Camp Life
at Belknap
Camp Belknap is an all-boys traditional overnight camp on New Hampshire’s Lake Winnepausekee. From age 8-16, boys return each summer to live together in a cabin with 9 other boys and their leader(s). The essence of the Belknap experience is to unplug, be surrounded and impacted by positive young male role models, and engage in a natural setting. Camp Belknap anchors boys in the present while still providing an environment for personal and moral growth for the future. Belknap is a values driven camp where boys rise each morning to do their share of the work through cabin inspection and camp duties and go to bed each night to the sound of the live bugle.
Woodcraft Values
The Lamps of Woodcraft are an important part of the Camp Belknap culture. We encourage all campers and staff to consider the Lamps in their everyday actions.
The Lamp of Beauty
- Be clean, both yourself and the place you live in.
- Understand and respect your body, It is the temple of the spirit.
- Be a friend to all harmless wildlife, Conserve the woods and flowers and especially be ready to fight wild fire in forest and in town.
The Lamp of Love
- Be kind, Do at least one act of unbargaining service each day.
- Be helpful, Do your share of the work.
- Be joyful, Seek the joy of being alive
The Lamp of Truth
- Word of honor is sacred.
- Play fair, foul play is treachery.
- Be reverent, worship a Great Spirit and respect all worship by others.
The Lamp of Fortitude
- Be brave, Courage is the noblest of all attainments.
- Be silent while your elders are speaking and otherwise show them deference.
- Obey, Obedience is the first duty of the Woodcrafter.
Activities
Camp Activities
Camp Belknap offers a variety of activities to allow for the opportunity for each boy to thrive. Each Belknap boy chooses their own activities based on their likes, abilities and desire to learn. The activity schedule is posted in each cabin and leaders announce upcoming activities at meals. Campers must be comfortable getting from one place in camp to another without accompaniment from another camper or staff person. Below is a list of many of the activities that a camper can participate in.
Sneak Preview
New Campers Click Below For A Preview of Camp
Daily Schedule
At Belknap
The typical daily schedule is outlined below. The schedule varies on the weekends to provide for more specific time for boys to spend with their cabin mates and leaders and for all camp activities and gatherings
| Time | AM/PM | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 7:15 | AM | Reveille |
| 7:15–7:55 | AM | Cabin Inspection and Personal Wash-up |
| 7:45 | AM | Flag raising and slingers |
| 8:00 | AM | Breakfast |
| 8:30–9:10 | AM | Sign-ups & Camp Duties |
| 9:20–10:30 | AM | First Period |
| 10:40–11:50 | AM | Second Period |
| 11:50–12:25 | PM | General Swim + Boating |
| 12:45 | PM | Slingers |
| 1:00 | PM | Lunch |
| 1:45 | PM | Sign-ups & Mail Call |
| 1:50–2:50 | PM | Siesta |
| 3:00–4:10 | PM | Third Period |
| 4:20–5:00 | PM | General Swim + Boating |
| 5:35 | PM | Vespers |
| 5:45 | PM | Dinner |
| 7:15–8:30 | PM | Evening activities |
| 9:00 | PM | Taps |
Camper Safety
At Belknap
Camper Safety: All leaders participate in a one-week leader training prior to the arrival of campers. This includes training on homesickness, bullying, camper health and hygiene, and cabin management. All leaders are trained in First Aid and many have certifications such as CPR and lifeguarding. Leader training also includes substantial attention to topics around child sexual abuse training. Belknap prides itself on being a place where we openly discuss the importance of camper safety at all levels. For more information, please see the March 19, 2019 Letter to our Community.
Cyanobacteria Information and Monitoring: Since 2023, Camp Belknap has partnered with the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance (LWA) to support ongoing water quality testing efforts. We have increased our lake water monitoring, creating a protocol that has been reviewed by both the state (NHDES) and federal agencies (EPA). Additional information on cyanobacteria and Camp Belknap’s monitoring procedure can be found here.
Accreditation: Belknap is accredited through the American Camp Association (ACA) and licensed by the State of New Hampshire. The ACA works with accredited summer camps on key aspects of camp operation, program quality, and the health and safety of campers and staff. The ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation to promote growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.
Health & Wellness: Camp Belknap has a fully staffed Health Center with a registered nurse on staff at all times. Belknap is located 7 miles from Huggins Hospital, a community hospital in Wolfeboro with a range of inpatient and outpatient services.
Camp Map
At Camp Belknap
Click here or the graphic below to view/download Belknap’s camp map.
