Member Testimonials

since you asked! I would have given a 10 except for what I observed at the outside pool. The young lifeguard girls are very busy chatting with each other, and in one case flirting with and in front of the male lifeguards. This female lifeguard did not sit in her seat, did not stay near her post, but stood in front of the boys at check-in chatting with them and NOT paying attention to swimmers at all.I was their age once and did my share of flirting and so on, but I was never in a position with the responsibility of saving lives. I watched in horror as this girl, over the course of maybe eight minutes had a sum total of probably two minutes of her attention focused away from the pool and on socializing. Even if my child could swim, I would not feel confident with these lifeguards, overseeing and protecting my child, or others. The pool is filthy

Varied activities each day.s

Children's Island I think created and Exciting camp experience for the children. All the counselors were kind, compassionate and motivated. I like how they provided pictures and highlights of the day to the platform.

We've had such a wonderful experience with YMCA Marblehead Camp! One of the things I love most is the flexibility—kids can explore different camp themes each week or stick with their favorites all summer long. It’s perfect for curious minds who want to try new things and also for those who thrive on consistency.
There are engaging activities tailored to every age group, from 6-year-olds to teenagers. Whether your child is into art, sports, adventure, or just making new friends, there’s something exciting waiting for them. The staff are absolutely fantastic—kind, energetic, and always keeping a watchful eye to make sure each child feels safe and cared for. You can tell they truly love what they do, and it makes all the difference.
Highly recommend Lynch/Van YMCA - Camp to any family looking for a fun, flexible, and nurturing summer experience for their kids!

Love no screens
Nature!
Great counselors
Full day program
Value!

Great program. Lots of activities. Incredible staff. Highly recommend.

The setting is amazing--we can't believe our son is able to take a ferry out to an island every day and go exploring, swimming, learning, and playing. The lifeguards, nurses, and program managers are unfailingly skilled and kind. And the counselors for the seal pups in particular are so wonderful and have worked to make our son feel welcome and supported (both this summer and last summer). We are so grateful to be able to send our son here, and we hope to be able to continue sending him to this camp until he's old enough to become a CIT and counselor himself! Thank you so much.

great pool set-up, clean and spacious all around. not sure they really need an upgrade for family shower/dressing rooms, but that decision is above my pay grade! Gus is a great instructor and I try not to miss his Sunday morning class! It's my "reward" for working out the rest of the week.

Different activities

Close by. Offers many opportunities for all.

My daughter was feeling really nervous about her first day on the island this summer and unsure of what to expect. But that evening, when we picked her up, she couldn’t stop talking about how much fun she had being a Ranger this year. It’s been so nice to see her genuinely enjoying summer camp.

The counselors are amazing!

My daughter has been attending Children's Island Summer Camp since the first week and I have been so impressed with the operation. I would like to recognize both the directors and counselors... Namely Lily who I believe is the director of the Seal Pups as well as Will and Avery (two of the counselors that Harper has raved about!) The others have been amazing too I just cant remember all the names. I feel completely at ease knowing they are keeping Harper safe and happy every day.

I’ve offered my son to stay home on random days that I had off and he didn’t want- he begged to please go to camp! He loves not just the camp so much but the staff, he always comes home talking about them; how nice they are and that he can’t wait to play with them the next day. We are so incredibly happy about our choice of camp 🙂

The ranger program at Children's Island is a great program. My son loves the opportunities it gives him for fun and learning through patchwork.

My daughter had a great time at Children's Island this summer - it was great to see that the camp spirit is strong after 70 years!

So far I'm really happy with my decision to return to the LVO YMCA. I was a member more than ten years ago and moved back within the last few years. I should have rejoined sooner! The facility is still as clean, the staff are still as professional and supportive, and the members seem incredibly respectful of the building and the equipment thus far. The only reason I've given a 9 vs. a ten is that some of the equipment in the fitness center is limiting for my workouts (there are some machines missing now that existed many years ago, like a tricep extension machine, bicep curl machine, and a Smith Machine, in addition to what's there now) and I've noticed that there's a reluctance to turn on the fans on hot/humid days. Other than that, I'm really happy I came back!

Communication the staff friendliness structure

Love the heated pool

Or kids had a great time again this year! They really liked the pool this year It's amazing that you were able to bring back sailing. More sailing options could be nice. The kids were also saying it would be nice if there were any lights at all in the lodge (maybe battery or solar?).

Great place to work out, convenient and always clean

Because I am very Happy with the Poolsnd the People / Instructors that I have worked with

My daughter absolutely loves the Rangers week at Children’s Island. It’s a must do camp for her each year. She loves the counselors and the ability to earn beads and badges. Izzy and Pilar were awesome!

My daughter loved Children’s Island! Choice time was her favorite!! Charlie and Avery were amazing counselors!!! So kind and funny!!! This was her first time attending but wants to go another week this August.

Loved the focus on nature and mix of activities-it was great to keep her off of screens all day :)

We loved the mix of inside and outside activities. The pool time and Gaga ball were talked about a lot as super fun!

I enjoy the water aerobics classes. I was disappointed to have been turned away from a class last week due to not enough lifeguards.

Clean, friendly, varied choice of classes

James had such a great time on CIDC this year. He loved exploring the island’s wildlife and had so much fun with his councilors and friends!!

My daughter is in gymnastics camp this summer and after school program during the school year. Staff is great and she loves it!

Scottie has always been so helpful and awesome with the kids!