Beyond the Bug Spray: How the MetroWest YMCA Builds Community and Camp Leaders

Summer camp offers an enriching environment for kids to learn, explore, and have tons of fun with their friends. If you’re a parent who sends their children to camp, that excitement may come with reassurance that they’re in good hands. Understandably, you might be curious to know that every detail—from safety to fun—is taken into consideration as part of the camp experience.

“Kids only get so many summers,” says Steve Lockney, Associate Executive Director of Camping Services. “It’s our job to be ready and make it the best experience possible.”

If there’s anyone who truly understands the lasting impact of summer camp, it’s Steve, whose closest friends are the ones he made at camp when he was in junior high and high school. He knows firsthand that creating a memorable summer for kids goes beyond just fun activities; it takes careful consideration when selecting the right staff and preparing their training so they’re ready to show up every day.

Creating the Best Experience for Your Child: Our Thoughtful Staff Selection and Training Process

Staff Recruitment

Steve is part of our core team of camp directors and leaders, which combined have over 40 years of experience. Along with the rest of the team, he spends the off-season recruiting and training upwards of 150 counselors for our six summer day camps, with many returning from previous years.

When it comes to hiring, Steve’s all about setting clear expectations and finding people who are ready to dive into every camp activity—whether it’s leading a song or getting completely covered in gooey slime. He also asks questions like, “If I ran into one of your campers and asked what they remember most about you, what would you want them to say?” His goal is to help candidates think about the kind of lasting impression they want to leave on each child, long after the summer days have passed.

Training and Development

Every person on staff at the MetroWest YMCA summer camps receives training in areas such as mental health, child protection, communication, and relationship-building, which prepares them to show up every day for their campers and one another.

Mental Health and Well-Being

Mental health is a big part of our staff’s training process because staff must bring the best version of themselves to camp each day in order to support campers’ needs. Our team employs nationally renowned programs such as LEAD (Let's Empower, Advocate, and Do) and the American Camp Association's CampWell training to teach strategies on supporting campers in tough moments and knowing when to seek extra help.

Child Protection and Safety

Keeping every camper safe is our number one priority. During our all-staff training each year, counselors and leaders dive into important topics like bullying — what it looks like, how to spot the signs, and how to step in. They also learn that bullying can happen away from camp, especially if a camper is dealing with something like social media drama at home.

“You must watch carefully because all too often, a bully might act like they’re being friendly when they’re not,” Steve shares. “It’s not always just physical, and there are subtle things that staff need to be aware of and watch for."

In addition to this important focus on emotional safety, we prioritize physical safety through emergency training. All camp staff are trained in EpiPen administration, and our head counselors receive CPR and First Aid certification through the American Red Cross. Beyond that, staff receive specialized training from the Redwoods Group in areas such as Child Abuse Prevention, OSHA standards, and Safety Around Water. These annual trainings and certifications ensure that staff are prepared to handle any situation with confidence, compassion, and care.

Youth Development, Engagement, and Resilience

Every March, our camp leadership team heads to the New England Camp Conference hosted by the American Camp Association (ACA). It’s a great chance to network, share ideas, and get inspired by other camps from around the region.

This year, camp leadership came back energized with fresh ways to empower counselors, help campers build resilience, and foster community and belonging at camp. Hunter Baynes, Director of Y STEAM Camp, learned about a framework he could use for scheduling “camper choice” periods that would support camper autonomy while also managing camper behavior and energy. Bradley Stocklin, Middlers' Unit Director, Explorers and Bob White, learned techniques to effectively respond to campers' poor decisions and how to use play to redirect and build a sense of belonging. Brendan LeBlanc, Director of Ninja Sports Camp, learned how to teach counselors the skill of co-regulation to keep their energy where they need the campers' to be, which contributes to resilience. Soleil LeBlanc, our Juniors leader for Camp OCP, learned ways to carve out space and time for campers to "take a break" and nourish their mental health. These skills will be taught to the whole group during training week beginning on June 7.

Giving Children a Safe, Nurturing Space at Summer Camp

Creating a safe and welcoming camp environment comes down to building strong relationships and communication. Staff learn to be mindful of the way they communicate amongst themselves, sometimes using coded language to keep things respectful and running smoothly. They also learn how to speak with kids in a way that makes them feel comfortable and allows them to be their true selves.

In addition to building strong, lasting connections with campers, our staff works hard to adapt our programs to meet various needs. For instance, if a camper feels overwhelmed during a competitive game like Gaga Ball, we have a quiet space where they can take a break and decompress before jumping back into the fun. Similarly, if a child is nervous about thunder during a storm, we provide headphones to help them feel more at ease. These thoughtful adjustments are part of our commitment to making sure every child feels seen, supported, and included. For campers who may require additional support, our Inclusion Team is able to work with parents and staff to build an individual plan.

Related: How the MetroWest YMCA Summer Camp Fosters a Diverse, Inclusive Environment

The Lasting Impact of Summer Camp

Our camp staff and leadership team are always learning and evolving to make sure that every child who attends our summer camp has an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s discovering a hidden talent, forging lasting friendships, or stepping outside their comfort zone, we believe that every camper deserves to feel supported and encouraged every step of the way. By prioritizing the well-being of each child and continuously improving our approach, we aim to create a safe, inclusive environment where kids can thrive.