The Power of Mentorship at Camp Winaukee to Build Lifelong Connections

At Camp Winaukee, a traditional all-boys overnight camp located on the picturesque shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, mentorship is at the heart of our mission. For over 100 years, we’ve been providing boys aged 7 to 15 with a transformative summer experience, where sports, adventure, and personal growth come together in a community built on strong values.

While the New England setting and natural beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee are incredible benefits to the summer camp experience, one of the most powerful aspects of Camp Winaukee is the relationships formed between our college-aged counselors and their campers.

These mentor-mentee relationships not only enhance the boys’ growth at camp, but also provide college students with an opportunity to refine their leadership skills, guide young minds, and leave a lasting impact on the next generation. Here’s a closer look at the mentorship that happens between our college-aged counselors and the boys at Camp Winaukee.

Leading by Example

At Camp Winaukee, sports are a cornerstone of our program. Boys have the chance to engage in a variety of sports like basketball, soccer, swimming,tennis, golf and baseball, among others. These activities teach valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and discipline. But it’s the college-aged counselors who are often the catalysts for turning these lessons into life-changing experiences.

Many of our counselors are passionate athletes who bring not only technical skills but also a love for the game to the camp. As role models, they inspire their campers to push themselves both physically and mentally, showing them how to overcome challenges on the field, in the water, and in their everyday lives. Whether it’s helping a camper improve their swimming technique or encouraging a shy boy to join a soccer match, our counselors play a pivotal role in teaching boys how to set and achieve goals, both in sports and in life. This mentorship isn’t just about winning or losing games—it’s about showing boys how to handle success and failure with grace and determination. By witnessing the hard work, discipline, and sportsmanship of their counselors, boys are inspired to mirror these qualities in their own lives. They learn that perseverance and effort are just as important as talent, and that hard work pays off, whether they’re swimming in the lake or learning to shoot hoops.

Guiding Boys Through Personal Growth

While sports may be at the forefront of our activities, Camp Winaukee is also a place for boys to grow as individuals. The bond between college counselors and their campers goes beyond sports—it’s about nurturing emotional growth, building self-confidence, and learning how to be a positive member of a community.

Summer camp is a place where boys can explore who they are and who they want to become, away from the pressures of school, social media, and everyday life. Our counselors play a vital role in guiding them through these formative years. Whether it’s helping a camper navigate homesickness, providing advice during a challenging moment, or simply offering words of encouragement after a tough day, counselors provide a safe and supportive environment for boys to learn and grow.

The beauty of a summer camp setting is that it allows for real-life connections to be made. Without the distractions of technology, campers are able to fully engage with their surroundings and the people around them. Counselors have the unique opportunity to become not just authority figures, but trusted mentors who shape the emotional and social development of each boy.

Building Confidence and Lifelong Skills

For the boys at Camp Winaukee, the mentorship they receive from college-aged counselors goes a long way in helping them build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. By taking on roles of responsibility in the cabin or on the field, counselors model leadership in a way that campers can learn from and aspire to. As a camp counselor, you’re teaching life skills. You’re encouraging boys to speak up in front of a group, take initiative during team challenges, and step outside of their comfort zones. These experiences help boys develop a sense of self-worth and instill a “growth mindset” that will serve them well throughout their lives.

At Camp Winaukee, we believe that a confident boy who believes in himself will go on to do great things, whether it’s in sports, school, or in his community. Our counselors are integral in fostering that self-belief by providing the guidance and encouragement needed for boys to succeed.

A Unique Camp Experience

One of the greatest gifts of being a counselor at Camp Winaukee is the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with the boys you mentor. Many of our counselors form deep and meaningful bonds with the campers they work with, watching them grow and succeed over the course of their time at camp. These connections often continue beyond the summer, with boys and counselors keeping in touch for years after camp ends.

For many campers, their counselor is not just someone who teaches them how to dive into Lake Winnipesaukee or hit a baseball, but someone who helps shape their sense of self, their character, and their place in the world.

As a college-aged athlete, you’ll have the chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. The lessons you impart and the connections you make will stay with your campers for years to come, creating a ripple effect that can positively impact their lives.

The Value of Camp at Winaukee

At Camp Winaukee, mentorship is a cornerstone of our camp values. We believe in the power of sports to teach important life lessons, but we also understand the immense value of mentorship in helping boys grow into strong, confident, and capable young men. Our counselors play an essential role in making this possible by not just leading sports activities, but also by guiding boys through their personal journeys. Whether you’re a college-aged counselor looking to gain valuable leadership experience or a young boy ready to learn from your mentors, the bonds formed at Camp Winaukee are truly transformative.

If you’re considering spending your summer at one of the best sports camps in the USA, Camp Winaukee offers an opportunity to be part of a community that values mentorship, leadership, and personal growth. Apply now to experience the incredible power of mentorship and make a lasting impact on the boys at Camp Winaukee.