Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Holderness, New Hampshire, Camp Deerwood stands as a beacon of adventure and personal growth. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the White Mountains and close to the sparkling waters of Squam Lake, this camp offers a backdrop that is as inspiring as it is tranquil.

Founded in 1945, Camp Deerwood has been providing generations of boys aged 8 to 15 with the perfect setting to explore, learn, and develop. The camp’s rich history is woven into the fabric of every activity and tradition, fostering a sense of continuity and community among campers and staff alike.

At the heart of Camp Deerwood’s philosophy is a commitment to helping young boys grow into responsible and confident individuals. The camp emphasizes the development of character, independence, and camaraderie through a structured program of outdoor activities, sports, and crafts. The mission of Camp Deerwood is to create an environment where campers can achieve personal growth and learn to respect themselves, others, and the natural world around them.

As a boys’ camp, Deerwood specializes in crafting a supportive atmosphere that encourages each camper to push his boundaries, discover new strengths, and form lasting friendships. The age-specific programs are designed to cater to the developmental needs of each group, ensuring that every camper receives the right balance of guidance, freedom, and challenge.

Join us at Camp Deerwood, where the adventures are endless and the memories last a lifetime.

Programs Offered by Camp Deerwood

Camp Deerwood offers a rich variety of programs that cater to the interests and developmental stages of boys aged 8 to 15. Each program is thoughtfully designed to provide not just fun, but also meaningful growth and learning experiences. Here’s a glimpse into what Camp Deerwood has to offer:

1. Session Lengths:

Camp Deerwood operates through the summer, with options for boys to attend one-week introductory sessions for first-time campers under 12. The standard sessions last for two weeks, and there is also an option for a full summer experience, which spans approximately seven weeks. These varying lengths provide flexibility for families and opportunities for campers to deepen their skills and friendships.

2. Specialty Programs:

Arts: Campers can explore their creative sides with activities in drawing, painting, woodworking, and performing arts. These programs encourage creativity and help develop fine motor skills and artistic vision.
Sports: Deerwood is known for its robust sports programs, including soccer, basketball, baseball, and swimming. Each sport is coached by experienced instructors who focus not just on skill development but also on teamwork and sportsmanship.
Outdoor Adventure: Emphasizing the camp’s picturesque location, this program includes hiking, canoeing, and camping skills. It’s designed to teach campers respect for nature and wilderness survival skills.
Science and Exploration: Leveraging the natural surroundings, this program encourages curiosity and learning about the environment, wildlife, and the sciences. It’s a great way for campers to engage with the world around them in a hands-on way.

3. Typical Daily Schedule:

Morning: After waking up and having breakfast, campers engage in their first set of activities, which might include team sports or specialized workshops in arts or science.
Midday: Lunch is followed by a rest period, where campers can write letters home, read, or simply relax. This is followed by educational group activities or free time to explore personal interests.
Afternoon: The schedule resumes with more structured activities, often focusing on outdoor adventures or continued sessions in arts and sports.
Evening: Dinner is followed by camp-wide games or events, which foster community spirit and camaraderie. The day typically concludes with a campfire or similar gathering, where campers can unwind and reflect on their day.

Through these programs, Camp Deerwood strives to offer a balanced experience that nurtures both personal and social development, ensuring each camper leaves with not just new skills, but also cherished memories and lasting friendships.

Accommodations in Camp Deerwood

Camp Deerwood provides a classic camp experience with accommodations designed to enhance camaraderie and ensure the comfort and safety of all campers.

1. Sleeping Arrangements:

Cabins: The primary sleeping arrangements at Camp Deerwood are rustic yet comfortable cabins. Each cabin houses a small group of campers, typically grouped by age to foster a sense of community and peer support. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage space for personal belongings, ensuring each camper has his own defined space. These structures are built to blend with the natural surroundings, offering an authentic outdoor experience while providing necessary shelter and security.

2. Dining Options:

Meal Plans: Camp Deerwood offers a communal dining experience with meals served in a large dining hall, fostering a family-style atmosphere. The camp provides three well-balanced meals per day, designed to meet the energy needs of active boys. Menus are varied to appeal to young appetites and to introduce campers to different types of cuisines.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to diverse dietary needs, Camp Deerwood is equipped to accommodate special dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergies. Families are encouraged to discuss any specific needs with the camp staff before arrival to ensure these are appropriately met.

3. Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

The camp maintains modern bathroom and shower facilities that are centrally located for convenient access from the cabins. The facilities are gender-segregated and regularly cleaned and sanitized to uphold high standards of hygiene. Showers offer privacy and ample space, ensuring comfort and safety for all campers.

By providing these accommodations, Camp Deerwood ensures that every camper’s stay is not only enjoyable but also comfortable, allowing them to focus fully on the enriching experiences and adventures that await them at camp.

Activities in Camp Deerwood

Camp Deerwood offers a wide array of activities designed to engage campers in fun, learning, and personal growth. These activities range from sports and outdoor adventures to crafts and skill development, ensuring that every camper finds something to enjoy and excel in.

1. List of Activities Offered:

Swimming: Daily swimming sessions in the camp’s private lake are a highlight, teaching water safety and swimming skills in a supervised setting.
Hiking: The camp’s proximity to the White Mountains allows for a variety of hiking excursions that are tailored to different age groups and abilities.
Crafts: Summer camps can explore their creative sides with activities like woodworking, pottery, and painting.
Sports: An array of team sports including soccer, basketball, baseball, and tennis, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and healthy competition.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Water sports on Squam Lake offer fun and instruction in basic paddling techniques and water safety.
Archery and Riflery: These activities teach precision, patience, and safety, under the guidance of certified instructors.
Nature Programs: Educational sessions that explore local flora and fauna, fostering a respect for nature and environmental stewardship.

2. Special Events or Traditions:

Campfire Nights: Regular campfire gatherings include storytelling, songs, and marshmallow roasting, reinforcing the camp’s community spirit.
Color Wars: A multi-day event where the camp is divided into teams competing in various athletic, artistic, and intellectual challenges.
Final Banquet: At the end of each session, a formal dinner celebrates the achievements of campers with awards and recognitions, followed by a dance.
Overnight Campouts: Scheduled for older campers, these involve setting up camp in the wilderness, enhancing survival skills, and fostering independence.

3. Skill Development Opportunities:

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to develop leadership skills through mentorship roles and specific leadership training programs.
Environmental Education: Programs designed to teach campers about sustainability and conservation practices.
Personal Responsibility: Through daily living and community responsibilities, campers learn about personal care, cabin upkeep, and the importance of contributing to group efforts.

Camp Deerwood’s activities and special events are crafted to ensure that campers not only have fun but also develop essential life skills, foster friendships, and build memories that last a lifetime.

The staff of Camp Deerwood

Camp Deerwood prides itself on a highly qualified and dedicated staff team that ensures a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all campers. The commitment to maintaining a low staff-to-camper ratio and providing thorough training and certifications is central to the camp’s philosophy.

1. Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

Camp Deerwood maintains an excellent staff-to-camper ratio of approximately 1:4. This low ratio ensures that each camper receives individual attention and guidance, enhancing both safety and the overall camp experience. This ratio helps in closely monitoring campers’ activities, providing personalized coaching, and fostering strong bonds between the staff and campers.

2. Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Recruitment: The hiring process at Camp Deerwood is rigorous. Candidates undergo a detailed application process, which includes multiple interviews, reference checks, and background checks to ensure suitability and security.
Qualifications: Staff members typically come from diverse backgrounds, including education, sports coaching, arts, and environmental science. Many are former campers or have extensive experience working with children in educational or recreational settings.
Diversity and Inclusion: The camp values diversity and strives to hire staff from various geographical and cultural backgrounds to enrich the camp culture and provide campers with a broad worldview.

3. Training and Certifications:

Pre-Camp Training: All new and returning staff undergo comprehensive pre-camp training that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, child psychology, and conflict resolution. This training ensures that all staff members are prepared to create a positive and safe environment for every camper.
CPR and First Aid: Every staff member at Camp Deerwood is required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Many staff members also hold additional certifications in areas relevant to their specific roles, such as lifeguarding, wilderness first aid, or specific sports coaching.
Ongoing Education: Throughout the camp season, staff are encouraged to participate in ongoing training sessions and workshops to refine their skills and adapt to any new challenges.

Through these strict hiring standards and a strong emphasis on training and certification, Camp Deerwood ensures that its staff is not only highly capable but also deeply committed to providing campers with a safe, fun, and transformative summer experience.

Safety and Health in Camp Deerwood

Camp Deerwood takes the safety and health of its campers and staff very seriously, implementing comprehensive protocols and maintaining excellent facilities to ensure a secure environment.

1. Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Regular Drills: The camp conducts regular safety drills, including fire drills and emergency evacuation exercises, to ensure that all campers and staff know how to respond in various scenarios.
Activity-Specific Safety: Each activity at Camp Deerwood is guided by specific safety protocols, which include proper gear, structured procedures, and constant supervision. For example, water activities require life jackets and are always supervised by certified lifeguards.
Nighttime Security: The camp is monitored 24/7, with staff members, including a night watch, ensuring that all areas are secure and that campers are safe during nighttime hours.

2. On-site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Camp Deerwood has a well-equipped health center staffed by licensed medical professionals, including nurses and a rotating physician. This facility is prepared to handle routine health checks, minor injuries, and basic illnesses.
Access to Local Hospitals: For more serious medical needs, the camp has established protocols with local hospitals to ensure quick and efficient transfer and treatment.
Medication Management: The health center staff is responsible for managing and administering any medications that campers need, following strict protocols to ensure that each camper receives the correct dosage at the correct times.

3. Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Response Plan: Camp Deerwood has a comprehensive emergency response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in various situations, including natural disasters, health emergencies, and other urgent scenarios. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to new information or changes in guidelines.
Communication with Families: In the event of an emergency, the camp has a clear protocol for communicating with families. This includes timely updates and information on how the situation is being handled, ensuring that parents are informed and reassured about their child’s safety.
Staff Training: All staff members are trained in emergency procedures as part of their pre-camp training. This includes how to effectively use communication tools, perform first aid, and manage groups of campers to ensure everyone’s safety.

Through these robust safety protocols, on-site health facilities, and strict policies on handling emergencies, Camp Deerwood ensures a secure and healthy environment where campers can enjoy their activities with peace of mind.

Cost and Registration in Camp Deerwood

Camp Deerwood aims to provide a valuable and accessible summer camp experience. Understanding the costs, registration procedures, and financial support options can help families plan effectively for their child’s camp experience.

1. Cost of Attendance:

The cost of attending Camp Deerwood varies depending on the length of the session. For example, a two-week session might cost a certain amount, while the full seven-week summer session will have a higher total cost. These fees generally cover lodging, meals, all program activities, and the use of camp facilities and equipment.
Additional costs might include transportation to and from the camp, special trips, or specific equipment for certain activities that are not included in the standard camp gear.

2. Registration Process and Deadlines:

Early Registration: Families are encouraged to register early as spaces at Camp Deerwood are limited and tend to fill up quickly. Early registration often opens in the fall for the following summer.
Deadlines: There are specific deadlines for each session, typically a few months before the start of the session. These deadlines are important for planning purposes, both for families and for the camp administration.
Online Registration: The registration process is usually conducted online via the camp’s official website, where families can fill out forms, submit necessary health information, and make initial payments.

3. Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: Camp Deerwood offers payment plans to help families manage the cost of the camp. These plans typically allow parents to make incremental payments leading up to the beginning of the camp session.
Refunds and Cancellations: The camp has a structured policy for refunds and cancellations, which is clearly outlined at the time of registration. Generally, there are cutoff dates after which refunds may not be full, depending on the timing of the cancellation.
Insurance: Families are often encouraged to purchase camp insurance to cover unexpected cancellations or interruptions in attendance.

4. Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Camp Deerwood is committed to making the camp experience accessible to as many boys as possible. Scholarships and financial aid are available based on financial need and merit.
Application for Aid: Families seeking financial assistance must complete a separate application detailing their financial situation, often accompanied by documentation. The availability of financial aid can vary from year to year based on the camp’s budget and donations.
External Scholarships: Families are also encouraged to seek out external scholarships from community organizations and foundations that sponsor children to attend summer camps.

Understanding these aspects of cost and registration can help ensure a smooth process and make the camp experience more accessible and stress-free for families.

The summer camp fees at Camp Deerwood Holderness, NH depend on the program and session length you choose:

Half Session: $6,150
Full Session: $10,600
CIT Program: $7,150 (This program is likely for Counselors in Training)

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Deerwood

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a positive and enjoyable camp experience for both campers and their families. Below are details on what to pack, the camp’s rules and policies, and some helpful tips for first-time campers and parents.

1. Packing List:

Clothing: Pack enough comfortable clothing for the session, including t-shirts, shorts, pants, and a jacket for cooler evenings. Include swimwear, a hat, and sturdy footwear for hiking and sports.
Bedding and Towels: Campers need to bring their own bedding, such as sleeping bags or sheets and blankets, along with bath and beach towels.
Toiletries: Essential toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and sunscreen.
Flashlight and Batteries: Useful for nighttime activities and trips to the bathroom after dark.
Water Bottle: To stay hydrated throughout the day.
Insect Repellent: To protect against mosquitoes and ticks.
Medications: Clearly labeled and with instructions for use, to be handed over to the camp health center upon arrival.

2. Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: Camp Deerwood generally discourages the use of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, to encourage campers to engage fully with their surroundings and each other.
Visitation: There are specific visitation days and policies for parents and family members to visit campers, typically scheduled during longer sessions. Details and dates are provided ahead of time to help families plan.
Behavior Expectations: Campers are expected to adhere to the camp’s code of conduct, which promotes respect, responsibility, and community. Rules regarding behavior, including bullying and respect for property, are strictly enforced to ensure a safe and positive environment for all.

3. Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

Pre-Camp Orientation: Many camps offer orientation sessions or open houses. These can be invaluable for easing anxiety and providing clear expectations about the camp experience.
Communication: Discuss how you will communicate. Some camps allow letters, and knowing they can write home can help campers feel connected.
Practice Camp Skills: Spend time practicing skills like making a bed or organizing belongings to give first-time campers a sense of preparedness.
Set Positive Expectations: Talk about the exciting opportunities and fun activities at camp to create a sense of anticipation rather than anxiety.
Handling Homesickness: Discuss the normalcy of homesickness and strategies to cope with it. Knowing they are prepared can make children feel more confident.

By following these guidelines and preparing adequately, parents can help ensure that their children have a fantastic time at Camp Deerwood, filled with fun, learning, and growth.

Camp Deerwood, nestled in the scenic heart of Holderness, New Hampshire, offers more than just a summer getaway for boys aged 8 to 15—it provides a transformative experience that fosters growth, independence, and lifelong friendships. With its diverse array of programs ranging from sports and arts to science and outdoor adventures, Camp Deerwood caters to a wide array of interests and helps each camper develop both new skills and a deep respect for nature and community.

The camp’s commitment to safety, health, and a supportive environment ensures that parents can trust their children are in good hands, while campers themselves thrive in a setting that balances structure with the freedom to explore. The carefully selected and trained staff, excellent facilities, and robust safety protocols underline a program that is as secure as it is enriching.