Camp Fuller - By the Sea, South Kingstown, RI

Introduction / Overview

For generations of Rhode Islanders, the name **Camp Fuller - By the Sea** has been synonymous with summer, salt air, and life-changing experiences. Established in 1887 and located on the scenic shores of Point Judith Salt Pond in South Kingstown, this historic institution—a branch of the Greater Providence YMCA—is one of New England’s most cherished traditional overnight camps. It is not a typical public campground for general recreational vehicle or tent camping; rather, it is a dedicated, rustic, co-educational summer camp primarily serving youth from ages 7 to 17, and offering specialized programs like family camp weekends.

Camp Fuller prides itself on a foundation of core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Passion. The atmosphere is designed to be unplugged, encouraging campers to build relationships, develop competence in new skills, and create lifelong memories away from the distractions of technology. With its unique location providing both coastal access and acres of woodland, it offers a diverse range of water and land activities that cater to every interest. For Rhode Island families, this camp represents a valuable local resource, a rite of passage for youth seeking independence, and a cherished annual tradition for multi-generational visits during family camp sessions.

The camp experience is truly traditional and deliberately rustic. Accommodations are in cabins, often without electricity or lights, fostering a focus on community and the natural environment. While some past reviews have highlighted challenges common to all rustic, overnight youth camps—such as late-night cabin chatter, which can lead to exhaustion, or issues with simple comforts like fully stocked communal bathrooms—the overwhelming narrative remains one of powerful personal growth and cherished family memories, particularly for those who attend the dedicated, shorter, and often highly praised Family Camp Weekends. Camp Fuller aims to provide a wholesome, engaging, and formative experience guided by strong values.

Location and Accessibility

YMCA Camp Fuller is perfectly situated for Rhode Island residents, offering a true escape without requiring a long-distance journey outside of the state. Its setting "By the Sea" provides a rare combination of fresh water, salt pond, and woodland environments, all within the accessible bounds of South County.

The official address is **619 Camp Fuller Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02879, USA**.

For locals, the accessibility is excellent:

**Proximity to Major Routes:** The camp is located conveniently near US Route 1, making the drive from Providence, Warwick, or even Westerly straightforward.
**Coastal Setting:** Positioned directly on Point Judith Pond, the camp offers a unique environment for extensive water sports and marine-based activities that are unparalleled in other New England camps. This location is one of the few on the East Coast with such direct access to both the ocean and woodland.
**Local Amenities:** Though the camp itself is in a secluded area of natural beauty, it is a short drive to South County Hospital in Wakefield and other essential local services in South Kingstown, providing peace of mind for parents and organizers.

Its location makes drop-offs and pick-ups convenient for Rhode Island families, ensuring that the camp experience is attainable and minimizes travel stress for both children and parents.

Services Offered

Camp Fuller primarily offers co-educational overnight youth camp sessions and specialized Family Camp programming. The core service is a comprehensive, structured, and supervised camping experience.

**Overnight Youth Sessions:** Traditional two-week sessions (ages 7-16) focus on deep skill development, independence, and leadership. One-week starter sessions are also available, specifically designed for new and younger campers (ages 7-11) to get an introductory taste of the camp life.
**Teen Leadership Programs:** Dedicated four-week Leaders-in-Training (LIT) and Counselor-In-Training (CIT) programs for older teens (ages 15-16), offering practical experience in guiding and mentoring, with completion of the CIT program being a pathway to future employment.
**Family Camp Weekends:** A popular option for Rhode Island families to experience the rustic camp environment together. These sessions are all-inclusive, covering meals, activities, and private or shared cabin housing.
**On-Site Healthcare:** A registered nurse is on staff and on-site 24/7 to address all non-emergency medical needs. The camp also employs a behavioral support specialist to assist with mental health needs.
**Supervised Group Housing:** Campers live in cabin divisions, typically with up to eight campers and two staff members per cabin, fostering a tight-knit, family-like structure and ensuring a good camper-to-staff ratio.
**Daily Structured Activities:** Campers choose a schedule of activities for the week, allowing them to truly dive into and build competence in a few select areas rather than just sampling everything.

Features / Highlights

The activities and unique characteristics of Camp Fuller are what draw Rhode Island families back year after year. The camp utilizes its coastal and woodland settings to the fullest.

**Extensive Waterfront Activities:** Leveraging its location on Point Judith Salt Pond, the camp offers:
- Sailing and Windsurfing (very popular programs)
- Canoeing, Kayaking, and Paddleboarding
- Swimming and Marine Biology instruction
- Waterskiing and Tubing (available for an extra charge due to staffing needs)
**Adventure and Ropes Courses:** Features a challenging **Climbing Tower** and a Low Ropes Course, encouraging goal-setting, teamwork, and physical challenge.
**Diverse Land Activities:** A broad selection ensures every interest is met, including:
- Archery and Mountain Biking
- Sports (Soccer, Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball)
- Arts & Crafts, Performing Arts, and Yoga
**Rustic Cabin Accommodations:** The traditional, simple, and 'unplugged' nature of the cabins (often without power) is a highlight for those seeking a classic, immersive summer camp experience focused on personal interaction and connection with nature. Separate bathhouse facilities are provided.
**Historic Tradition:** Established in 1887, Camp Fuller's long history means campers become part of a multi-generational legacy, complete with unique ceremonies, traditions, and the iconic Council Fire.

Contact Information

Rhode Island locals interested in summer sessions, family camp, or employment opportunities can connect with Camp Fuller via the following details:

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

Phone: (401) 783-5359

Affiliation: A Branch of the Greater Providence YMCA

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Camp Fuller - By the Sea is perfectly tailored for Rhode Island families for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its status as a local YMCA branch and a fixture of South County since 1887 gives it an inherent connection to the community—it’s a piece of Rhode Island history where parents and even grandparents may have attended themselves. It provides a unique, homegrown experience.

Secondly, the camp's exceptional coastal location on Point Judith Pond offers the best of Rhode Island’s natural environment. For youth, this means learning to sail, kayak, and engage in marine biology in a safe, supervised coastal setting that many other inland camps simply cannot match. This local resource allows children to develop unique, highly valued skills deeply tied to Rhode Island’s maritime culture.

Finally, Camp Fuller provides a crucial service in today's digital world: a traditional, unplugged, values-driven environment. While the rustic nature is an adjustment, it is an intentional one, designed to build resilience, independence, and strong interpersonal skills—core values highly sought after by local parents. Whether for a child's first overnight camp experience in a starter session, a transformative two-week adventure, or a memorable Family Camp weekend, Camp Fuller - By the Sea remains the quintessential Rhode Island summer destination for personal growth and unforgettable memories.