Member Testimonials
I can’t say enough positive things about Camp Dory and the counselors, Alison Reed in particular. My daughter has been working through a chronic injury and pain, and the whole team was incredibly thoughtful and inclusive. They made sure she was never alone, and always had someone to talk to. Attending camp dory has been the highlight of Heidi’s summer, so much so that we’ve cancelled other camps and she is heading back again.
Big thank you for the staff for going out of their way to show a little extra kindness and care. For a child struggling with pain, their efforts to keep her included have mean so much to her. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
I just wanted to take a moment to say how much my girls absolutely love attending Camp Dory! Every summer, they look forward to the different theme weeks, the variety of engaging activities, and the friendships they make along the way. From start to finish, it’s clear how much thought and care goes into creating a fun, safe, and enriching environment for all the kids.
The staff does a wonderful job keeping everyone not only active and entertained, but also genuinely cared for. It’s been such a joy watching my daughters come home each day full of stories, smiles, and excitement about what’s next.
Thank you for all the energy and dedication you pour into this program—it’s truly making a lasting impact on their summer memories!
I love that you guys offer a wide range of hours for camp. I love the property and that the kids are outdoors the whole day and they come home dirty and tired!
I think you should add a weekly fun surprise like the ice cream truck comes or a “color run” activity, group games, scavenger hunts, dodge ball, three legged races…
I would love to see some changes made to the pool rules. I think there needs to be some sort of “middle“ group that can safely practice their swimming skills without a lifejacket. I think there are plenty of swimmers who may not quite be able to pass the swim test, but they are very strong swimmers. It’s not beneficial to them to wear a life jacket, they can’t practice endurance and swim skills in a life jacket. I know there are counselors and lifeguards in the pool and I think this should be enough to accommodate small groups of “almost there“ swimmers. My son is a strong swimmer and attempted the test on his first day of camp (completed more than half) but now refuses to try again and often chooses to sit out rather than put on the life jacket (he has never in his life worn a life jacket and or floaty device).
Our 10 and 6 year old (boy and girl with different interests and personalities) both love Camp Cedar Mill in Rowley. The variety of activities keeps them engaged. The counselors and the camp directorship engage with the kids and truly know the kids just 2 weeks into the summer (even with leadership change in the camp last minute). The camp is organized, my kids come home with all of their belongings and medication that needs to be given at camp is always done and they even reminded us to bring it when we forgot one day. It seems like staff really care about the kids.
My daughter had a wonderful time every day and cried on her last day, once she realized she wasn’t going back! We absolutely loved it.
Great friendly place with good workout equipment and also a variety of equipment. Love the new equipment in the Ipswich Y. Only suggestion is to vary the music tracks that you play. Seems the majority of the time I am there, Pit Bull is playing
Convenient location . Clean !
Friendly knowable staff and a very inviting environment. Cindy of membership is fabulous
A good place
I have been there about 5 times since joining a week ago (all for Pickleball) and feel welcome.
The Ipswich facility has multiple factors that make it a very comfortable home Y:
The front desk staff is very helpful and friendly.
The members I met (mostly in Pickleball) have been warm and welcoming!
The sports director is very involved, eager to assist and genuinely nice to interact with.
There is a summer Pickleball league.
Parking is sufficient even at peak times.
The single floor layout makes it easy to get around.
It is well lit and a cheerful place to be.
Thank you!
Ali is the best! The kids love camp dory! (Only downfall is no actual bathrooms!)
My child comes home daily happy and filthy. She almost always falls asleep on the way home. Great Program
My son comes home happy and excited to go back the next day. I can't ask for more.
The woman at the front desk was so welcoming and helpful. Thank you! And the outdoor water park was a huge hit with the kids!
Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Equipment is great for a good workout.
Variety of activities, community feeling, relatively clean facilities, engaging staff.
[Suggestion: Clean the bugs from the fluorescent fixtures, please.)
The facilities are excellent (we love the outdoor pool and obstacle course), and the staff is always friendly and helpful. We also enjoy all the programming, including Junior Celtics basketball and summer camp options.
Great place and people!!
I took my grandchildren to the outside pool and splash pad and they loved it. I was impressed with the number of lifeguards on hand. The picnic area outside the pool area was very spacious to enjoy a snack or lunch. We all had a very enjoyable afternoon and I would definitely return. A very friendly family atmosphere!
Swimming, Art and Sports
My son had a lot of fun with the big water slide and fire department visit. He also said the camp counselors were super nice
The outdoor pool and water slides were great
I like the variety and frequency of group exercise. I was welcomed and assisted by reception staff and manager right away. It seems well run
Very clean and super fun with the outdoor splash pad! Just wish it opened earlier than 11!! Lots of parents would LOVE if it was more 10-6p instead of 11-7 for the outdoor water area.
Excellent classes
The facility is conveniently located, it is well staffed, and there are plenty of activities for all ages.
We love the clean facilities, gym equipment, the indoor swimming pool and outdoor splash pad. It's a perfect 3rd space for our family and young daughter, perfect for summer afternoons. So convenient, staff are always so friendly and helpful, and we run into friends all the time!
Pool areas, cleanliness, friendliness of the staff
We really enjoy using the y. The only thing we would like to mention maybe more tables and the chairs on the lawn have disappeared since last year. We visited the vanderloo y and the chairs and tables were abundant. High quality chairs also.
Awesome camp. Location is fantastic by the lake which allows for daily swims and water activities. Staff was great. My son doesnt speak english fluently, being raised in France, and had a great time. The staff and kids made him feel at ease right away. He was super excited to go to camp every day! Thank’you!!