MATTAPOISETT — Since 1962, campers from across the South Coast have gathered at Camp Massasoit for archery, sailing, traditions and friendship.

The camp hosts about 250 attendees each week at the Mattapoisett YMCA, ranging in age from 5 years old to 15 years old, according to Camp Director Stephanie Winterson. Alongside the older campers, the YMCA also has a summer childcare program for children ages 3 to 4.

“When we’re servicing anywhere from like 250 to 300 campers, it’s a busy day,” she said. “We have children of all different needs and backgrounds.”

As the summer came to an end, Winterson and the counselors prepared for their final day of camp on Friday, August 22.

“It’s bittersweet. It definitely feels like a finish line for most of us here,” she said, adding that “you realize how sad it is when nobody’s here” as the camp empties out and fall arrives.

During the summer, the YMCA employs approximately 65 to 70 seasonal employees who assist with running the camp. Many of the summertime employees were once campers themselves.

17-year-old Michaela Goncalves of New Bedford attended Camp Massasoit since she was five years old, and now works as a junior counselor.

“It was a very good place to find friends at a young age, and they really help you with social skills,” she said, reflecting on her growth. Goncalves described herself as a “very shy” kid when she initially arrived at camp and it “really helped” her learn to socialize.

Now that she serves in a leadership role, Goncalves enjoys working with the kids and providing them with a support system.

“I like being a role model for all these girls in my group,” she said. “These girls have someone to look up to, have someone to talk to when someone’s making fun of them or they just don’t feel like today’s their day.”

Essence Monteiro, a 12-year-old camper from New Bedford, has returned to camp for the past five years.

“It’s really fun. I meet a lot of friends, and I love going on the zip line and playing carpet[ball] and stuff like that,” she said. Her favorite tradition is the end of session camp awards, where kids are recognized for achievements such as sailor of the year, camper of the week and fantastic free swimmer.

“The cool thing about Camp Massasoit is we really try to keep those camp traditions in place,” said Winterson.

Alongside the end of camp awards, traditions also include counselors performing skits every morning, color wars and “Wacky Wednesday” where campers dress up for various themes.

Winterson emphasized the “multi-generational” nature of the camp, which attracts families from the Tri-town and beyond.

“We’re seeing our campers now are the grandchildren or great-grandchildren of previous campers,” said Winterson. “That’s something that I think is so special.”

The camp emphasizes that they strive to serve children of all financial backgrounds, providing about $45,000 in scholarships every summer.

Each December, the YMCA crafts a buoy tree composed of small buoys decorated by the campers each summer. The lighting of the buoy tree serves as a fundraiser for providing financial support for the next season’s incoming campers.

“The majority of our campers are on some form of assistance, whether it’s through the state or applying for financial aid,” said Winterson.

Now completing her 16th year of working at Camp Massasoit, Winterson reflects upon the traditions and activities that brought the staff and campers together for countless summers.

“It’s got my heart,” she said of the camp. “...It’s just special.”