Sunday, October 20 marked the return of our annual Fall Fest 5K at South Shore YMCA Camp Burgess & Hayward, and what a joyous reunion it was!

This exciting event brought together runners and walkers to traverse the scenic trails of Camp Burgess and Camp Hayward, surrounded by the vibrant colors of autumn and the serene beauty of Spectacle Pond in Sandwich, Massachusetts.

The day was filled with laughter and camaraderie as participants enjoyed a hearty post-race lunch featuring a variety of soups, salads, bread, and our famous camp cookies. The afternoon buzzed with excitement as many braved the rock-climbing wall and zipline, while others visited our farm to meet the friendly goats, sheep, and chickens. The barn was a hub of creativity with fall-themed crafts, including tie-dyed pumpkins. Our Camp Directors led guided tours, and many families embarked on self-guided adventures, completing a fun scavenger hunt around camp.

This event truly captured the essence of our motto, “Camp stays with you forever.” It was heartwarming to see new camp families mingling with alumni who attended camp decades ago, alongside current campers and recent alumni. The Fall Fest 5K was a beautiful testament to the enduring spirit and strong bonds of the Camp Burgess & Hayward community. We are already looking forward to welcoming families to future events and creating more unforgettable memories together.

The proceeds from this event support the SSYMCA Camp Burgess & Hayward Campership Fund, which helps ensure that all children, regardless of financial barriers, can experience the magic of camp. We sincerely thank our event sponsors, Berenson Communications and Tiny Glass & Sons Co., whose generous support made this event possible. Together, our sponsors and attendees help us provide transformative camp experiences for all children.