Member Testimonials
Friendly and convenient
My son had such a wonderful experience over his 6 weeks at the Ipswich Y camps (2 weeks at Explorers and 4 weeks at Camp Dory). This was his first experience at a camp and I was actually a bit unsure how he would do - he needs some extra support but I put my trust into the Inclusion specialist who I was able to speak with prior to both camps and believed he would be in good hands. Explorers was a great segway into camp as my son and I frequented the pool and Splash Pad at the Ipswich Y at the start of the summer so that made for a much smoother transition to start off his camp experience and then mid summer after we took a few weeks off to travel abroad. He quickly learned about taking turns on slides there initially etc. and assimilated pretty well there. When we drove past Lake Dory Camp one day he shared he wanted to try the "lake camp" which was a big statement for him to make. I really loved the idea of him getting a "real" camp experience even with having to use a port-a-potty and was hopeful it would be a great experience and it was! I was/am so grateful for all the amazing things he got to do at camp - lake swimming, boating, fishing, water slides on hot days, STEAM, sports, trails etc. I felt calm having him there each day knowing he was having fun and continuing to grow and develop emotionally/socially. I've seen so much progress this summer in that and I attribute a lot of that to his camp experience which I think will help prepare him for Kindergarten! I extra appreciated getting a quick synopsis of how things went for him each day from the inclusion specialist - it helped me know what he enjoyed and some of the areas we needed to work on at home. Also, a little shout out too to the "welcome crew" at both camps - especially Emma and Brandon at Explorers and Keith at Dory who always seemed to make the goodbye from the car go so smoothly. I also appreciated Ali and Kathryn taking the time to engage with Landon at the pick-up so he was excited to go back the next day. I think overall the rest of the staff (ie: his counselors) were able to navigate through a few small bumps with Landon along the way. I know the port a potties initially didn't feel ideal (and sometimes it felt like it would be easier to go outside in the woods etc.) but that even grew on him to use. I can't say enough about how thankful I am for the experience Landon (and I!) had this summer attending camps and I'm especially thankful to Kathryn for making me feel confident enough to have Landon in camp most of the summer. Hearing him be so excited about boats and lakes and slides and making lava lamps and treasure chests and going to the STEAM shack made me so so happy and I just smile ear to ear thinking about his time there.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Camp Dory! My kids are there all summer and they absolutely love it. It gives them a classic, outdoorsy camp experience (swimming, fishing, boating, playing gaga and other sports and just running around with friends) while also making each week different and fun with changing themes, activities and art projects. The counselors are patient and kind and make camp feel exciting with their energy and enthusiasm. Camp Dory also proactively address any accommodations or supports your kids may need and makes sure that all kids feel included. This summer isn't even over yet and both of my kids are already asking to go back next year! 100/10 experience.
I like that the Ipswich Family-Camp has age appropriate and fun activities for the kids. I feel that the camp offers various opportunities for kids to grow socially as individuals.
My son had a great experience at Camp Dory - he loved the counselors and fun activities!
Pete says this is his favorite camp of the summer!
Inclusive programming which allowed my child to explore and learn new things with the right amount of independence and support! We cant wait for Camp
Dory next summer!!!
We are so glad that we decided to sign our daughter up for Camp Dory this year. She has been able to do things that she wouldn’t have otherwise , like catch a fish and go canoeing, and meet a bunch of curious creatures. The activities seemed nice and balanced with active play and quieter things like coloring, and STEAM/craft times.
Camp Dory truly felt like a community. From the morning drop offs where someone was always happy to see my son jump out of the car to the after camp pick ups where he always had a huge smile on his face. We have been in the process of identifying how to best support our son with different social settings and I never once had to worry that he wasn't in supportive & caring hands as he navigated different issues. I am so appreciative for the care and support that the camp provides to each camper. My son has asked that he only goes to Camp Dory next year and we will definitely be back.
Great staff, strong variety of programs and activities for all ages and levels, and a welcoming community.
We love the Ipswich Y. We thoroughly enjoy the programs and most recently we have taken up Tai Chi-this has been a life changer foe both of us! WE LOVE IT
Structured activities, fun games, well-supervised! I feel very comfortable that my son is safe and well looked after. He has learned many new things like bracelet making, card games, and paddle boarding!
Great classes, great community.
Great staff.
Very nice stuff and very helpful 👍🏼😊
Excellent teachers and classes. Especially for us elderly.
Good variety of classes. Love the new Dance Jam. Wish it was more than once a week
Love the classes
Bathrooms should be kept cleaner
The staff are very accommodating to our son’s needs and provide an environment for him that is fun and safe. He really enjoyed his time there this summer. We really appreciated all that the staff do there to make the experience fun for the kids!
Friendly staff, great hours, my kids love the splash pad and it’s a convenient location on my way to work in the morning.
Organized and fun for my child
Love the yoga classes and fitness area for cardio and strength training 😊
Very clean friendly staff alot to offer
Absolutely. My family really enjoys our time there.
the staff at the Ipswich Y are always kind cheerful and helpful. There is a great atmosphere which inspires making new friends and participating in the sports offered.
Thank you for making such a warm friendly place to up my game of pickleball and enjoy the other opportunities at the Y.
Coming to the Y is like coming home- friendly and everything I need for a great workout!
Love the steam room. It’s a great feature to the Y. That’s why I go there .
I like that my grandson loves going to camp
The instructors.
We absolutely love Camp Dory and the experience it has given our youngest. What stands out most is how genuinely inclusive and flexible the program is, they meet kids where they are while still encouraging them to grow, try new things, and become more independent.
The variety of activities is fantastic. From sports and art to team-building activities and hands-on experiences, there is always something engaging, but it never feels like kids have to fit into one particular mold to be successful. The staff also do an incredible job weaving important life skills into the fun; communication, teamwork, problem-solving, independence, flexibility, and learning how to navigate challenges with other kids.
Most importantly, they have really gotten to know Jamie as an individual and have worked with him, rather than simply expecting him to adapt to the program(shout-out to Kathryn and I!). We have seen huge gains in his confidence, independence, flexibility, and social skills as a result. He feels like he belongs there, he is excited to go, and he comes home proud of the things he has accomplished.
Camp Dory has been so much more than a summer camp for Jamie. It has been a place where he can have fun, build relationships, learn new skills, and grow. We are incredibly grateful for the program and the people who make it what it is. ♥️