About

Mission

Camp Belknap inspires boys to lead by example, consider others, build strong character, value nature, and seek the joy of being alive.

The Mission of Belknap has remained consistent for well over 100 years. Character, kindness, and a sense of joy in the world and the people who share it are the hallmarks of the Belknap experience. All of which unfolds in a majestic wooded setting on the shore of an ancient lake. Belknap people are dedicated to the nurturing of young men from school age into young adulthood, committed to the growth of traits and habits in keeping with Camp’s mission. Boys from all walks of life are welcomed into the family and encouraged to explore their gifts and passions, guided on their path by mentors young and old who are committed to their care. The multifarious traditions of Belknap keep the mission alive across the generations. From small moments such as the singing of a favorite Camp song to larger ones like the naming of a new corps of leaders from within the camper ranks, the traditions of Camp Belknap maintain its collective memory for Belknappers past and present to enjoy.

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Boys aged 8-16

Each session there are 300 boys and 100 staff members who make up the Belknap community.

Choice Programming

Boys have the freedom to choose among the many activities offered at camp.

Leadership Development

Our leaders have all been campers prior to joining the leadership.

Established in 1903

A traditional, non-profit, summer camp near Wolfeboro, New Hampshire on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Seek The Joy

Campers and staff live by the Lamps of Woodcraft - Fortitude, Truth, Beauty & Love. Each day we are reminded to seek the joy of being alive!

300 acres of fields, forest & waterfront

A 200 year old pastoral pine grove, 15 acres of playing fields, 20 clay and hard top courts, 2 islands and 400 feet of shoreline in a well-sheltered bay of Lake Winnepesaukee.

Belonging at Belknap

Camp Belknap welcomes all boys, regardless of economic status, country of origin, ethnicity, race, religion, social group, or sexual orientation. We foster inclusivity, compassion, and selflessness and envision a camp where all identities, differences, and experiences are valued.

Affordability

Maintain a camp that is both affordable (i.e., reasonably priced) and inclusive (i.e., open and accepting of campers and leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds)

Diversity

Critically review our diversity and inclusion culture and develop an approach to ensuring that the Belknap experience will prepare boys for a global society.

Financial Inclusion

Ensure that all boys, regardless of financial situation, have the opportunity to attend Belknap and feel welcome here.

Traditions

Encourage an understanding of the Belknap Spirit while being respectful of an individual’s own religious traditions.

Charity

Engage with local school service providers and non-profit organizations to identify where Belknap may be supportive.

Subsidy

Continue to subsidize the cost of a Belknap summer so that we remain below the average cost of comparable residential summer camps.

Monitoring

Continually monitor and be sensitive to annual tuition increases.

Scholarship

Grow Belknap’s scholarship program, and increase publicity of the scholarship opportunities that Belknap provides.

Services

Expand local community services.

Community

Develop consistent programming and services that meet the needs and enhance the communities of Tuftonboro, Wolfeboro, and surrounding areas.

Leadership

Provide local community services that create leadership opportunities for youth locally.

Training

Train our staff and educate our campers to promote a safe atmosphere where boys may be accepted and encouraged to be themselves.

Commitment to Our Community

Camp Belknap is committed to the ongoing support of our local and wider community. Each summer, over 40% of campers attend Belknap receiving full or partial financial assistance. In addition, the Belknap staff consistently works to develop relationships with local and national partners to continue to make the Belknap experience accessible to all interested families.

A Vision for Belknap’s Second Century

Camp Belknap’s strategic plan sets forth a ten-year vision designed to provide our community with a framework for protecting, preserving, and strengthening Belknap for years to come. It is our sincere desire that Camp Belknap continue as a safe haven for boys and young men; where they may live the Camp Motto and develop character and leadership skills, and where they may always seek the joy of being alive. This plan begins by outlining and reaffirming Belknap’s mission. We then discuss 6 guiding principles that we have determined are critical for maintaining that mission, and specific goals that flow from each of these principles.

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Photo Tour

Map

~37 States
~23% of Campers from NH
~10 Countries
~13% Racial Diversity
~13 Religions Represented
~12% Receive 100% Financial Aid
100 in staff
9 tennis courts
3 basketball courts
3 athletic fields
4 lane swimming dock
2 beaches
Environmental Center
Over 30 sports and activities

Experiences

Camp Belknap stands as a shining example of the transformative power of a summer camp experience. With its storied history as one of the oldest continuously operating boys’ camps in America, it has cultivated generations of young men who carry with them the camp’s values of camaraderie, independence, and leadership. One of Belknap’s greatest strengths is its ability to foster lifelong relationships. Boys who attend, find themselves immersed in a supportive, close-knit community where friendships form not just for a summer but for a lifetime. The absence of technology at camp plays a pivotal role in this—without distractions, campers connect authentically, sharing stories, laughs, and challenges that solidify their bonds. For any parent seeking an environment where their son can build character, forge lifelong bonds, and discover his potential, Camp Belknap is an unparalleled choice.

Kartik Sakthivel

Our son came home from Belknap energized, full of stories from the week and yet there was a calmness, a reverent, reflective presence that impacted all of his interactions with us. I could tell he felt accepted at camp, had confidence in who he was and was given opportunities to lead even as a younger camper. The leadership building, traditions, kindness, and joyfulness that Camp provides is a life-long blessing. As a wife to an alum, I have met many previous campers and every one of them still wears the mission of Camp on their sleeve in every interaction. We are proud of the work Camp Belknap does with their campers and staff. We profoundly believe in their mission and will continue to send our son and his two brothers (once they are old enough) every summer from Washington state.

Lenora Goessling

As parents, we see each Belknap summer as an opportunity for our boys to advance their independence and develop their self-confidence in new and different ways. We appreciate the interests sparked by their time under the pines (tennis!), new foods they enjoyed (peirogies!), and friendships made and rekindled in this special place away from the intrusions of technology. We feel their growing anticipation as we approach the turn to the camp's entrance. We hear those first quiet interactions with their cabin leaders and know how quickly they are swept into the familiar rhythms of camp. We leave comfortable that they will be in a safe and supportive community in the coming weeks. And, we see their joyful smiles at pick-up, listen to the raucous cheers from their division leaders as they depart, and know these Belknap memories will last a lifetime.

Melanie & Jason Goins

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Faqs

How old does my son need to be to attend Camp Belknap?

Campers need to be 9-16 years old to attend a two-week session at Belknap. Campers ages 8-12 can attend the one-week session (5th session). Eight-year-old campers can apply to sessions 1-4 only if an older brother is a current camper and the 8-year-old comes to the same session as the older brother. Sixteen-year-old campers must have attended Belknap the previous year.

I have heard that you maintain a waitlist to get into camp. What can I do to get my son in?

Yes, there is a waitlist. We suggest you contact camp as you begin to think about enrolling. Click HERE to complete an inquiry and receive an application when they are released.

We then recommend that you complete and submit the application as soon as you receive it. The more flexibility you have in session placement, the more likely a spot will become available.

Can my son attend for more than one session?

Yes. Campers can choose to stay for more than one session. Many campers stay for 4 weeks each summer.

What are Camp Belknap’s core values?

Throughout the day, boys and young men encourage each other to be kind, be truthful, be brave, and seek the joy of being alive. Brotherhood is felt as all campers come together for vespers, meals, and all camp programs around the fire and on the fields. A Belknap experience is one in which a boy learns individual maturity and community responsibility through the support of strong role models.

How do you select your leaders/counselors?

All of our cabin leaders (counselors) are homegrown at our camp. All of them were campers at Belknap and have gone through our 2- year leadership program. The average tenure of a leader at Camp Belknap is 10.5 years. Leaders live in the cabin with the campers. Additionally, we have a leadership director who is dedicated to the development of our leaders. Click here to learn more about our leadership.

Why are campers not allowed to bring electronic devices to camp?

Our intention at camp is to foster a community that encourages face-to-face contact. We believe the true camp experience is possible only if it does not include technological devices, that have become so much a part of young people’s lives.

Do you accept cabin mate requests?

We do NOT accept cabin mate requests, as we separate siblings and friends among cabins in order to be fair to all campers, to avoid cliques, and to give all campers an opportunity to make new friends. However, our daily schedule, which is based on camper choice, permits campers to participate in activities with their friends.

How do we meet the health and wellness needs of the campers?

We have nurses that live on camp and provide care for your campers 24 hours a day. Many of our leaders and staff have certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard. And, Huggins Hospital is 7 miles away in case of an emergency. And our kitchen crew prepares plentiful, well-balanced family style meals three times a day. Please call the main office prior to registration if you have specific health or food restrictions. Click here for more information on health related camp policies. You can also click here for more information on health and health forms.

Can I see my son or talk on the phone with him while he is at camp?

We kindly request that visitation is kept to check-in and out days. We have found that unscheduled visits and a camper coming to the phone can disrupt activity time and can lead to additional homesickness. In line with our technology policy we do not deliver emails or faxes to campers. We continue the tradition of the mail boat that drops and picks up the mail daily at camp. Campers look forward to receiving mail from home.

Do campers ever leave the camp property for any Belknap activities?

Our program is mostly residential based and occurs on Camp Belknap’s 300 acres. However, Campers have the opportunity to sign up for a variety of opportunities including day hiking trips, water trips (sailing, canoeing, kayaking), to play sports with a team at another camp, and other trips (such as to the local farm). We travel to these places either by boat, van or bus.

What activities does camp offer?

Camp offers a variety of activities. Click here to learn more about our programs.

Do campers get to decide what activities he wants to do?

The daily schedule has three program periods that the camper can choose what he wants to do from a list of at least five program options. Most program periods do not require the camper to sign-up, such as soccer, arts and crafts, and nature. The camper can choose to go to the program he likes and he does NOT travel with his cabin. A handful of the activity options require him to sign-up after the meals because of limited spots/equipment, such as sailing, archery, and riflery. Priority is given to those campers who have not had the chance to do the activity.

Does camp provide transportation to and from the airport or bus station? And how do I get a trunk to camp if my camper is flying there?

We do not provide transportation to and from airports and stations. You should make prepaid arrangements directly with the limousine or car service of your choice. If you wish to ship a footlocker or trunk to camp prior to your son’s arrival, or home at the end of your son’s stay at camp, please make pre-paid arrangements directly with the shipping company of your choice (Fed-Ex, UPS, etc). Make sure to mail it with plenty of time so it arrives by check-in day. We will put it aside for your camper.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is available on the basis of need. Please contact the Belknap office for details.