NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— 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 Christian Bianchi, CEO and executive director of the Berkshire Family YMCA  "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 Kelli Kozak, MCLA director of conferences and campus events. "We're excited to have them on campus as partners."

 

To support the YMCA 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 YMCA departed its building at the end of March.

 

Baker is a 1989 North Adams State College (MCLA) alum with a history in nonprofit management and youth development programs.