Information for Parents
Staff
Safety is our first priority! Your children will be supervised by YMCA professionals and staff who are experienced and dedicated to providing all children with a positive camp experience. They understand children, their needs and their concerns. All staff complete a thorough orientation and are certified in CPR and first aid. We maintain a staff to camper ratio no greater than 1:5.
Facilities
Polliwog Creative Arts Camp is held at the Newton Community Service Center in Newton, MA. The campers primarily use a school-age classroom, but also take advantage of the outdoor playground, field and outdoor spray pool.
Activities
Music
Drama
Dance
Visual Arts
Free Play
Games
Water Play
2010 Dates
| Session | Dates |
| Session One | June 28-July 9 |
| Session Two | July 12-23 |
| Session Three | July 26-August 6 |
| Session Four | August 9-20 |
Please note - sessions for PCAC can be split into one week sessions - please call for more details.
Days and Hours
Polliwog Creative Arts Camp is a half-day camp that operates Monday through Friday from 8:00am-1:00pm. Campers wishing to attend a full-day until 4:00pm or extended day until 6:00pm may join in with Camp Polliwog at the West Suburban YMCA for the afternoon.
2010 Rates
Half-day from 8:00am-1:00pm: $450 per session
Full day from 8:00am-4:00pm: $600 per session
Extended day from 8:00am-6:00pm: $725 per session
A current West Suburban YMCA membership is required in order to attend Polliwog Creative Arts Camp. A one-year youth membership is $120.
YMCA Recession Pledge
At the West Suburban YMCA, we have been caring for our community for 132 years, in both good times and bad. While no one can predict tomorrow, we can help you feel safe and secure.
If you register for one of our YMCA camps and you lose your job, we will refund 100% of your deposit, program or registration fee that you have paid to us. We can also help supplement your YMCA fees until you get back on your feet.*
*To learn of the few restrictions that apply, please speak with a Camping Services representative.
Financial Aid
A limited number of partial camp scholarships were made possible by our annual Partners with Youth campaign. The application deadline was March 1st. Families are notified by April 1st. For more information or contact the Financial Aid Administrator, Janeen Bazarian, at janeenb@westsuburbanymca.org for details.
Child Care Resource Center Vouchers
A limited number of CCRC vouchers are accepted. Requests are due no later than March 1st. Please contact the Financial Aid Administrator, Janeen Bazarian, at janeenb@westsuburbanymca.org for information.
Open House
All camper families are invited to join us in June (date and time TBA) at the Newton Community Service Center for an Open House. This is your chance to meet the staff, see the room, ask questions and introduce your child to other campers.
Registration
Camper registration is currently open. Please click here to register.
Campers applying for financial aid need to apply between January 15th-March 1st using the appropriate form.
We will NOT be mailing out paper registration packets this year, unless you specifically call or email us to request a packet in the mail.
Paper forms will not be accepted prior to the start dates listed above.
In order to register for camp, your child must have a current--both at time of registration and throughout camp--West Suburban YMCA membership.
Camp Location
Newton Community Service Center
492 Waltham Street
Newton, MA 02465
Summer and Winter Phone: (617) 969-5906
Map of 492 Waltham St Newton, MA 02465-1920, US
Directions
Driving from Boston:
Mass. Pike West to Exit 16 around the ramp to Route 16 East to Cherry Street on left, just before Newton Police Headquarters. Take a left on Cherry Street - 1 block to lights. Take right onto Webster Street - to end. You will see NCSC (red brick building) across the street.
Driving from Route 128/ Interstate 95:
Take Route 128 (I 95) to Exit 21 (Newton-Wellesley/ Route 16). Take Route 16E approximately 1.5 miles, passing over the Mass. Pike. Proceed past the Citgo Gas Station on right. Take a left on Cherry Street - 1 block to lights. Take right onto Webster Street - to end. You will see NCSC (red brick building) across the street.
Driving from West, on eastbound Mass Pike:
Take the 128 Exit, when it splits go toward 128N/ Route 30 and follow the signs for Route 30 East. Follow Route 30 east into Auburndale and turn left onto Lexington Street. Take first right onto Wolcott Street. Follow Wolcott for about 1.5 miles (Wolcott will become Webster Street). Go to the end of Webster Street. NCSC will be directly across from you.
From the Commuter Rail - Framingham/Worcester Line:
Get off at the West Newton stop and walk three blocks east on Washington St. (past the Newton Police Department). Turn left on Waltham Street. You will see NCSC at the far side of the parking lot behind CVS.
From Bus line 553/554:
Take the bus into West Newton and get off at the Chestnut Street stop (Bank of America is on the corner). You will see CVS in front of you, walk to the left of CVS as you face is, and turn right on Waltham Street. You will see NCSC at the far side of the parking lot behind CVS.
Additional Information
If you have questions or would like more specific information, you may download the Family Handbook from the right sidebar to learn more or contact us at campingservices@westsuburbanymca.org or 617-244-6050 ext 3008.
