by Brian Ashmankas
Known to most of the residents of Millbury as the “other” cut through from 146 to South Main Street (besides Sycamore Street), Herricks Lane is also home to one of Millbury’s most historic gems. Tucked away inside the mostly residential neighborhood is the entrance to the thirteen and a half acre Millbury Youth Camp. This camp was established in 1939, 126 years into Millbury’s rich history. The thirteen and a half acres was donated by Clarence Fenner for use by the youths of town.
Since that time, the camp has seen many changes. A pavilion was constructed shortly into its existence and in 1958 a fireplace was constructed along with a separate restroom building with connected septic system and artesian well. Then in 1989, the process was begun to combine and renovate the buildings and to add a furnace, furniture, kitchen, and second floor. Currently, they are working on finishing the kitchen and constructing an outdoor pavilion, the first having been converted to the main hall during the renovation.
The camp is perhaps most known for its annual haunted hayride, called Spooky Acres. Each October, residents of Millbury and the surrounding towns are invited to have their wits scared out of them as they ride through the camp grounds, populated by spooks, ghouls, and monsters of all types, played of course by the youth and their parents who benefit so much from the camp.
The camp also organizes an annual Easter Egg hunt for children ages 3 through 11. Often as many as 80 children will participate in this event each year. Throughout the year, the camp has also been home to many scouting events, most notably the annual fireside night for cub scouts and their parents. This past year, Camp Fire used the camp to celebrate its 100th anniversary and rich history in Millbury. The grounds have even been used for cook-outs, fundraisers, anniversaries, baby showers, and celebrations of all types, including birthday, Christmas, and graduation parties.
At Millbury’s bicentennial in 2013, the youth camp will be 74 years old. In all this time, it has remained true to its original mission. The wooded area is one of the few places in our suburban town where youths can enjoy and explore the outdoors. It has always and will continue to be available to youth organizations free of charge, relying instead on the generous donations of Millbury’s residents and businesses in order to remain the integral part of Millbury’s unique history and character that it has become.
