Culture & Community

What is a “typical” Winaukee camper?

While every boy brings his own unique personality to camp, our boys share a few common threads. A typical Winaukee camper is a sports-loving boy who wants a classic, quintessential camp experience. He thrives in a close-knit community, valuing brotherhood and teamwork just as much as time on the field. Above all, he is eager to try new things, whether that means picking up a new sport, jumping into a waterfront activity, or participating in a camp tradition.

Where do your campers come from, and how are bunks assigned?

Our campers come from all over the United States and the world, bringing a great diversity of backgrounds to our shores. When placing campers in bunks, we are highly intentional. We look at a camper’s age, whether they are new or returning, and their session length to ensure every bunk has a balanced, welcoming dynamic. Our goal is to ensure your son’s bunk feels like a second home from day one.

The Sports Experience

My son loves sports, but I want to avoid a toxic, overly competitive culture. How do you handle competition?

At Camp Winaukee, we believe sports should build boys up, not burn them out. The Winaukee Way pairs high-level instruction and multi-sport development with a well-rounded, traditional camp experience. We prioritize the fun that keeps boys connected to the joy of playing. More importantly, we focus on Character Beyond the Scoreboard. We teach boys how to be great teammates on and off the field and how to encourage others, especially when things get tough. By prioritizing friendship and community, we ensure our campers experience true growth through healthy, positive competition.

Daily Life & Support

What are your counselors like, and how do you hire them?

Our counselors are much more than just coaches. They are role models who act as “big brothers” to your son. We hire the best of the best, including collegiate athletes who serve as top-notch instructors on the field and live-in mentors in the cabin. Your son’s counselor might hail from the United States or come from as far as Spain, Australia, or Scotland!

Safety is our top priority. We employ a highly rigorous hiring and vetting process for every single staff member, which includes in-depth interviews, comprehensive reference checks, criminal background checks, and national sex offender registry clearances.

What happens if my son gets homesick?

Homesickness is completely normal, especially for new campers! At Winaukee, we don’t view homesickness as a problem; we view it as an opportunity for growth. Our counselors and head staff are trained to help boys navigate these feelings with warmth and empathy. Through engaging activities, big brother mentorships, and a highly supportive bunk environment, we help campers build resilience and independence. Before long, Winaukee becomes a home away from home.

Why New Hampshire for sleepaway camp?

We like to think of it as our own little secret! New England is the historic heart of summer camp, and New Hampshire offers the absolute best of it.

Here is why we love our location:

Our Ultimate Playground: Our campus is right on the shores of the incomparable Lake Winnipesaukee, giving boys daily access to world-class water sports.

Wilderness Adventures: We are surrounded by the wild beauty of the White Mountains, offering incredible terrain for hiking and outdoor exploration.

Perfect Weather: New Hampshire summers mean warm, sunny days on the fields and crisp, cool nights perfect for sleeping and sitting around the campfire.

Easy Travel: While it feels a world away, we make travel stress-free by providing supervised transportation directly to and from camp for our NYC and Boston families.

Are you more than just a sports camp?

Absolutely. While Winaukee has a proud tradition of sports competition woven into the fabric of our experience, it is far from the only thing that defines us. We are committed to providing a truly well-rounded, dynamic summer. Beyond the fields and courts, our boys experience the thrill of unforgettable hikes and traditional camp activities that foster creativity and new passions. We also ensure there is always something new to look forward to by featuring weekly trip days, exciting out-of-camp excursions, dynamic socials, and highly anticipated special events. Whether a camper is scoring a goal, summiting a peak, or cheering alongside his brothers at a camp-wide event, the Winaukee experience is designed to be engaging and unforgettable from start to finish.