YMCA Southcoast (YSC) has announced an expansion of their summer camp financial assistance program to support the working families of the SouthCoast. The Y is the nation’s leading provider of quality day camp experiences.

Along the Southcoast there are six YMCA Southcoast Day Camp locations. Camp Nep-In-Ne at the Gleason Family YMCA in Wareham, Camp Massasoit at the Mattapoisett YMCA in Mattapoisett, Camp Fredrick Douglas at the New Bedford YMCA in New Bedford, Camp Metacomet at the Dartmouth YMCA in Dartmouth, Camp Quequechan at the Fall River YMCA in Fall River, and Camp Swansea at the Stoico/FIRSTFED YMCA in Swansea.

“Providing financial assistance to families and individuals increases access to YSC’s life-enriching activities and programs which is the core of our Mission. The amount of financial assistance available has been budgeted to keep pace with the funds raised through YSC’s Annual Campaign. Year after year, the amount of financial assistance given has outpaced the amount raised, often two-fold” According to YMCA Southcoast President and CEO, James Scherer, “Recognizing the overwhelming need in our community, YSC has taken the bold step of expanding our financial assistance program in order to meet the needs of the working families in our community.”

The Y’s branch Executive Directors and Camp Directors are trained to qualify families through income verification and to minimize the amount of time the process requires. Effective immediately, YMCA SouthCoast will offer financial assistance for all 10 weeks of summer camp.

“YSC relies on the support of generous individuals, foundations and businesses who partner with us to provide opportunities for children and families who otherwise could not afford to participate in life-changing programs like summer camp.” shared Robyn Branco, Director of Mission Advancement, “the impact of a gift like that can be felt for generations.”

What families are saying:

“She had swim lessons everyday and quickly became more confident around water. I thought, if she made this much progress in swimming in just two weeks AND was having this much fun each day, there's really nowhere else I can send her that will do both of those things!” - K.P.

“Without financial assistance for summer camp, I have no idea how I could make it through the summer. I work and am attending graduate school to build a better life for my family.” - C.F.

“My son grew from a shy quiet kid into a confident boy who made wonderful friendships at the Y’s summer camps. I could not have afforded camp without financial assistance from the Y.” - S.C.