What Families Say About Winaukee: A Summer of Growth, Sports and Brotherhood


Sending a child to summer camp is a major decision for any family. At Camp Winaukee, a premier sports camp and traditional boys camp situated in beautiful New Hampshire, we understand the trust parents place in us. Located directly on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and surrounded by the scenic White Mountains, we provide an unforgettable, transformative experience for boys ages 7-15. But you do not have to just take our word for it. Based on feedback directly from our families, here is what they have to say about the impact of our camp on their sons.

The Transformative Power of Camp

The most consistent feedback we receive is how much campers grow during their time away. Parents note visible changes in their sons’ maturity, independence, and self-esteem. One parent shared, “I have never seen him so mature, calm, understanding, and caring—truly the best version of himself”. Another family noted that their son’s self-esteem and confidence have flourished thanks to the exceptional group of counselors.
For boys who are naturally shy, the camp environment provides a safe space to thrive and grow. As one camper summed it up after his fourth summer: “Now I have the best friends in the world… no matter where I go, I’ll always find people that connect me back to Winaukee”.

Incredible Staff and a Supportive Community

Our dedicated staff forms the backbone of the Winaukee experience, creating a safe, core memory-making place where campers feel like a true family. Parents consistently praise the exceptional safety, attention to detail, and deep care the counselors exhibit for the boys’ wellbeing. This supportive environment encourages boys to push themselves to try new things and embody camp values like sportsmanship and community. The connection is so strong that campers even make an effort to get together with international counselors during family trips overseas in the off-season.

Unforgettable Sports and Traditions

As a dedicated sports camp, athletics are a massive part of the daily routine, but it is the blend of sports, camp traditions, and friendly competition that makes the summer magical. Boys come home raving about their athletic progress, with one parent noting their youngest became obsessed with baseball while their oldest vastly improved at wakeboarding, tennis, and water skiing. Beyond daily sports, campers love the deep-rooted traditions like College War, Color War, trips, and tournaments with other camps. Campers exude a real sense of pride from these experiences and count down the days until they can return.

The Magic of Our Dual Campuses

The physical setting of Camp Winaukee provides a unique structural advantage that families love. Bunks directly line the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, offering an absolutely incredible daily backdrop. Our two separate campuses, The Mainland for younger campers and The Island for teens, allow the experience to evolve as the boys grow. Parents appreciate that older boys feel a sense of graduation and accomplishment when they transition to The Island, where the programming is specifically tailored for older ages. Whether they are on The Mainland or The Island, boys come home having had the summer of their lives.

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