, especially on rainy days. Loch Lodge, named in honor of Jim “Loch” Lochiatto, provides increased space for innovative programming, an updated Nurse’s Care Center with running water, and offices for our growing staff. This year-round facility can welcome more children and community partners to experience the magic of Chickami. This is coupled with an all-weather, protective shelter covering a full basketball court, to be used for a range of recreational activities.

GIVING LEVELS

Gifts of all sizes will add up to our success. Consider a multi-year gift or one of these other strategies to maximize your impact (click here).

NAMING AND RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITIES

Camp Frank A. Day

Camp Frank A. Day: Embracing Traditions & Building the Future

Two girls walking across a grassy field with their arms draped over each other

Amidst the crackling of campfires, Color War, plaque races and bugle calls, Camp Day has always been a place where kids can be themselves and make lasting connections and friendships. Children become part of a group at camp, sharing responsibilities and learning teamwork and integrity. When these same kids become counselors, they build the leadership skills that will change the communities in which they live and work. 

Now, it’s time for us to invest in the camp’s physical space in order to provide the environment that ensures generations of children become part of the cherished Camp Day family and develop into the character-driven leaders of tomorrow.

Camp Pikati

Camp Pikati at Church St: Our Community's Back Yard

A group of school-age kids run across a field laughing and smiling

The West Suburban YMCA provides a nurturing place for kids, families, and adults of all ages to stay active and have fun - right on Church Street in the heart of Newton Corner. 

Outdoor space has become the heartbeat of the Y in all seasons, as our community has searched for new ways to enjoy the outdoors in all weather. Flag football in snowpants, spin class under the tent, and personal training wearing a winter hat have become symbols of resilience and healthy living under difficult circumstances. As added benefit, these outdoor activities reduce strain on critical indoor space. 

Now, it’s time for us to invest in the facility in order to provide the environment that ensures all members in our community can practice healthy habits and build a foundation for a strong future, here in Newton’s backyard.

Contact

member photo

Sara Pollock DeMedeiros

Senior VP of Mission Advancement

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