We understand the connection between playing and learning. That is why all of the programs at YMCA Camp Ingersoll are designed to encourage children to make new friends, learn new skills and spend time with counselors who model the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Our goal is to ensure all campers have an opportunity to:
Develop self-confidence and self-respect
Grow as responsible members of their families and communities
Form good habits of health and physical fitness
Recognize the worth of all persons
Develop a sense of world-mindedness
Develop their capacities for leadership
Develop an interest in, a knowledge of, and respect for the natural world
All while having FUN!

We at YMCA Camp Oakasha are committed to inspire memorable experiences through a variety of fun and safe activities. We pledge that campers will be actively involved with peers in a positive and meaningful way. Along with our traditional camp program we are proud to offer a completely new set of specialty camp programs. Each program has been designed with an emphasis on participation, skill development, meeting new friends and of course fun!!

Porter's Summer Programs are for girls entering grades 7 through 10.

The Sarah Porter Leadership Institute Level 1 offers girls opportunities to learn, practice and hone the necessary skills to be a strong female leader. Each day, girls will encounter exciting challenges to facilitate their discovery of their personal leadership styles. Leadership activities will focus on problem solving, quick thinking, teamwork and trust. A panel on civic leadership teaches the value of social awareness, while incredible guest speakers, a self-defense class, community service and a visit to a ropes course provide forums for personal reflection and goal setting. The program provides a comprehensive experience addressing all areas of leadership, including compassion, courage, confidence and maturity.

Girls who have attended the Sarah Porter Leadership Institute Level 1 will gain more extensive leadership experience in the Sarah Porter Leadership Institute Level 2. Girls will practice the communication and conflict resolution strategies learned during their participation in the Sarah Porter Leadership Institute Level 1. The program includes an off campus two-night camping and white-water rafting trip with girls participating both as team members and leaders as they take the responsibility for setting up camp, preparing meals and completing projects that require the focused work of a team. They will continue to develop their leadership skills serving the larger community through service work in the Hartford area.

Porter's Junior Model U.N. is an exciting program designed to teach students about civics, current events, effective communication, and global perspectives through engaging and interactive lessons and exercises. The experience will involve on-campus sessions and speakers, and will culminate in a simulation of the United Nations. Participants will enjoy making new friends as they enhance their research, public speaking, policy writing, and collaborative skills in preparation of a two-day Model UN-style conference at Porter’s. Porter's Junior Model U.N. includes an exciting full-day trip to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, and students will leave the program with new passion for and knowledge about our dynamic and global world.

Miss Porter's School graduates leaders who have the ability to shape a changing world. In keeping with this tradition, Porter's Summer Sports Academy utilizes the athletic environment to assist in the development of tomorrow's leaders. The goal of Porter’s Summer Sports Academy is to create a safe and challenging environment for the female athlete that cultivates the development of the whole athlete. Through the utilization of state-of-the-art athletic facilities, instruction from some of the country's premier coaches, guest speakers, and special workshops, our participants can't help but grow as athletes and individuals. Having formed new and lasting friendships, they will depart as athletes who are technically cleaner and tactically more aware, ready to return to their teams with more confidence and a better understanding of the leadership role they can play to improve the overall team dynamic.

For more information, please contact the Summer Programs Office below.

Choosing a summer program for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make this year. The experiences that your child has throughout the summer months will greatly affect the values they learn and the person they become. We here at YMCA Camp Mataucha are committed to inspire meaningful experiences through a variety of fun and safe activities such as, swimming, boating, arts & crafts, archery, nature, ropes course, and more! All of our staff are hand selected based on their past experiences, attitudes, as well as their ability to accept and demonstrate the positive values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. These "Professional Role Models" are zany and energetic people who are dedicated to working with campers and inspire them to form friendships, try new adventures and create lasting memories. We look forward to sharing these experiences with your family this summer.