June 27, 2024
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 CEO & Executive Director
of the Berkshire Family YMCA Christian Bianchi. “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 MCLA
Director of Conferences & Campus Events Kelli Kozak. “We’re excited to have them on
campus as partners.”
To support the Y 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 Y departed its building at the end
of March.
Baker is a 1989 North Adams State College (MCLA) alum with an extensive history in
nonprofit management and youth development programs.
About MCLA
At MCLA, we’re here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught
by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive
on every level of their lives. In nearly every way possible, the experience at MCLA
is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully
empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 129-year commitment
to public education, we have fortified our commitment to equitable academic excellence.
MCLA has appeared on U.S. News’ list of Top Ten Public Colleges for nine consecutive
years, ranking No. 7 for Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for a third year. The
College's continued commitment to affordable education and economic prosperity is
reflected in its inclusion on U.S. News' list of National Liberal Arts Colleges for
Social Mobility since the organization adopted this ranking in 2019; MCLA is No. 1
in the state, No. 2 in the country, and No. 22 for National Liberal Arts Colleges.
These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell
Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu.
