A Day in the Life at Camp Winaukee: Adventure, Routine, and Fun!

At Camp Winaukee, a traditional all-boys sports sleepaway camp on the beautiful shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, every day is an opportunity for adventure, growth, and making lifelong memories. With a well-balanced mix of structured activities and free time, our campers have the chance to experience all that summer camp has to offer. Here’s a look at a typical day in the life of a Camp Winaukee camper.

7:00 AM: Wake Up and Get Ready for the Day

Each day at Camp Winaukee starts with the sunrise over Lake Winnipesaukee. Campers begin waking up around 7:00 AM, greeted by the sounds of the lake and the excitement of a brand-new day. After stretching and shaking off any lingering sleep, it’s time to get ready for the day’s adventures.

7:30 AM: Morning Clubs

The first things to get us going each day are Morning Clubs. This time gives campers the opportunity to choose from three options on The Mainland: Polar Bear, Bootcamp Bear and Cheetah Club. Polar Bear, we like to say, is the OG version of the ice bath that is so popular these days. What better way to wake up each day than a refreshing dip in the lake! Bootcamp Bear is a calisthenic and bodyweight workout that combines stretching, strength and agility work to prime the body for an active day. Finally, Cheetah Club is a favorite of all our morning runners! Our Cheetah Clubs goes for a run around the property. All clubs are led by our counselors and start each day with the fun and community spirit that makes Camp Winaukee so special. After Morning Clubs, campers head to the bathroom to freshen up, make their beds, and prepare for our daily gathering at the Fire Circle before heading in to breakfast.

8:30 AM: Breakfast and Clean-Up

After a great start to the day, everyone heads to the camp dining hall for a hearty breakfast. Whether it’s pancakes, eggs, or cereal, the morning meal provides campers with the energy they need for the busy day ahead. After breakfast, everyone pitches in for clean-up. This is a key part of our community-oriented culture, where campers learn responsibility by helping with tidying up the dining hall and ensuring the space is ready for the next meal. Once clean-up is done, campers head back to their bunks to prepare for the first activities of the day.

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Morning Activities

The morning is packed with a variety of fun and engaging activities. Camp Winaukee offers a balanced mix of structured, scheduled activities and elective choices: • Two Scheduled Activities: The first two morning activities are programmed for the boys, meaning everyone participates with their bunk or age group in activities our program team assigns to them. These can range from sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball to waterfront activities like swimming, sailing, and kayaking on Lake Winnipesaukee. These activities help foster teamwork, build new skills, and encourage boys to step out of their comfort zones. • One Elective Activity: The third morning activity is an elective, allowing campers to choose something that interests them. This could be anything from fishing and archery to arts and crafts, or even more specialized sports like tennis or lacrosse. This elective time gives boys the opportunity to explore their individual interests while still participating in the vibrant, community atmosphere of camp.

12:45 PM: Lunch and Refueling for the Afternoon

After a morning filled with fun and activity, campers head to the dining hall for a delicious lunch. Nutritious and satisfying meals are served, giving everyone the energy they need for the afternoon activities ahead. After lunch, it’s time to recharge, socialize with bunkmates, and prepare for the second half of the day.

1:30 PM: Rest Hour

One of the unique features of a Camp Winaukee day is rest hour. After lunch, it’s time for campers to take a break and relax. Rest hour is a peaceful and rejuvenating time when boys can unwind and recharge for the second part of the day. Some might take a nap, while others may read a book, write letters home, or chat with bunkmates. It’s a quiet, low-stress time where campers can do whatever helps them feel relaxed and refreshed.

2:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Afternoon Activities

After rest hour, campers are ready to dive into three more exciting activities: • Two Elective Activities: In the afternoon, boys again have the chance to choose from a variety of elective activities. Whether it’s participating in a creative workshop, playing a competitive sports game, or trying something new like fishing or the ropes course, electives allow campers to tailor their experience and pursue activities that interest them the most. • One Programmed Activity: The third afternoon activity is again a scheduled, group-based event where all campers participate together. These might include team sports, group challenges, or even a special event like a mini-Olympics or an inter-bunk competition. These group activities help build a sense of camaraderie, team spirit, and fun.

5:30 PM: Free Time and Dinner

After an action-packed afternoon, campers enjoy some well-deserved free time. This is a great opportunity for boys to relax, hang out with their friends, or engage in informal games like frisbee, ping pong, or basketball. It’s also a time to check in with bunkmates or enjoy some quiet downtime before dinner. At Camp Winaukee, dinner is another chance for everyone to gather together and enjoy a delicious meal. Our camp chef prepares nutritious meals that fuel campers for the evening’s activities.

7:00 PM: Fire Circle and Shenanigans

After dinner, all of The Mainland gathers at the Fire Circle for some evening fun. This time includes silly games, team-building activities, and lots of laughter. It’s the perfect way to bond with friends and celebrate the day’s accomplishments. From spontaneous relay races to talent shows, the Fire Circle is a time for campers to let loose, show off some hidden talents and enjoy each other’s company.

7:30 PM: Evening Activity

Once the fun of the Fire Circle is over, it’s time for the evening activity, a planned event that could be anything from a camp-wide trivia contest to glow-in-the-dark dodgeball or a movie night under the stars. These activities provide a great way for campers to unwind and enjoy some final moments of excitement before heading to bed.

9:30 PM: Showers and Lights Out

After a busy day filled with adventure, fun, and new experiences, it’s time for showers and some final downtime before bed. Campers take turns showering, getting ready for bed, and reflecting on the day’s highlights with their bunkmates. Afterward, it’s lights out, ensuring everyone gets the rest they need for another exciting day ahead. Junior Row campers typically are in bed around 9pm, with Senior Row being closer to 10pm.

A Day Full of Fun, Growth, and Friendship From the first wake-up call to the final moments of quiet time before bed, a typical day at Camp Winaukee is designed to be a balance of structured activities, personal growth, and, of course, tons of fun. The routines at camp help foster a sense of community, build lifelong friendships, and ensure that boys have the opportunity to grow and learn in a safe, supportive environment. Whether swimming in the lake, competing in team sports, or just hanging out with friends, Camp Winaukee is where boys experience the best of summer - full of adventure, friendship, and memories that will last a lifetime.