Camp Fuller - By the Sea

Rhode Island locals, are you seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience that combines the tranquility of nature with an abundance of engaging activities? Look no further than Camp Fuller - By the Sea, a beloved institution nestled along the picturesque Point Judith Pond in South Kingstown, RI. While primarily known as a premier co-ed resident summer camp, Camp Fuller also extends its incredible offerings to families and groups, providing a unique coastal escape right in our own backyard.

For generations, Camp Fuller has been a cornerstone of summer fun and personal growth for youth, offering an unplugged experience that fosters independence and builds lifelong skills. But its appeal isn't limited to just traditional summer sessions. The unique charm of Camp Fuller, with its rich history dating back to 1887, has also made it a cherished destination for family gatherings and retreats. As one local visitor succinctly put it, "Family camp weekend was a blast!" This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of Camp Fuller: a place where joy, connection, and adventure converge, all against the stunning backdrop of Rhode Island's coastal beauty.

Whether you're reliving your own cherished camp memories, looking for a transformative summer experience for your children, or simply seeking a refreshing family getaway that's close to home, Camp Fuller - By the Sea offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, engage in exciting activities, and create lasting memories. It's more than just a campground; it's a vibrant community where the salt air invigorates, and every moment is an invitation to explore.

Camp Fuller - By the Sea boasts an idyllic and incredibly accessible location at 619 Camp Fuller Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02879, USA. Situated directly on the shores of Point Judith Pond, it offers unique waterfront access that sets it apart from many other camping destinations. For Rhode Islanders, this means a convenient drive to a true escape.

From major population centers within Rhode Island, Camp Fuller is remarkably easy to reach. From Providence, the drive typically takes under an hour, making it perfect for weekend trips or day visits. Even from farther reaches of the state, such as Newport or Woonsocket, the travel time remains manageable, usually within an hour to an hour and a half. This local accessibility is a significant advantage, allowing families to spend more time enjoying the camp and less time on the road. The camp's location in South Kingstown means it's also close to popular South County beaches, charming towns, and other local attractions, should you wish to explore beyond the camp's boundaries. The area enjoys mild coastal weather during the warmer months, making outdoor activities comfortable and enjoyable.

The setting itself is a blend of forest and coastal environments, providing a diverse natural landscape to explore. The drive down Camp Fuller Road offers a scenic introduction to the rustic charm of the area, winding through wooded sections before opening up to the expansive views of Point Judith Pond. This combination of accessibility and a beautiful natural environment makes Camp Fuller an ideal choice for Rhode Island families and groups seeking an enriching outdoor experience.

Camp Fuller - By the Sea provides a comprehensive array of services, particularly tailored to its primary function as a summer resident camp, but also extending to its family and group offerings. These services are designed to ensure a comfortable, safe, and engaging experience for all attendees.

• Accommodation: Campers and family retreat participants typically stay in rustic cabins. These cabins, often open-air, provide an authentic camp experience, encouraging connection with nature. Most cabins do not have electricity, fostering an "unplugged" environment.
• Dining Services: Camp Fuller operates a full commercial kitchen in its dining hall, providing excellent food service. For group retreats, they can work with organizers to create custom menus, and groups also have the option to bring their own food. Meals at camp are often a communal experience, adding to the sense of community.
• Dedicated Staff & Supervision: As a YMCA camp, Camp Fuller prides itself on its highly trained and dedicated staff. For youth programs, there's a low camper-to-staff ratio (e.g., 8:1), ensuring personalized attention and supervision. Staff are certified in First Aid and CPR, with a nurse and health center on-site for medical needs.
• Program Planning & Guidance: For family camps and group retreats, Camp Fuller staff can assist with planning activities. Groups can lead their own programming or opt for staff-guided activities such as team building and high ropes courses.
• On-Site Laundry & Linens (for specific programs): For longer stays, such as two-week or longer summer camp sessions, on-site laundry services are available. Linens (pillow, pillowcase, sheets, blanket) can also be rented, which is particularly helpful for those traveling lighter or from a distance.
• Transportation Options (for youth camps): While primarily for youth campers, Camp Fuller offers pick-up and drop-off services from major transportation hubs like Boston Logan International Airport, TF Green Airport (PVD), and Kingston Train Station, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility for all participants.
• Communication Platforms: For parents of summer campers, Bunk1 is utilized, providing secure photo galleries, "Bunk Notes" for easy letter sending, and "Bunk Replies" for campers to send handwritten letters home. This system helps families stay connected with their campers.

Camp Fuller - By the Sea is renowned for its exceptional features and diverse activities that cater to a wide range of interests, making it a vibrant hub for both personal development and family fun.

• Unrivaled Waterfront Access: Located on the pristine Point Judith Salt Pond, Camp Fuller offers unparalleled access to water activities. This includes extensive opportunities for sailing (a camp mainstay since 1928), windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, and tubing. It's one of the few camps on the East Coast with direct access to an ocean-fed pond, providing a unique environment for aquatic adventures.
• Diverse Land-Based Activities: Beyond the water, the camp provides a vast array of land activities. These include archery, a climbing tower, challenge courses (high ropes), sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, yoga, and rugby. Creative pursuits such as arts and crafts, gardening, nature exploration, dance, music, photography, and even chess are also available.
• Rich History and Traditions: Established in 1887 as Camp Lawton and renamed Camp Fuller in 1914, it is one of the oldest camps in the country. The camp is steeped in tradition, with cherished landmarks like the "Old Bell" and the "Council Ring" (used for gatherings), which evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and community.
• Focus on Core Values: The YMCA affiliation means Camp Fuller's programs are guided by core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and passion, fostering positive character development in all participants.
• Flexible Session Lengths: For its summer camp, Camp Fuller offers a variety of session lengths, including one-week "starter sessions" for younger or newer campers (ages 7-11) and more immersive two-week programs. This flexibility allows families to choose an experience that best fits their needs.
• Teen Leadership Programs: The camp features specialized Leaders-In-Training (LIT) and Counselor-In-Training (CIT) programs for older teens (ages 15+), designed to cultivate leadership skills and provide mentorship opportunities.
• Unplugged Experience: Camp Fuller strongly encourages an "unplugged" experience, with a policy against cell phones, digital cameras, tablets, smartwatches, and other WiFi-connected devices. This promotes genuine interaction and engagement with the natural surroundings and fellow campers.
• Scenic Property & Retreat Facilities: The picturesque landscape of Camp Fuller makes it an ideal setting for group retreats. It offers cozy cabins, beautiful indoor and outdoor program spaces, and the ability to customize experiences for various groups, including church groups, yoga retreats, and community conferences.

Camp Fuller - By the Sea understands the value of making its unique experience accessible to as many families as possible. While specific promotions may vary by season and program, they frequently offer incentives and financial assistance.

• Early Registration Discounts: For its summer camp programs, Camp Fuller often provides incentives for early registration. For example, they have previously offered to lock in the previous year's rates for registrations made before a specific date (e.g., January 1st). This encourages families to plan ahead and secure their spot while saving on tuition.
• Referral Programs: A common promotion is a "Refer a Friend" program. If you refer a new family who registers for camp, both the referring family and the new family can receive a discount (e.g., $100 off). This fosters community growth and rewards existing campers.
• Sibling Discounts: For families enrolling multiple children, Camp Fuller typically offers a sibling discount (e.g., 5% off for subsequent children after the first full-paying camper). It's advised to contact them directly if you have siblings registering to ensure the discount is manually applied.
• Financial Assistance: As a YMCA camp, Camp Fuller is deeply committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to attend, regardless of financial circumstances. They offer a financial assistance program, funded by generous donors, to help families who need support with tuition costs. Interested families are encouraged to inquire about the application process for financial aid.
• Package Deals for Camp Supplies: While not directly from Camp Fuller, their partnerships with camp supply retailers (like Everything Summer Camp) often lead to exclusive discounts on recommended gear, trunks, and clothing for registered campers, accessible via a specific camp code.

It's important to note that specific deals may not be stackable, and terms and conditions often apply (e.g., registration deadlines for discounts). For the most current and accurate information on promotions and financial aid opportunities, it is always best to visit the official Camp Fuller website or contact their office directly.

For more information, to inquire about specific programs, or to plan your family's next adventure, Camp Fuller - By the Sea is readily available to assist.

• Address: 619 Camp Fuller Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02879, USA
• Phone: (401) 783-5359
• Email: Inquiries are often best directed via email for a quicker response, though a general email address is not publicly listed for direct inquiries, it is usually provided on their website or upon initial contact. Their website notes email as the best way to get a quick reply.

It is highly recommended to schedule an appointment if you wish to visit the camp during the off-season, as it is private property and staff may not always be on-site.

For Rhode Islanders, Camp Fuller - By the Sea isn't just another camp; it's a cherished local treasure that offers an unparalleled blend of outdoor adventure, community, and personal growth right in our own backyard. Its location in South Kingstown provides convenient access from anywhere in the state, making it an ideal choice for both summer camp experiences and family getaways without the hassle of extensive travel.

What makes Camp Fuller truly suitable for locals is its deep roots in the Rhode Island community and its commitment to providing enriching experiences. The abundant waterfront activities on Point Judith Pond, from sailing to kayaking, offer unique opportunities that leverage our state's beautiful coastal environment. This means children can learn invaluable water safety and sports skills in a familiar and safe setting, and families can enjoy coastal recreation without leaving the state.

Beyond the exciting activities, the camp fosters a strong sense of community and traditional values. The "unplugged" environment encourages genuine human connection, a vital respite in our increasingly digital world. Children learn independence, teamwork, and respect for others, all within a supportive and nurturing atmosphere. For families, the "Family Camp" weekends provide a unique chance to bond, participate in classic camp activities together, and create memories that will last a lifetime, echoing the sentiment of the satisfied local who exclaimed, "Family camp weekend was a blast!"

Moreover, as a YMCA camp, Camp Fuller is dedicated to accessibility, offering financial assistance to ensure that all Rhode Island families, regardless of economic background, can experience the magic of camp. This commitment to inclusivity, combined with a focus on safety, professional staff, and a wide array of engaging programs, makes Camp Fuller - By the Sea an invaluable resource for our state's residents. It’s a place where children can thrive, families can connect, and the natural beauty of Rhode Island can be fully embraced, making it the perfect local destination for adventure, learning, and unforgettable memories.

Camp Fuller - By the Sea

619 Camp Fuller Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02879, USA