This summer, however, the campus is alive with activity, as ENC plays host to the South Shore YMCA’s popular Summer Day Camp programs. Each week, more than 300 children from across the South Shore have been partaking in a variety of camp activities on ENC’s athletic fields as well as in the college’s gymnasium and in academic buildings across campus.

The summer camp programs were relocated to the campus in order to allow construction to begin on the South Shore Y’s new Quincy Branch.

“When we learned that the Y’s construction plans would impact their summer camp programs, we saw it as an opportunity to help out a well-respected organization that serves so many local residents,” said President Corlis McGee, who noted that ENC is also staffing several of the summer athletic camp programs, with Lions coaches serving as primary instructors. “It’s also a chance for us to express our gratitude to the city that Eastern Nazarene College has called home for nearly a century.”

Brendan Casey, director of day camps for the Y’s Quincy branch, said ENC’s willingness to host the summer camps enabled the popular programs to continue without interruption during the construction process.

“What started as a simple search for an alternate location quickly blossomed into an amazing collaboration between the Y and ENC,” Casey said. “As a result, area children have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence and self-esteem, as well as make lasting friendships in a picturesque urban setting. The ENC location has been instrumental in helping our dedicated Y counselors ensure a meaningful experience for every camper. I have heard nothing but positive comments from parents, campers and staff alike.

“ENC offers fantastic indoor and outdoor spaces, including classrooms, a gymnasium, an auditorium, outdoor sports fields and ample shaded grass areas,” continued Casey, noting that campers are transported to the Y for instructional and recreational swimming. “The ENC campus is also easily accessible via public transportation, making it convenient for local families.”

The Y’s Quincy summer camp programs will continue to operate on the ENC campus through August 24. For more information, visit the South Shore Y’s website or e-mail bcasey@ssymca.org.

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