Spending a summer at Camp Winaukee is a time of adventure, discovery, and the creation of some of our most cherished memories. Among the activities that make camp so special, music stands out as a particularly powerful force, weaving through the days and nights to enrich the camp experience in unforgettable ways.

At summer camp, music plays a vital role in child development, just as it does at home or in school. Whether it’s learning songfest songs for Color War, singing Winaukee’s alma mater “Hold the Fort,” or participating in talent shows, campers and staff members are constantly engaging with music. These shared musical experiences teach teamwork, boost confidence, and create a sense of belonging. For many campers, singing along with friends becomes a way to express emotions and build lasting friendships.

One of the most magical places where music leaves its mark is in the dining hall. Here, the sound of everyone joining in for a pumped-up version of “One Kiss” or the eruption of excitement when the “Hamburger Song” comes on creates an electrifying atmosphere. Whether mainland or island campers or staff members, music in the dining hall has a way of uniting everyone. These moments of collective singing, chanting, dancing, and rallying blur the lines between age groups, transforming the entire camp community into one joyous, harmonious family.

Music is a powerful trigger for memory, and the songs sung at summer camp often become an indelible part of a camper’s life story. The camp songs and chants, can evoke vivid memories of summer days filled with laughter, adventure, and friendship. Years later, a simple tune can transport someone back to those magical moments, reminding them of the joy and freedom they felt at camp. I’m sure you know this, as your camper will now only sing the songfest version of any song they hear. Sorry, Felix—your boys will forever sing only one version of “Somewhere Only We Know.” These songs will become the soundtrack to some of the most cherished moments, often recalled with a smile long after camp has ended. They certainly are for me.

Winaukee is special for many reasons, but the soundtrack to each summer is a cornerstone of our camp experience. It creates lasting memories. From the dining hall to the campfire, the songs sung, the music played, and the chants shared at camp become woven into the fabric of a child’s life, resonating long after the summer ends. For campers and staff alike, these musical moments are the heartbeat of Winaukee, echoing in their hearts for years to come.

As hermitage green sings so beautifully, “Take me back to Winnipesaukee”.

Forever and always, Side-by-side

Squibbs