Camp Otter Information

Camp Activities

Adventure – Campers learn how to work together by participating in group games and by using the Low and High Ropes Course. Campers 10 years old and older will use the High Ropes elements including: the Catwalk, the Dangling Duo, the Giant’s Swing, the Multi-Vine, and the Zip Line.

Archery – Archery is for all age groups and is a favorite camp tradition. Campers learn to use a bow and arrow. Campers learn the fundamentals related to archery under the supervision of a trained instructor.

Arts & Crafts – Campers will bring out their artistic side through painting, drawing, jewelry-making and other projects.

Boating – Campers will learn the fundamentals of rowing, canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking taught by trained lifeguards and instructors certified in small craft safety. Campers must pass a swim test to use the kayaks.

Sports Court – Campers can strengthen their skills in basketball, volleyball, hockey and much more.

Sports Field – Campers participate in games such as softball/baseball, kickball, soccer, flag football, etc.

Swimming – Campers will have instructional and/or free swim every day. All swim lessons follow the guidelines and requirements set by the YMCA of USA.

Cabin Time – Campers will use either their cabins or other available areas of camp to participate in group games, teambuilding activities, relaxing, talking or whatever else the group decides. The sky is the limit!

Block Choice – Campers will be given a list of 15 activities each Monday morning, and they must choose three for their block choice periods. Activities may include high ropes, low ropes, archery, swimming, fishing, arts & crafts and much more. During this time campers will not be separated by age and gender, and they will be able to meet more campers through their daily experiences.

Game Center – Campers are able to participate in games such as ping pong, carpet ball, bean bag tosses and much more.

Gaga – This is a camp favorite! Gaga is a form of dodge ball that combines dodging, running and jumping out of the way of the ball.

Daily Schedule

7:30 – 8:15amDrop Off, Buses Arrive
8:30 – 8:45amOpening Flag Ceremony
8:45 – 9:40amActivity Period 1
9:50 – 10:40amActivity Period 2
10:55 – 11:50amActivity Period 3
12:00 – 1:00pmLunch/Quiet Time
1:00 – 1:50pmActivity Period 4
2:00 – 2:50pmActivity Period 5
3:00 – 3:50pmActivity Period 6
3:50 – 4:10pmPack Up/ Cabin Clean Up
4:10 – 4:25pmClosing Flag Ceremony
4:30 – 5:00pmLoad Buses/ Car Pick-Up

Camp Otter Dates and Rates for Summer 2023

Registration Dates

January 17, 2023 at 9:00am – Registration opens for returning campers and their siblings.
January 24, 2023 at 9:00am – Registration opens for 2022 waitlisted campers.
January 31, 2023 at 9:00am – Registration opens for new campers.

Registrations can be done online, by phone at 978-975-1330 or in person at 360 Merrimack Street, Building 9, Entrance K, 2nd Floor, Lawrence, MA. A $50 non-refundable, non-transferrable deposit per week, per camper is required at time of registration.

Camp Rates

Tuition is $300 per week, per camper.
Camp Otter will be closed on June 19th and July 4th ,therefore tuition for weeks 1 and 3 is $240 per week, per camper.
Bus transportation is an additional $15 per week, per camper.

Deposits, Payments and Cancellations
  • $50 deposit per week, per camper is due at the time of registration
  • Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable between weeks, seasons or siblings
  • Full payment for the tuition balance and bus transportation is due at least two weeks prior to each week registered
  • Balances not paid two weeks prior to each week registered will be automatically charged to the card on file
  • Tuition balance is non-refundable & non-transferable if cancellation is within two weeks
  • Refunds will only be made in the case of a documented illness of the camper or death of an immediate family member
  • Cancellations must be submitted in writing to campinfo@mvymca.org
Financial Assistance

Please visit our Camp Forms & Information page for information on financial assistance.

Camp Otter Weeks and Themes 2023

Week 1: 6/20 – 6/23, 2023 – Otter Through The Decades

Start the summer off with a blast from the past years at Otter! Learn the history and traditions while making new memories.

Week 2: 6/26 – 6/30, 2023 – Pirate Week

X marks the spot, mateys! Get ready to set sail on the S.S. Otter to find buried treasure.

Week 3: 7/3 – 7/7, 2023 – Wild West Week

Giddy up, cowboys and girls! Join us for a week in the wild, wild west.

Week 4: 7/10 – 7 /14, 2023 – Otter’s Got Talent

Show off your unique abilities all week, everyone has a talent! After some practice, campers will be ready for our Talent Show!

Week 5: 7/17 – 7/21, 2023 – Otterlympics

An Otter tradition! Groups of campers and staff will celebrate other nations as they compete for the gold.

Week 6: 7/24 – 7/28, 2023 – H2Otter

Splish, splash and stay cool in the sun with some refreshing water activities.

Week 7: 7/31 – 8/4, 2023 – Camp Color Blast

Let your creativity shine as you spend the week making new colors, new friends and unforgettable memories.

Week 8: 8/7 – 8/11, 2023 – The Wizarding World of Camp Otter

Calling all wizards and witches! Grab your magic wands and brooms and join us for a week of potions, spells, and friends!

Week 9: 8/14 – 8/18, 2023 – CIT Takeover

Counselors in training take the reins on activities in this week, they always have something exciting planned!

Week 10: 8/21 – 8/25, 2023 – Carnival Craze

Practice some of your favorite carnival games and enjoy some tasty fair food during this week’s festivities.

Week 11: 8/28 – 9/1, 2023 – Disney Mania

Come celebrate the summer with a little faith, trust, and pixie dust! Come dressed as your favorite Disney characters.