Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What number do we call if our child will be absent?
A:( 508)869-0586 or (508)869 6171
Q: Can my child be placed in a group with a friend?
A: With all 200+ children we serve, we do our best to arrange it so that friends may be with friends. Children must, however, have finished the same grade to be placed together.
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: Children are divided and sent to different areas of camp. Aprox. 30 Children are sent to the boathouse, 30 to the Pavilion, 30 to the Lodge, 20 to A&C, and 15 each to the 4 Tents.
Q: What is the ratio of staff to campers?
A: The Staff to Camper ratio is 1:5. The counselor to camper ratio is 1:6-1:10 depending on the age of the group.
Q: Who are the staff?
A: The Staff of Camp Harrington are from a variety of places. All Sr. Counselor/Staff are High School Graduates. Our Jr. Counselors are 15-17 and volunteer their services for the summer. Our Specialists (Archery/Nature, Ropes, Climbing Wall, Arts and Crafts, Leader Directors, and Waterfront) all have certifications and/or relevant experience that meets MA State Standards. 85% of Staff are certified in CPR/FA.
Q: Who are the campers?
A: Camp Harrington is a Coed 200+ camper Day Camp. Children range in age from 5-14. Children must have completed K to attend camp.
Q: What is the Camp's tax ID #? I need it for my taxes.
A: 04-2105885
Q: Is YMCA Camp Harrington on Facebook and Twitter?
A: We are on both. Here's our Facebook page, and here's our Twitter page.
Programing
- Campers will swim, play games, do crafts and be outside for most of the day.
- Campers should bring a lunch, sneakers, swimsuit and towel daily.
- On Thursdays Camp sells pizza, drinks and chips for lunch.
Staffing
- Harrington employs about 100 seasonal summer staff, at least 70 of whom are 18 years or older.
- Harrington has a 90% return rate for staff from previous summers.
- Harrington staff are trained in sports, games child development, emergency procedures, behavior management, child abuse prevention, first aid and CPR.
- Harrington staff go through a complete criminal background check (including juvenile records), a sexual offense check, a social security check, 4 reference checks and over 25 hours of pre-camp training.
- Harrington Junior Counselors (15-16 year olds) are graduates of our Leadership Program and get additional training in water safety and specialty areas at camp.
Registration
- Harrington begins registration on February 1st and returning camper paperwork is mail merged and sent by 2/15.
- Harrington offers FREE busing service to and from camp, from numerous areas in Worcester, West Boylston, Shrewsbury, Westboro and Northboro.
- Harrington offers weekly, daily, full day and ½ day options for its families. Harrington does allow your camper to be grouped with friends if age appropriate.
- Yes, Harrington can fill up and registration is 1st come 1st serve.
Safety
- Harrington maintains strict ratios for campers to staff to ensure safety and maximize fun. (1:6 ratio for all campers)
- Harrington requires photo identification at pick up to ensure daily campers are going home with authorized pick-ups.
- Campers are swim tested to determine their ability to swim in dark water and their swim area placement.
- All Campers wear life jackets when canoeing.
- Harrington trains all staff in emergency procedures and has a health care supervisor on site and Dr. Richard Bream is a camp doctor and on call at all times (local EMS services are also within 2 minutes of camp)
