Welcome to Camp Mah-Kee-Nac

Your Son’s Perfect First Camp Experience

2–4 week sessions designed for first-time campers—supportive, confidence-building, and unforgettable.

Not ready for a full summer? Our short sessions give boys the chance to experience camp in a comfortable, welcoming environment—while building independence, friendships, and lifelong memories.

Welcome, we are excited to tell you more about Camp Mah-Kee-Nac!

Here, you'll find everything you need to know about Camp Mah-Kee-Nac—our close-knit community, fun traditions, and all the amazing activities and adventures that await you. We're here to make you feel welcome, supported, and excited for an unforgettable summer.

You might be curious:

  • Who will be there to support and care for me this summer?
  • What exciting team sports and activities will I get to try?
  • What is a typical day like?
  • Where do the other campers come from?
  • I've never been there before, what does Mah-Kee-Nac look like?

Mah-Kee-Nac is known for our warm, down-to-earth vibe, our deep-rooted camp traditions, and our strong values and commitment to community.

Let's start by meeting your Camp Directors.

Meet your Directors

Hi!  We are Jamie and Rachel Chadwin, your Camp Directors. Each year, we’re thrilled to meet you to Camp Mah-Kee-Nac and hopefully spend our summers together in the Berkshires. With over 40 years of combined experience in camping and education, our passion is building a vibrant, supportive community for every camper. We work hand-in-hand with parents to ensure that our camp values and your family’s hopes for summer align—so every summer is not just memorable, but truly meaningful.  We're excited to meet you and tell you more about camp!

Warmly,

Untitled design (9)
Louisville I (1)

Meet Your Campus Leader

We have campus leaders in charge of each age group at Mah-Kee-Nac.  Campus leaders bring years of experience fostering growth and adventure at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac. Each campus leader is dedicated to ensuring a safe, fun-filled summer where boys develop independence, build friendships, and create lasting memories in our supportive community.

Campus leaders and cabin counselors are with your child at all times. Their most important job is to ensure the safety and inclusion of call campers and to make sure camp is an EXTRAORDINARY experience.

Learn about Elective Based Programming

Mah-Kee-Nac is an elective-based camp which means campers get to pick and choose many of the weekly activities they participate in. 

At Mah-Kee-Nac we offer tons of activities, including the ones you love.   Many of our boys who attend Camp Mah-Kee-Nac take full advantage of the variety of activities that we have to offer.  While you might be very busy with athletics or extracurriculars at home, we hope you learn that camp is a place where you can also comfortably explore many other interests, too!

Our Program and Schedule

Green & White Days

Instead of "days of the week" Camp Mah-Kee-Nac has green and white days.  3 days of the week are green days and 3 days of the week are white days.  On green days, we follow our green day schedule; on white days, we follow our white day schedule.  This format allows your son to choose multiple electives each week, keeping your days fresh and full of new excitement.

Daily Schedules

What is a typical day like?

On a typical day, we wake up at around 7:45 am and go to bed around 9:30 pm.  A lot happens in between, as you can imagine.  Each day is filled with new activities with friends, comforting meals in our dining hall, plentiful snacks throughout the day, and an exciting evening activity to close out our adventures together each day.

Daily Schedules (1)

We welcome over 250 boys each summer, hailing from all over the world.  One of our goals to create community is supported by the intentional diversity of where our campers come from.  And this is just the US!

  • Northeast (PA, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA)
  • Mid Atlantic (DC, MD, VA)
  • Southeast (NC, GA, FL)
  • Midwest (Chicago)
  • West Coast & Southwest (CA, WA, TX, CO)
  • International (Can, Col, MX, DR, FR, and more!)

 

Explore our Digital Brochure and 360 Virtual Tour

Explore more of Camp Mah-Kee-Nac with our digital brochure and immersive virtual tour. Imagine your sonspending days surrounded by the natural beauty of the Berkshires—playing team sports on pristine fields, unleashing creativity alongside new friends, and unwinding in modern, comfortable bunks. Discover our supportive, close-knit community where time-honored traditions and exciting activities create unforgettable experiences. This is where lifelong friendships are made, personal growth is encouraged, and every summer day is filled with adventure and joy. His incredible summer journey begins here.

1st Session: June 24 - July 20

This popular 4-week session for all campers really packs a punch. This session combines lots of regular camp programming, special events, and plenty of bonding time to create the perfect camp experience in a comfortable time period.

$10,700/season

First Session includes

  • Full access to all camp activities
  • Elective-based daily program
  • Weekly special events
  • Daily photo & updates for parents
  • Weekly Laundry Service
  • All food and snacks
  • Round-trip transportation from most cities and nearby airports
  • Green and White (Color War!)

2nd Session: July 20 - August 9

Perfect 3-week session blending the best of regular camp programming, overnight trips, and special events. This is a popular session among new campers who are looking to experience a longer (but not too long) session away from home!

$9150/season

Second Session Includes

  • Full access to camp activities
  • Elective-based daily program
  • Weekly Special Events
  • Daily photo & blog updates for parents
  • Weekly laundry service
  • All food and snacks
  • Round-trip transportation from major citiies and nearby airports
  • The Mah-Kee-Nac Olympic Games

2 Week Sessions (June-July & July-Aug)

Tailored for younger boys (grades 1-4) to experience camp life with our specialized two-week introduction to overnight camping. Choose between June 24 - July 5 or July 20 - August 2

$5950/season

Mini Mak includes

  • Two-week introduction to camp
  • Extra counselor supervision
  • Age-appropriate activities
  • Option to extend stay
  • Daily updates for parents
  • Weekly laundry service
  • One-way transportation to camp from most major cities and nearby airports
  • Daily photo & blog updates for parents

Frequently Asked Questions About Camp Mah-Kee-Nac

What makes Camp Mah-Kee-Nac different from other summer camps?

As an all-boys camp, we are known for our down-to-earth and friendly vibe, our strong values, and our commitment to being part of a community.  Mah-Kee-Nac stands apart through our 95+ years of tradition since 1929, our elective-based program allowing campers to pursue their interests, state-of-the-art facilities, including our Olympic-sized heated pool and indoor fieldhouse, and our exceptional staff of experienced professionals, teachers, and coaches. Our focus on building brotherhood, independence, and lifelong skills in a screen-free environment creates transformative summers that boys return to year after year.  

How does the enrollment process work?

Enrollment is simple!  After scheduling a call with our directors, you'll receive personalized guidance through the online enrollment process. We offer flexible payment options, with only a deposit due at the time of enrollment to hold your space.  Our team will help you complete all necessary forms and provide comprehensive information about preparing for camp, including packing lists and transportation details.  You can click here to get started with enrolling.

What activities are available at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac?

Camp Mah-Kee-Nac offers a wide range of activities, including waterfront and swimming, team sports, individual sports, adventure programs, and media/S.T.E.M. activities. Our elective-based program allows boys to choose activities that interest them most while developing new skills in a supportive environment.  With an elective-based program philosophy, campers are able to change their schedules weekly to allow for more participation.

How does Camp Mah-Kee-Nac ensure camper safety?

Safety is our top priority at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac. Our staff undergoes comprehensive training in safety protocols and procedures, first aid, and professional youth development. We maintain an excellent counselor-to-camper ratio, have 24/7 healthcare professionals on-site, round-the-clock camp security, and implement structured supervision systems. All high-risk activities are overseen by certified and trained staff and lifeguards, and our facilities are regularly inspected and maintained to the highest standards.  All staff who live and work with us have gone through extensive background checks mandated by the ACA and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Can I stay updated on my son's camp experience?

Absolutely! We understand the importance of staying connected. Through our private online hub, The MKN Totem, and Campminder, parents receive daily photo updates, written recaps, and feature stories and blogs about camp activities. While we maintain a screen-free environment for campers to foster independence, presence, and communication, we assure you're often informed about your son's experiences and achievements at camp.

Should I book a tour before enrolling?

We encourage families to book a tour before enrolling so you can see camp in action, get a feel for our community, and ask all your questions. That said, a tour is not required to enroll, and you won’t lose your spot if visiting in person isn’t possible. If you can’t make it to camp, we’re happy to set up a virtual tour, share videos and photos, or schedule a call with our directors to help you feel confident in your decision and connected to our team.