Welcome to Camp Nokomis, a serene sanctuary nestled in the picturesque region of Meredith, New Hampshire. Established to provide a unique summer retreat, Camp Nokomis boasts a stunning backdrop of lush landscapes and is positioned near prominent local landmarks, including the tranquil waters of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Founded on the principles of fostering growth, resilience, and camaraderie, Camp Nokomis has been a home away from home for many young campers since its inception. Their mission is to offer a supportive environment where girls can explore their potential, build lifelong friendships, and develop skills that extend beyond the camp’s gates.

As a girls-only camp, Nokomis welcomes campers of various age groups, ranging from elementary to high school students. Each program is tailored to meet the developmental needs of these age groups, ensuring a nurturing and empowering experience for all. Join us at Camp Nokomis for an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, learning, and joy.

Programs Offered by Camp Nokomis

Camp Nokomis offers a diverse array of programs designed to cater to the interests and developmental stages of its campers. Here’s a breakdown of the programs, session lengths, specialty areas, and a glimpse into a typical day at camp:

Programs and Session Lengths:

Explorer Program – Designed for younger campers, this introductory program runs for one-week sessions, providing a perfect first taste of camp life.
Adventurer Program – Tailored for middle-aged groups, these two-week sessions delve deeper into skill-building and personal development.
Leadership Program – Aimed at older campers, this program lasts for a full summer and focuses on leadership skills, preparing participants for future roles as counselors or leaders in their communities.

Specialty Programs:

Camp Nokomis prides itself on offering a variety of specialty programs that allow campers to pursue their interests or discover new ones:

Arts: Includes painting, sculpture, performance arts, and crafts.
Sports: Features swimming, canoeing, archery, and team sports such as soccer and volleyball.
Science and Nature: Focuses on environmental education, wildlife exploration, and hands-on science experiments.

Typical Daily Schedule:

7:30 AM – Wake Up
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Morning Activities (campers attend their chosen specialty program)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Rest Hour
2:00 PM – Afternoon Activities (free choice of various activities)
5:00 PM – Free Time/Prep for Dinner
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Evening Program (camp-wide games, guest speakers, or performances)
9:00 PM – Campfire and Wind Down
10:00 PM – Lights Out

This schedule is designed to provide a balanced mix of structured activities and free time, allowing campers to grow, learn, and enjoy their summer to the fullest.

Accommodations in Camp Nokomis

Camp Nokomis provides comfortable and cozy accommodations designed to create a homey and inclusive atmosphere for all campers. Here’s an overview of the sleeping arrangements, dining options, and bathroom facilities available:

Sleeping Arrangements:

Cabins: Campers stay in traditional wooden cabins, which are spacious and well-ventilated. Each cabin houses 8-10 campers along with 2 counselors, ensuring supervision and a tight-knit community feel. The cabins are clustered in small groups to foster a sense of camaraderie and support among campers.

Dining Options:

Meal Plans: Camp Nokomis offers three nutritious meals per day, served in a communal dining hall where campers gather to eat together. The dining experience is designed to be a time for relaxation and conversation, reinforcing the camp’s community-centric ethos.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, Camp Nokomis provides options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly meals. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s dietary requirements with the camp staff during registration to ensure all needs are met.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Facilities: Each cabin group has access to a modern bathroom and shower facilities located conveniently nearby. These facilities are gender-segregated and are maintained multiple times a day to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
Privacy and Accessibility: The bathroom and shower facilities are designed to provide privacy and are accessible to ensure that all campers, regardless of physical ability, can use them comfortably.

Camp Nokomis aims to make every camper’s stay as comfortable as possible, with a focus on safety, cleanliness, and inclusivity. These accommodations are part of the camp’s commitment to providing a supportive and enriching environment for every young individual.

Activities in Camp Nokomis

Camp Nokomis offers a dynamic range of activities designed to engage, educate, and excite campers of all interests and abilities. Below is an outline of the activities, special events, and skill development opportunities that make Camp Nokomis a memorable place for young girls.

List of Activities Offered:

Water Sports: Summer camps, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking in the pristine lake waters.
Land Sports: Archery, soccer, volleyball, and basketball.
Nature Activities: Hiking, nature walks, and environmental education programs.
Creative Arts: Crafts, painting, pottery, and drama.
Adventure: Rock climbing, ropes courses, and survival skills workshops.

Special Events or Traditions:

Opening Campfire: A traditional campfire on the first night where stories are shared, and friendships begin.
Color Wars: An all-camp competition where campers are divided into teams to compete in various sports and creative challenges.
Talent Show: Campers showcase their talents, whether it be in music, dance, or magic tricks, in a supportive and fun environment.
End-of-Summer Banquet: A formal dinner where achievements are celebrated and memories of the summer are recounted.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Camp Nokomis is committed to fostering personal growth and skill development in several areas:

Leadership Skills: Through activities like leading a team in Color Wars or participating in the Leadership Program.
Social Skills: By encouraging teamwork and communication in every activity, campers learn valuable interpersonal skills.
Physical Skills: Through sports and adventure activities, campers improve their physical fitness and coordination.
Creative Skills: Arts and crafts programs allow campers to explore their creativity and learn new crafting techniques.

These activities, coupled with the camp’s emphasis on skill development and community building, ensure that every camper has the opportunity to grow, learn, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.

The staff of Camp Nokomis

Camp Nokomis is dedicated to ensuring a safe, enriching, and supportive environment for all campers, with a staff that is highly qualified and extensively trained. Below is detailed information about the staff-to-camper ratio, the hiring process, staff qualifications, and the training and certifications required.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

Camp Nokomis maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio, typically around 1:5, to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention and care. This ratio helps foster a nurturing environment where all campers can feel supported and attended to throughout their stay.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Recruitment: Staff are recruited from a variety of sources, including top universities, teacher recommendations, and through networks of former campers who return as counselors.
Qualifications: All potential staff members must have previous experience working with children, whether in educational, recreational, or care settings. A background in child psychology, education, or sports and recreation is highly regarded.
Interviews and Background Checks: Candidates go through a rigorous interview process and must pass comprehensive background checks, including criminal records and references, to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers.

Training and Certifications:

Mandatory Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff undergo intensive training that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, and effective communication with children. This training is designed to prepare them for the various situations they may encounter at camp.
Certifications: All staff are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Additionally, staff members leading specific activities, such as swimming or rock climbing, are required to hold relevant certifications, such as lifeguard training or adventure education certifications.

By upholding strict hiring standards and providing comprehensive training, Camp Nokomis ensures that the camp is not only fun and educational but also a safe environment for all campers. This commitment to quality staffing helps parents feel confident in the care and supervision their children will receive at Camp Nokomis.

Safety and Health in Camp Nokomis

At Camp Nokomis, the safety and health of all campers are paramount. The camp is equipped with robust safety protocols, on-site health facilities, and comprehensive policies for handling emergencies. Here’s an overview of the measures in place to ensure a secure and healthy camp environment:

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Routine Safety Drills: Campers and staff participate in regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and emergency evacuation drills, to ensure everyone knows how to act in case of an emergency.
Activity Safety: All activities are supervised by staff members who are trained and certified in those specific areas. Equipment is regularly inspected to maintain high safety standards.
Secure Environment: The camp maintains a secured perimeter, and all visitors must check in at the administration office. The camp also has a strict policy on camper check-outs to ensure children are only released to authorized individuals.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Camp Nokomis has a well-equipped health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and a part-time doctor. The health center is open 24 hours a day to handle any illnesses or injuries that may occur.
Medical Supplies and Equipment: The health center is stocked with necessary medical supplies and equipment to address a wide range of health issues, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious health conditions.
Accessibility: The health center is centrally located within the camp to ensure quick access from all areas of the campgrounds.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Immediate Response: In case of an emergency, staff members are trained to respond immediately and efficiently, providing first aid or CPR as needed until professional medical help arrives.
Communication with Parents: Parents are immediately notified in the event of an emergency involving their child. The camp maintains updated contact information for this purpose.
Coordination with Local Authorities: Camp Nokomis has established relationships with local emergency services, including fire, police, and hospitals, ensuring a swift response and coordination during emergencies.
Evacuation Plans: Detailed evacuation plans are in place and are communicated to staff and campers. These plans cover various scenarios to ensure everyone understands where to go and what to do during different types of emergencies.

Through these comprehensive safety and health measures, Camp Nokomis ensures that the environment is not only fun and enriching but also consistently safe and secure for all campers.

Cost and Registration in Camp Nokomis

At Camp Nokomis, we strive to make the camp experience accessible and enjoyable, with clear guidelines on costs, registration, and financial support options. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the cost and registration details:

Cost of Attendance:

Fees: The cost of attending Camp Nokomis varies depending on the program and session length. Fees typically cover all activities, meals, accommodations, and program materials. For example, a two-week session might range from $1,500 to $2,000, while a full summer program could cost more, reflecting the extended duration and additional activities.
What’s Included: The fee includes lodging in cabins, all meals, scheduled activities, supervision, and basic medical care. Additional costs may arise for optional activities or special excursions outside the camp.

Registration Process and Deadlines:

Online Registration: Families can register their campers through the Camp Nokomis website, where they fill out necessary forms and provide medical and dietary information.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens in early January, with early bird discounts available until the end of February. It’s advisable to register early as spots fill up quickly, especially for popular sessions.
Confirmation: Once registered, families receive a confirmation email with a camper handbook that includes a packing list, detailed schedule, and other important information for preparing for camp.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: To ease the financial burden, Camp Nokomis offers structured payment plans that allow families to pay the camp fee in installments leading up to the start of the session.
Refunds and Cancellation: Full refunds are available up to a certain date, which is typically a month before the camp session begins. After this date, refunds may be partial or unavailable, depending on the circumstances of the cancellation.
Insurance: Families are encouraged to purchase camp insurance to cover potential last-minute cancellations due to unexpected events or illnesses.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Scholarships: Camp Nokomis offers a number of scholarships each year to families who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships can cover a significant portion of the camp fees.
Financial Aid: In addition to scholarships, the camp provides flexible financial aid options to assist families in covering the costs. Families are encouraged to apply early for these opportunities, as funds are limited.

Camp Nokomis is committed to making the camp experience as accessible as possible, providing various financial support options to ensure that all interested campers have the opportunity to participate.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Nokomis

Preparing for Camp Nokomis is an exciting process for both parents and campers, especially those experiencing camp for the first time. Below are details on what to pack, camp rules and policies, and tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable camp experience.

Packing List:

For a successful camp experience, packing the right items is crucial. Here’s a basic list of essentials for campers at Camp Nokomis:

Clothing: Enough comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for the session, including swimsuits, rain gear, and sturdy footwear for hiking.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Other Essentials: Water bottle, flashlight or headlamp, hat, and sunglasses.
Optional Items: Books, stationary for writing home, and a disposable camera.

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and connection with nature and peers, personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops are not allowed.
Visitation: Parents are generally encouraged to drop off and pick up their children on designated days. Special visitation days may be arranged for longer sessions, which are communicated ahead of time.
Behavior Expectations: Respect for fellow campers, staff, and the environment is paramount. Bullying, violence, or any form of disrespect may result in disciplinary action or removal from camp.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

For Campers:
- Stay Positive: It’s normal to feel homesick. Remember, everyone is likely feeling the same way, and it usually passes as you make friends and engage in activities.
- Get Involved: Dive into camp activities. The more you participate, the more fun you’ll have and the more friends you’ll make.
For Parents:
- Communication: Discuss what camp will be like before your child leaves, focusing on the exciting aspects. Establish expectations about communication, such as letters, which help ease the transition.
- Trust the Process: Remember that camp staff are experienced in helping children adjust to camp life. Trust them to take good care of your child.

Preparing for camp with the right mindset and essentials can make the experience enriching and memorable for both first-time and returning campers. Camp Nokomis is committed to providing a supportive, fun, and safe environment where every child can thrive.

Camp Nokomis in Meredith, New Hampshire, offers a captivating and enriching summer experience for girls. With a commitment to fostering independence, teamwork, and personal growth, the camp provides a safe and nurturing environment where every camper can explore her interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. From the carefully structured programs and diverse activities to the dedicated staff and robust safety protocols, every aspect of Camp Nokomis is designed to ensure a memorable and transformative summer.

Whether it’s through participating in water sports, exploring the arts, or engaging in leadership activities, campers leave with increased confidence, cherished memories, and a greater understanding of themselves and their abilities. Camp Nokomis isn’t just a place to spend the summer—it’s a place to grow, learn, and become part of a vibrant community.