Bunk Life at Camp Winaukee: Brotherhood, Routine, and Responsibility

At Camp Winaukee, nestled on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, we believe that the heart of camp lies not just on the fields or at the waterfront, but in the cabin or ‘bunk’ as we call it at camp. We believe that bunk life—where friendships are formed, routines are established, and life lessons are learned is a unique and integral part of the summer camp experience. For boys ages 7 to 15, their cabin is where much of their camp experience unfolds. Here’s a closer look at what bunk life is really like at Camp Winaukee.

The Daily Routine: Structure with Flexibility

One of the most important aspects of bunk life at a traditional sleepaway camp is routine. At Camp Winaukee, we provide a structured day that balances intentionally programmed activities by age with camper-choice electives and downtime. We believe this allows our boys to feel secure while encouraging independence and growth. Here’s a typical day in the life of a camper:

• Wake-Up Each day begins with a friendly wake-up bugle that gets everyone out of bed and moving first thing. Whether it’s the sound of a reveille or a counselor’s enthusiastic greeting, the morning starts with energy and excitement.

• Morning Clubs: On The Mainland, each morning we gather in small groups to wakeup with our morning clubs. Campers can choose from Polar Bear Club (The OG Ice Plunge where we jump in the lake together), Cheetah Run (a counselor-led run around camp) or Bootcamp Bear (a calisthetic bodyweight workout). After clubs we gather for morning fire circle followed by breakfast.

• Morning Activities: After a hearty breakfast in the dining hall, the day kicks off with morning activities. Whether it’s a boys’ favorite sports, sailing on Lake Winnipesaukee, or Winaukee Arts and Making the morning is filled with excitement and opportunities for boys to bond and learn. Counselors play an essential role in helping campers get involved, ensuring each boy feels part of the group, no matter their skill level.

• Rest Hour: After a busy morning and lunch, it’s time for rest hour—a quiet time when boys take a break to recharge. Whether they’re reading, napping, or simply relaxing in the comfort of their bunks, rest hour is an important part of camp life, providing campers with the opportunity to rest both physically and mentally. This down time ensures everyone stays energized and ready for the fun of the afternoon.

• Afternoon Fun: The afternoon is filled with more structured activities, often focused on sports and team-building exercises. This is when campers will engage in a variety of sports like basketball, soccer, and swimming. It’s also when they’ll try new activities, learn new skills, and bond with their bunkmates over friendly competition.

• Dinner & Evening Activities: After a delicious dinner, there’s often a camp-wide activity or event. Whether it’s a talent show, campfire, or night swim, evening activities give campers a chance to unwind, reflect on the day, and have fun with friends. These activities are great for fostering connections and encouraging boys to step outside their comfort zones.

• Bedtime: As the day winds down, campers return to their bunks for bedtime. After some quiet time for reading or talking, it’s lights out, and the boys get a good night’s rest to prepare for the next day’s adventures. Camp Winaukee prioritizes sleep because we know how important it is for campers to stay well-rested and ready to tackle the next day.

Self-Care and Personal Responsibility

Living in a bunk at Camp Winaukee also means learning how to care for yourself and your personal space. While our counselors are always available to offer guidance, much of the responsibility falls on the campers themselves. This sense of responsibility is key to their growth and development. Boys are taught to keep their area of the bunk tidy, organize their personal belongings, and help with simple tasks like making their beds or organizing their clothes. This not only teaches them the importance of self-care but also helps build self-discipline and accountability—important life skills that will serve them well long after camp is over.Self-care also extends to personal hygiene. Counselors emphasize the importance of daily routines such as brushing teeth, showering, and hand washing.

Community & Learning to Live with Others

At Camp Winaukee, bunk life is a microcosm of larger life lessons about community. With campers living in close quarters, sharing a space with others, and participating in group activities, there are many opportunities to practice communication, cooperation, and compromise. Living with others, especially away from home for the first time, can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Counselors are there to guide the boys through conflicts, teach them how to work as a team, and encourage empathy for others. Whether it’s working together to clean the bunk or resolving disagreements with kindness and respect, these moments help boys develop critical interpersonal skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Community-building extends beyond just the bunk. Boys are encouraged to form friendships with others in different bunks, participate in team sports, and support one another during camp-wide events. This creates a camp-wide sense of brotherhood, where everyone feels part of something bigger than themselves. The relationships formed in the bunks can lead to lifelong friendships, and many boys look forward to reuniting with their bunkmates year after year.

Friendship Building: Bonds that Last a Lifetime

At the heart of bunk life is friendship. Living in close quarters allows boys to form deep bonds with their bunkmates—relationships built on shared experiences, inside jokes, and team spirit. These friendships are often some of the most memorable aspects of the camp experience. Whether it’s playing a game of tag, cheering each other on during a swim meet in Lake Winnipesaukee, or simply talking before lights out, boys learn what it means to be a good friend—offering encouragement, being there for each other, and supporting one another through challenges. These friendships are especially important in a camp setting, where boys are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and try new things. For many campers, the friends they make at Camp Winaukee become lifelong brothers. The bonds formed through shared experiences are strengthened year after year as campers return to camp, knowing they are part of something truly special.

The True Spirit of Bunk Life: Growth, Fun, and Responsibility

Bunk life at Camp Winaukee is much more than just a place to sleep—it’s a place where boys learn to live with others, build friendships, and take on new responsibilities. Through routines, self-care, and community-building, boys gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of a team, a family, and a camp community.

While the daily schedule is filled with fun, adventure, and learning, bunk life is also where the lasting lessons happen. Boys leave Camp Winaukee not only with memories of exciting sports games, swimming in Lake Winnipesaukee, and campfire songs, but with the invaluable skills of friendship, responsibility, and personal growth.

At the end of the day, bunk life is the true heart of Camp Winaukee—a place where boys grow into confident, compassionate, and responsible young men.