Our Camper Experience
Any child, ages 8-11 years at the time of the annual camp experience, who has been impacted by a family member’s incarceration, is eligible. Fill in our online form, and we will contact you to answer your questions and help you get started in participating in our programs.
Date
Sunday, August 22, 2027 to Friday, August 27, 2027.
Location
Amazing Grace's camp experience is offered through in collaboration with South Shore's YMCA Camp Burgess which has over 300 acres of forest and meadows and is located on beautiful Spectacle Pond.
Camp Burgess
75 Stowe Road
Sandwich, MA 02563
Youth Ages 8-11
Amazing Grace 1 (AG1) is a week-long, residential, camp experience where youth swim, play outdoor games, do arts and crafts, work with farm animals, try out the low and high rope courses, hike in the woods, go boating, and much more under the supervision of trained counselors from the YMCA, and volunteer mentors from across the Cape. At night, we will gather around a campfire to sing and hear and tell stories. As we work and play together, we will remember how each of us is special-treasured and beloved.
Youth Ages 12-15
Amazing Grace 2 (AG2) is a camp experience for children who have participated in AG1. It is offered at Camp Burgess the same week as AG1. In addition to fun activities like those shared in AG1, AG2 adds leadership development and service opportunities.
Youth Age 16
AG Mentor-in-Training (MIT) began in 2020, when one of the youth from our inaugural summer turned 16 and wanted to become an MIT. Since then, eight AG Kids have started the transition from camper to mentor. This program provides leadership development to enable our young people to be mentors for the younger participants under the guidance of our seasoned mentors and YMCA counselors.
Youth Age 17
Junior Mentors is our program for AG kids who have received the MIT training. These young adults are paired with AG1 Mentors to provide peer leadership.
Young Adults Age 18+
Since 2023, some of our AG kids have joined our ranks as mentors and continue to return to Amazing Grace to participate in our camp experience and year round activities. This provides our AG Kids to stay connected with the AG community throughout their lifespan and to be role models for our newest Amazing Grace kids.
FAQs
What will the children do?
The children will have an amazing experience that includes water activities (swimming, canoeing and more); creative arts (drawing, painting, and crafts); high and low ropes courses, pick-up sports (basketball, volleyball, tetherball); gaga ball (a fast paced dodgeball-like game played in a pit); music (guitar, singing around the campfire); exploring nature; learning about farm animals (rabbits, goats, chickens); and other outdoor activities.
How much does it cost?
All of the campers' expenses will be provided. There is no cost to the camper or the family, and all campers will receive necessary supplies. There is no obligation to the family.
Where will the campers eat and sleep?
A modern food hall provides large nutritious meals for all campers and can accommodate most dietary needs if indicated on . Separate boys' and girls’ tents provide safe, dry and adventurous quarters for the children. Mentors are with the children throughout the day during morning, afternoon, and overnight shifts. Two mentors are in the tent with the children overnight.
Camper Application
Ready to apply?
We will contact you when we receive your application to set up a meeting and answer any questions. If you need help filling out our application, please contact us.