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Camp Lawrence For Boys Ages 8-16

From days filled with fun and adventure to nights around the campfire, magical childhood memories are made at Camp Lawrence. Situated on the southern tip of Bear Island on Lake Winnipesaukee, Camp Lawrence is home to two beautiful, natural beaches, multi-purpose playing fields, tennis and basketball courts, a craft shop, archery and riflery ranges, a primitive outpost, ropes courses and more.  Seventy acres of rugged, natural terrain offer our community of 150 campers and 65 staff members plenty of room to grow.

The boys choose their schedules from a wide range of athletic, creative and instructional activities that are designed to challenge campers according to their age, interest and skill. At Camp Lawrence, boys gain the skills and experience necessary for physical, social, emotional and spiritual growth.

Camp Tours

Visit our Events Page for information on camp tours.

Rates & Dates

Important Days, Times, and Costs for camp.

Rates & Dates

Activities

Our camps offer an extensive menu of programs and activities.

Activities

A Day At Camp

Check out a typical day at camp

A Day At Camp

Transportation

Important transportation information for our campers.

Transportation

Forms & Information

Essential camper forms

Forms & Information

Packing List

Bring these essentials when you come

Packing List

Camp Lawrence FAQs

Check out our Parent Handbook for in-depth information on the Camp Lawrence/Camp Nokomis experience.

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  • lawrence_faq

How do campers get to camp?

There are a few different options for transportation. Please visit our Transportation page for details. 

How do Camp Lawrence and Camp Nokomis address the needs of first-time campers?

Before a camper arrives at camp, parents fill out and mail to camp a “Let’s Get Acquainted” form.  This questionnaire is reviewed by the Camp Director and appropriate cabin staff and is used to identify the needs, interests, and expectations of campers. When campers arrive at camp, staff  spend a lot of time with them talking about their interests, helping them to feel at home and make friends and introducing them to other campers and staff.

When will I be able to see the camp and meet the director?

Each spring we host tours at the camps and in the Merrimack Valley YMCA’s service area. For more information, visit our events page. The Camping Services Office will also notify families about the details of these events.

What are your medical and first aid arrangements?

Each camp has two full-time nurses on staff.  Both camps have well-equipped health centers, and a large percentage of our staff are certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED, in addition to being certified lifeguards.  Lakes Region General Hospital is located a short drive from the Y-Landing Marina.

What is your staff like?

Our staff are young adults, many of whom grew up in our camps and completed our Counselor-in-Training program. All complete thorough pre-season training and the Redwoods Child Abuse Prevention Course. They have been selected for maturity, leadership ability, activity skills, positive and friendly attitudes, commitment to young people and a genuine love for camp. Each camp’s leadership includes seasoned leaders, some of whom are professional educators and registered nurses.

What are the policies and practices regarding religion and worship at camp?

We hold non-denominational services each Sunday that all campers and staff attend.  These services are traditionally conducted by our staff and tend to focus on the core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.  We respect the religious perspectives of all campers and staff.

How many campers are in a cabin, and what are the cabins like?

Our cabins house between eight and twelve campers as well as two staff members. Campers enjoy adequate personal space and sleep in wooden bunk beds with guard rails.  Cabins are wood-frames with window screens.  Cabin assignments are based on age and school grade.  The directors place campers in specific cabin groups with attention to the balance of people from the same hometown, the ratio of new to returning campers, as well as other factors.

If my camper attends camp with a friend, or a group of friends, can they be in placed in the same cabin?

Cabin assignments are made on the basis of grade. It might seem logical to try to guarantee a happy camp experience by requesting a specific cabin mate for your child. Experienced Camp Directors universally agree that these requests frequently create more problems than they solve. In addition, our camps do not schedule daily activities or dining hall assignments by cabin, therefore campers from different cabins have many opportunities to spend time together at camp. With that in mind, cabin mate requests may be submitted, but are not encouraged.

  • Campers may request one cabin mate, when both campers are in the same grade and the request comes from both families.
  • Cabin mate requests are not guaranteed as many factors go into cabin placement decisions.
  • Cabin assignments are revealed when the campers arrive at the island.

Camp Lawrence cabin mate requests click here

Camp Nokomis cabin mate requests click here

Do you consider your activities to be competitive?

Our camps offer activities that are instructional and meaningful, offering challenges and growth for both beginning and advanced learners.  We focus our attention on ensuring that our activities are both safe and fun.

Where do most of your campers come from?

Our campers come from all over New England, the United States and around the world.  Some of our staff and campers have traveled from areas in Europe, Australia, Asia and South America.

What is the difference between your camp and other camps?

Our camps stand out for their unique island location and for the team of dedicated staff who return summer after summer.  The counselors are strong models of our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.  Our camps offer a great mix of athletic and creative activities in a setting that promotes self-confidence and teamwork.

How do you handle special dietary needs/preferences?

Our camps can accommodate most dietary food preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).  Staff are also made aware of identified food allergies and campers are monitored for safe and healthy eating habits.

Merrimack Valley YMCA CAMPS

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