Why Camp Winaukee is the Best Place for Your Son to Grow, Learn, and Have Fun


As a parent, making the decision to send your son to sleepaway camp is a big step. There’s a lot to consider—his safety, his well-being, and how the camp experience will shape him into the young man you hope he’ll become. If you’re looking for a place where your son will not only have an unforgettable summer but also develop important life skills, then Camp Winaukee on the beautiful shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, is the perfect choice.

At Camp Winaukee, we’re proud of our rich tradition and over 100 years of helping boys ages 7 to 15 grow, thrive, and build lasting memories. Our focus on community, sportsmanship, growth, and fun creates an environment that fosters both individual development and an understanding of the importance of community. Here’s why sending your son to Camp Winaukee will be one of the best decisions you ever make.

A Strong Sense of Community

One of the most important aspects of the Camp Winaukee experience is the community. At camp, your son will be part of a close-knit group where everyone is valued, respected, and supported. From the moment he arrives, he’ll be surrounded by new friends, caring counselors, and a staff that’s dedicated to making him feel at home.

In our community, everyone works together; whether it’s through team sports, group challenges, or simple daily activities. Campers learn the importance of cooperation, empathy, and mutual respect as they form lasting friendships with their peers. These bonds will not only make their camp experience more enjoyable but also help them develop social skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

A Focus on Sportsmanship and Teamwork

As a traditional all-boys sports and adventure camp, sportsmanship is at the core of everything we do. From competitive team games to friendly activities on the waterfront, your son will have countless opportunities to participate in sports and physical challenges. But what sets Camp Winaukee apart is our emphasis on character-building through sports.

We believe that sports are about more than just winning; they’re about learning how to compete with integrity, respect others, and work together as a team. Whether your son is playing basketball, soccer, or participating in one of our many outdoor waterfront or adventure activities, he’ll be taught to value effort over outcome and learn that working hard, supporting teammates, and playing with honor are just as important as the final score.

Personal Growth and Development

Camp Winaukee is a place where your son can push himself to try new things, overcome challenges, and grow in ways that are hard to replicate anywhere else. Whether he’s mastering a new skill on the sports field, conquering a high ropes course element, or taking on the challenge of canoeing on the lake, the camp experience encourages him to step out of his comfort zone and discover his full potential.

Through these experiences, your son will gain confidence in himself, learn to handle setbacks with resilience, and develop a sense of independence that will serve him well both at camp and in his everyday life. Our counselors are there to guide him, encourage him, and celebrate his successes, helping him build a growth mindset that will benefit him in all areas of life—whether in school, sports, or relationships.

Fun, Adventure, and Lifelong Memories

At Camp Winaukee, fun is at the heart of everything we do. The camp experience is designed to be an exciting and engaging adventure that your son will remember for the rest of his life. With beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains as the backdrop, there’s no shortage of activities that will keep your son active, entertained, and challenged.

From early morning wake-up calls to evening campfires, every day at Camp Winaukee is filled with opportunities for your son to have fun, make new friends, and create memories he’ll cherish forever. Whether he’s participating in waterfront activities, taking part in a thrilling outdoor adventure, or simply enjoying downtime with friends, the moments he spends here will be packed with laughter, joy, and excitement.

A Safe, Supportive Environment

As a parent, we know that safety is your top priority. At Camp Winaukee, we are fully committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment where your son can explore, grow, and challenge himself. Our staff-to-camper ratio ensures that each boy receives the attention and guidance he needs to feel safe, supported, and comfortable at all times.

In addition to our experienced and caring counselors, our camp’s location on Lake Winnipesaukee offers a stunning, natural setting where your son can connect with nature and build a sense of responsibility for the environment. Whether he’s swimming, hiking, or participating in outdoor adventures, he’ll do so with the guidance of trained professionals who prioritize safety at all times.

Preparing for the Future

The skills and values your son will develop at Camp Winaukee go far beyond sports and outdoor adventure. Our focus on sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence will help him grow into a respectful, resilient young man who is ready to tackle whatever comes next. The lessons learned at camp—about perseverance, kindness, leadership, and hard work—are ones that will last a lifetime, preparing him for success in school, friendships, and his future endeavors.

By the end of the summer, your son won’t just leave with new skills; he’ll leave with a new sense of confidence, a greater appreciation for teamwork and community, and memories that will stay with him for years to come.

The Camp Winaukee Experience

Sending your son to Camp Winaukee is more than just a summer camp experience—it’s an investment in his future. With a focus on community, sportsmanship, growth, and fun, our camp provides a safe, supportive, and challenging environment where boys can thrive, learn valuable life skills, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

At Camp Winaukee, your son will gain confidence, make lifelong friends, and discover what it means to be part of something bigger than himself. We invite you to join the Winaukee family and give your son the opportunity to experience the magic of camp—where every boy is encouraged to grow, take risks, and, most importantly, have fun.

We can’t wait to welcome your son to the adventure of a lifetime!

Camp Winaukee is proud to be considered one of the best summer camps in America and a top employer for summer jobs and internships.