Camp Fuller - By the Sea

For over 135 years, YMCA Camp Fuller By The Sea has served as a cornerstone of the Rhode Island summer experience. Located in the picturesque town of South Kingstown, this historic campground sits along the scenic shores of Point Judith Salt Pond. Since its founding in 1887, Camp Fuller has evolved from a modest traveling camp into one of the oldest and most respected residential camps in the United States. For Rhode Island families, "Fuller" is more than just a place to spend a week or two; it is a community steeped in tradition, where generations of local children have learned to navigate both the waters of the Atlantic and the complexities of growing up.

The camp operates under the values of the YMCA of Greater Providence, focusing on building a healthy spirit, mind, and body. Its unique coastal location offers a rustic, "unplugged" atmosphere that provides a stark contrast to the digital noise of modern daily life. Whether it is the sound of the morning bugle echoing across the salt pond or the crackle of a Council Fire at night, the environment at Camp Fuller is designed to foster independence, leadership, and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the Ocean State. The camp welcomes a diverse group of campers, from local Rhode Islanders to international visitors, creating a vibrant cultural exchange in the heart of South County.

Camp Fuller is situated at 619 Camp Fuller Road, South Kingstown, RI 02879. For Rhode Island residents, the camp is easily accessible via U.S. Route 1, making it a convenient destination for families from Providence, Newport, or Warwick. The facility occupies a significant footprint on Turner Point, providing ample space for land-based sports and extensive waterfront activities. Its position on Point Judith Salt Pond is particularly advantageous, as the sheltered waters provide a safe yet challenging environment for young sailors and swimmers to hone their skills.

Accessibility and safety are key components of the campus layout. The facility includes on-site parking for families during drop-off and pick-up weekends and features wheelchair-accessible parking lots to accommodate all visitors. While the terrain is naturally coastal and wooded, the main administrative buildings and common areas are designed to be accessible. The camp is also just a short drive from local South Kingstown amenities, ensuring that while campers feel world-away in their rustic cabins, essential services and local landmarks like the Point Judith Lighthouse are just minutes away.

As a premier residential camp, Camp Fuller provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to children ages 7 to 16. These services are structured to provide a safe, supervised, and enriching environment throughout the summer season.

• Residential Overnight Programs: One-week "starter" sessions for younger campers and traditional two-week sessions for older youth.
• Teen Leadership Development: Specialized Counselor-in-Training (CIT) and Leader-in-Training (LIT) programs for teens ages 15 and up.
• Full-Service Dining: A historic dining hall providing three daily meals and snacks, accommodating various dietary needs including food allergies.
• Health and Safety Supervision: On-site health directors and a dedicated infirmary to ensure the well-being of every camper.
• Professional Staffing: A high staff-to-camper ratio, with many counselors being former campers and international staff members.
• Family Camp Weekends: Special seasonal programs that allow the whole family to experience the camp’s amenities and waterfront together.
• Scholarship and Financial Assistance: The YMCA offers financial aid programs to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience camp regardless of financial background.

The hallmark of a summer at Camp Fuller is its diverse array of activities. The camp leverages its coastal geography to offer one of the most robust waterfront programs on the East Coast, alongside traditional land-based adventures.

• Sailing and Windsurfing: Extensive programs on Point Judith Salt Pond using a diverse fleet of boats, ranging from beginner trainers to advanced racing craft.
• Water Sports: Activities including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding (SUP), waterskiing, and tubing.
• Land Sports and Athletics: Traditional sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, archery, and rugby.
• Wilderness Adventure: A high-ropes challenge course, a climbing tower, mountain biking trails, and survival skills training.
• Creative Arts: Programs in theater, music, photography, and traditional arts and crafts.
• Marine Science: Educational exploration of the local salt pond ecosystem and coastal environment.
• Traditional Traditions: Iconic camp activities such as Council Fires, the "Sun Prod" talent show, and singing during meals in the 100-year-old dining hall.
• On-Site Amenities: Functional restroom facilities, open-air cabins for an authentic New England camping feel, and dedicated playground areas.

To learn more about registration, upcoming sessions, or to schedule a tour of the campus, local families can reach out to the camp directly through the following contact details.

• Address: 619 Camp Fuller Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02879, USA
• Phone: (401) 783-5359
• Toll-Free: 1-800-521-1470
• Organization: YMCA of Greater Providence

Choosing Camp Fuller By The Sea means choosing a legacy of outdoor education that is uniquely Rhode Island. For local parents, it is worth choosing for its ability to provide a "classic" camp experience where children are encouraged to trade screen time for sunset sails. The camp’s long history ensures a structured and reliable environment, while its affiliation with the YMCA guarantees a values-based approach to youth development. The rustic nature of the open-air cabins and the focus on outdoor living help children build resilience and a sense of responsibility for their surroundings.

Furthermore, the variety of the program is a significant draw. It is one of the few places where a child can spend their morning learning the physics of windsurfing and their afternoon practicing archery or performing on stage. The social benefits are equally important; many Rhode Island campers form lifelong friendships here, returning year after year to move from campers to leaders. By choosing Camp Fuller, families are investing in an experience that balances physical activity with emotional growth, all set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the Ocean State.