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Camp Nokomis For Girls Ages 8-16

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For building self-esteem, reconnecting with nature, and making life-long friends, there is no place better than Camp Nokomis for Girls. Camp Nokomis’ forty acres of property includes densely-wooded areas, multi-purpose playing fields, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, an archery range, a craft shop, ropes course, two beaches and more.  Our program for 150 campers led by 60 staff embraces each girl’s individual abilities and needs, while remaining sensitive to her age and interests.

Through a mix of athletic and creative activities, as well as unscheduled time, girls learn to be independent, resilient and confident. Camp Nokomis provides a nurturing environment for each camper to develop her skills and value the skills and talents of her peers.

Activities

Learn more about the activities available at camp.

Activities

Packing List

Bring these essentials when you come

Packing List

A Day At Camp

Check out a typical day at camp

A Day At Camp

Transportation

Important transportation information for our campers.

Transportation

Rates & Dates

Important Days, Times, and Costs for camp.

Rates & Dates

Forms & Information

Essential forms

Forms & Information

Camp Nokomis FAQs

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

How do campers get to camp?

There are a few different options for transportation.  Campers may be driven by their guardians to our mainland dock at the Y-Landing Marina in Meredith, NH, they may travel (with their luggage) on staff-supervised busses (for an additional fee), which leaves from our Methuen Branch in Massachusetts, or they may be transported by private, family-owned boat (if traveling by private boat, arrival and departure arrangements must be made with each camp directly).  Campers arriving by plane must fly into the Manchester, NH airport and flights must be scheduled between 12pm and 3pm (airport pick-up and drop-off will incur an additional fee).

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 open houses at the camps and in the Merrimack Valley YMCA’s service area. For more information, visit out Rates and Dates page (link). 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?

It might seem logical to try to guarantee a happy camp experience be requesting a specific cabin mate for your child, however, experienced camp directors universally agree that these requests frequently create more problems than they solve.  Our camps do not schedule daily activities or dining hall assignments by cabin.  Cabin mate requests will be noted when both campers are in the same rising grade and the request comes from both sets of parents, however, they are limited to one request per camper and they are not encouraged and cannot be guaranteed.  Many factors go into cabin placement decisions. Please email requests to campinfo@mvymca.org. One named request only. Our camp directors are happy to discuss your request with you.

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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