Camp Wind-in-the-Pines is a summer day camp for school-aged children (6 to 13 years) located on Stiles Reservoir in Leicester. Each session is packed with themed activities, games, and projects, as well as traditional camp activities.

For the convenience of working parents, camp hours are 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The camp has an ample amount of sandy beach and lake front property with a boathouse and dock, several recreation halls, a ball field and nature trails. The bath house is equipped with private restrooms, showers and changing areas for campers.

Campers are divided into specific age groups and are instructed in areas that are developmentally appropriate. Each session is packed with themed activities, games, and projects, as well as traditional camp activities. Every session includes swim lessons, recreational swim, boating (8 years and older), arts and crafts, games, sports and literacy.

All camp counselors are trained and certified in CPR and First Aid, and meet the departments of Early Education and Care and Public Health requirements.

Camp Wind-in-the-Pines is licensed through the Town of Leicester Board of Health and complies with all regulations established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Camp Sessions:

• Session 1: June 23-27: Celebrating Me: Kick the summer off with a celebration of individuality. Create inspiring vision boards to set personal goals and engage in dynamic team-building games designed to foster connections and build a strong, supportive community.
• Session 2: June 30 – July 4 (closed July 4th): America’s Birthday: Celebrate America’s birthday with hands-on fun! Build a stomp rocket, explore patriotic symbols like Uncle Sam, and create your own Uncle Sam puppet. Join us for a session filled with creativity, learning, and patriotic spirit!
• Session 3: July 7-11: Introduction to Photography: Explore the basics of photography, from properly holding a camera to framing the perfect shot. They’ll learn key techniques like the rule of thirds and put their skills to the test. Each camper will print and frame their favorite photo as a keepsake from their creative journey!
• Session 4: July 14-18: Weird Science: Get ready for a wild week of hands-on experiments and discoveries! Campers will build and race boats in the rain gutter regatta, create color-changing slime and explore the magic of cyanotype printing. We’ll also dive into the fascinating science of sunflowers. It’s a week of curiosity, creativity, and fun!
• Session 5: July 21-25: Global Fun: Experience the rhythms, art, and games of different cultures! Campers will drum and dance along the Crocodile River, create beautiful Adinkra block prints, and learn to play Mancala before competing in a friendly tournament. Join us for a journey of music, creativity, and global fun!
• Session 6: July 28 – August 1: Survivor: Put your skills to the test in daily challenges that will push your teamwork, creativity, and endurance! Campers will compete in a dress-up relay, water bucket challenge, nature scavenger hunt, and even build edible campfires. Do you have what it takes to outplay and outlast? Join us for an action-packed adventure!
• Session 7: August 4-8: Sports: Get active and build your skills with No Excuse Produce as they lead fun soccer and basketball drills! Campers will sharpen their techniques, practice teamwork, and enjoy friendly competition. To top off the week, we’ll celebrate with a delicious s’mores treat on Friday!
• Session 8: August 11-15: Theater Week: Campers will be introduced to the world of theatre through games, character building, and skit development! The week will end with an all-camp showcase where everyone will present their characters and skits.
• Session 9: August 18-22: The Best of Camp: Celebrate the ultimate camp experience with a week full of favorite activities! Campers will get creative with tie-dye and enjoy a fun-filled Carnival Day with games, prizes, face painting, and a special snack. It’s the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable summer!

Camp Registration:

All summer camp registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please read the registration form carefully. A $30 non-refundable deposit per child per session is required unless paid in full. Balances for sessions 7-10 must be paid in full by July 1 of respective year.

NOTE: Camp registrations submitted online or by mail without payment are NOT guaranteed. To secure your camper’s spot, payment must be completed at the time of registration.

When clicking “Submit,” on the online form, please proceed with payment via PayPal. You have the option to pay as a guest without creating a PayPal account. Failure to complete payment may result in the loss of your camper’s reservation.

Register and pay online: Click here to register

Register and pay by mail: Camp registrations 2025 form

Mail completed registration form with payment to:

YWCA Central Massachusetts,
1 Salem Square, Worcester, MA 01608
Fax it: 508-754-0496

A confirmation packet with additional camp information and forms will be sent once your child’s registration is processed. To receive your confirmation packet via email, please be sure to print your email address on the registration form in the indicated area.

Scholarships:

The YWCA provides partial scholarship assistance through its summer camp scholarship program to prospective campers with financial need. The availability of scholarship funds is limited. If you meet the following qualifications you may be eligible:

• You work at least 30 hours a week
• You are a student and attend class at least five hours a day
• Or you are medically incapable of caring for your child.

Click here for more information and a Camp Scholarship Application.

Transportation:

Camp Wind-in-the-Pines provides parents with two locations for drop-off and pick-up:

YWCA Central Massachusetts, 1 Salem Square, Worcester (Additional transportation fee of $60/week for campers dropped off and picked up in Worcester)*

* NOTE: The actual cost of transportation is $90. The YWCA is able to reduce the cost thanks to private donations received.