Northern Berkshire YMCA Relocates to MCLA for Summer Camp Program

June 27, 2024

This summer MCLA will host the Northern Berkshire YMCA Camp Abenaki as a community partner of the organization’s new “Northern Berkshire Y Without Walls” concept.
 
Camp Abenaki will utilize the Church Street Center Social Hall during July and August with indoor and outdoor activities as well as field trips for swimming and exploration throughout the local communities.
 
“We really appreciate all that MCLA is doing for us,” said CEO & Executive Director of the Berkshire Family YMCA Christian Bianchi. “We came to the conclusion that not only was MCLA the best site option for us, but it is exactly where we wanted to be and we envision the partnership to evolve from here.”
 
Camp Abenaki serves children in grades one through eight with eight one-week sessions featuring different themes that help youth build character, gain confidence, and learn friendship skills.
 
“It’s been a great partnership and they’ve been wonderful to work with,” said MCLA Director of Conferences & Campus Events Kelli Kozak. “We’re excited to have them on campus as partners.”
 
To support the Y in its transition and secure an appropriate space on campus, Kozak said multiple departments collaborated efficiently for a smooth process. 
 
In May, the Berkshire Family YMCA hired North County Branch Director Liz Baker to execute the organization's new concept aimed at collaborating with community partners to revive programming that has halted since the Y departed its building at the end of March.
 
Baker is a 1989 North Adams State College (MCLA) alum with an extensive history in nonprofit management and youth development programs.

About MCLA
At MCLA, we’re here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In nearly every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 129-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our commitment to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News’ list of Top Ten Public Colleges for nine consecutive years, ranking No. 7 for Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for a third year. The College's continued commitment to affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in its inclusion on U.S. News' list of National Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Mobility since the organization adopted this ranking in 2019; MCLA is No. 1 in the state, No. 2 in the country, and No. 22 for National Liberal Arts Colleges. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu.