My first visit to Camp Winaukee was nothing like a typical summer day at camp.

It was winter in New Hampshire. The lake was frozen solid. The grounds were quiet. There were no campers racing between activities, no laughter echoing from the fields, no sounds of whistles or boats on Lake Winnipesaukee. Instead, it was just me, Matt, and our loyal maintenance manager, Jeff Clarenbach, walking an empty camp, wrapped in snow, still and peaceful.

And yet, somehow, everything that makes Winaukee Winaukee was undeniably present.

In the silence, the history spoke louder.

Standing on the frozen shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee, it became clear that Winaukee is not defined by a single season. It’s defined by what happens here year after year, generation after generation. Even without campers, the sense of tradition, purpose, and brotherhood was felt on the grounds.

That winter visit gave me a rare perspective, one that allowed me to see the foundation beneath the summer energy. And it deepened my appreciation for the four pillars that shape the Winaukee experience: community, growth, sportsmanship, and fun.

Community: Built to Last

Even in an empty camp, the community was front and center. It showed up in conversations about past summers, in stories of campers who became counselors, and in the pride Jeff carries for this place every single day. Winaukee is more than cabins and sports fields. It’s a brotherhood sustained by people who care deeply about its mission. A bond that exists whether the camp is full or covered in snow.

Growth: Rooted in Intention

Walking the grounds in winter highlighted how intentionally Winaukee is built - not just physically, but philosophically. Every space exists to challenge boys to grow: to try new things, take responsibility, and develop confidence. Seeing camp without distractions allowed me to focus on that purpose and imagine the countless moments of personal growth and development that unfold here each summer.

Sportsmanship: A Standard, Not a Season

The values taught at Winaukee don’t disappear when camp ends. Sportsmanship is respect, integrity, accountability, and it is woven into the culture year-round. It’s reflected in how the camp is maintained, how decisions are made, and how alumni continue to represent Winaukee long after their camper days are over. There is pride in the buff and blue jersey.

Fun: Waiting to Be Unleashed

Even in the stillness of winter, it was easy to picture what’s to come. The lake will soon be buzzing with activity, fields alive with competition, and cabins filled with laughter. Fun is part of Winaukee’s DNA. Winter simply reminded me that it’s patiently waiting for summer to return.

Looking Ahead

That first visit; quiet, cold, and reflective, made one thing very clear. Camp Winaukee doesn’t rely on noise to prove its impact. Its strength comes from tradition, values, and a brotherhood that endures in every season.

As we step into a new era, I am incredibly honored to help lead this community. To build on a legacy that parents trust, alumni cherish, and generations of boys call home. The setting may change, the seasons may turn, but the heart of Winaukee remains the same.

New era. Same brotherhood. Always in your soul.

Tom