Camp Sankaty Head

Camp Sankaty was organized in July 1930. Its rustic and somewhat primitive facilities were located between the eleventh and thirteenth fairways of the Sankaty Head Golf Club in Siasconset, Massachusetts, on Nantucket Island, where the camp site remains today. Donald M. Smith, physical director of the Worcester YMCA, was the first Camp Director, a position he held until 1960. During Smith's tenure, the contributions of a few club members provided basic necessities for the camp.

In 1961, Charles M. Goetz led the establishment of the Sankaty Head Foundation to support and develop policy for the operation of Camp Sankaty. That year, the foundation raised five thousand dollars to keep the camp operating. Also that year, a certificate of incorporation was issued, and in 1964, the foundation received tax-exempt status as an organization operated for charitable and educational purposes.

In 1962, Norman L. Claxton became Camp Director. He held that position until 1985, when Douglas Ellsworth was named Camp Director. Norm remained on as Senior Adviser to the Camp Director, until his death in 2001. Starting in the Summer of 2008 Pete Montesano will take over the position of Camp Director and Douglas Ellsworth will remain on as Senior Adviser to the Camp. Pete Montesano has been a member of the Camp Sankaty family ever since he himself caddied during his teenage years.

Camp Life and Overview

Camp Sankaty is designed to develop high mental, spiritual, social and moral standards in boys aged 14-16. Junior staff positions are often held by 17-19 year-olds. Currently, approx. 60 boys attend as campers and 10 young adults attend as staff members each summer, beginning in early June and lasting through Labor Day.

Each camper is responsible for part of the cost of his room and board(About $5 a day), the Sankaty Head Foundation subsidizes further operational costs. In turn, campers earn money by caddying for the members at the club. Fees in addition to tips, give each boy the opportunity to earn and save some money with which to return home at the end of the summer. Campers are also eligible to be considered for numerous college and pre-college scholarships.

A vigorous competitive group and individual sports program emphasizes physical fitness and involves and motivates the boys. In addition, the program trains selected team captains in leadership. The events within the program consist of:

Team Sports
* Touch Football
* Volleyball
* Softball
* Track and Field
* Swimming
* Golf
* Basketball

Individual Competition
* Senior and Junior Golf
* Caddy-Caddy Tournament
* Golf Contests (driving, hole in one, putting)
* Swimming Contests (individual medley, freestyle, diving)
* Table Tennis
* Chess
* Checkers
* Modified Senior and Junior Marathon (length of the golf course)
* Two-on-two Basketball
* Horseshoes
* King Grumpkinface Competition
* Three-on-three Volleyball
* Chris Gagnon's Annual Grumpkin Marathon
* Aloomnus Guitar Jam Off

Former campers are very active in the maintenance, well-being, and updating of the camp. The Camp Sankaty Alumni Association was founded in 1986 and holds its annual meeting the first weekend in June every year. www.alumniflashes.com

References

Camp Sankaty Chronicles - Norman L. Claxton - 1996