The Service Club of Andover makes a difference to the Merrimack Valley YMCA. We provide financial support that allows the YMCA to send disadvantaged children to the Merrimack Valley Summer camps, and provide them an experience that they’ll remember and value for a lifetime. In addition, we provide funding to the YMCA that allows our friends with disabilities the opportunity to take advantage of the many health and wellness facilities and programming that the YMCA has to offer.
Programs we support include:
Camp Otter/Road Rangers Travel Camp
YMCA Day Camp Otter was established in 1957 and is a scenic, daytime program for boys and girls, ages 6 to 13. Each week, up to 250 youth attend the camp, led by a staff of 70. Accredited by the American Camping Association, licensed by the state of NH, and operated in accordance with the YMCA of the USA policies, Camp Otter is situated on 15 acres on the sandy shores of Captain’s Pond in Salem, NH. Program areas include a swimming area for both instructional and free swim time, boating, basketball/volleyball courts, gaga pit, baseball/soccer field, archery and air riflery range, arts and crafts, as well as a low and high ropes course. Along with weekly themes, Otter days are filled with all camp activities and visits from special guests. Road Rangers Travel Camp is an extension of Camp Otter for boys and girls, ages 10 to 14. This program travels off the camp site to participate in different activities. Each week has a different theme that is geared towards specific interests. Daily transportation for Camp Otter and Road Rangers is provided throughout the Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire.Camp Lawrence
Established in 1907, Camp Lawrence for Boys is a vital, diverse community of 150 campers and over 60 staff members from around the world. Accredited by the American Camp Association, licensed by the state of New Hampshire, and operated in accordance with the YMCA of the USA policies, the camp covers 70 acres of picturesque Bear Island on Lake Winnipesaukee. A traditional resident camp, the boys choose their own schedules from a wide range of athletic and creative activities. These activities challenge each camper according to his individual needs, and care is taken to provide instruction adjusted to each boy’s age, interest, and skill. Camp Lawrence offers a well-rounded and creative summer program that reaches far beyond the two to eight weeks that they boys are at camp, creating memories that last a lifetime.Camp Nokomis
Since 1952, Camp Nokomis has offered a high quality camp experience for girls. In a nurturing environment, 150 campers are led by a staff of over 60. Accredited by the American Camp Association, licensed by the state of New Hampshire, and operated in accordance with the YMCA of the USA policies, the camp is situated on 40 acres of picturesque Bear Island on Lake Winnipesaukee. Fostering an appreciation of the natural world and offering activities that boost self-esteem and encourage respect for others, Nokomis offers an assortment of athletic and creative activities that challenge girls to develop their own skills and to value the skills and talents of their peers.