Before the Campfires and Canoes, a Different Kind of Summer Begins

While campers may remember summer camp through memories of campfires, games, hikes and friendships, those experiences are supported by months of preparation that often begins long before warm weather arrives. From planting crops in late winter and repairing historic buildings to training counselors and organizing medical information, camps throughout the Monadnock region are putting the finishing touches on another summer season. For camp leaders, the goal is simple: when campers step onto the grounds for the first day, all the behind-the-scenes work fades into the background, allowing campers to focus on experiences that make summer camps memorable. At Camp Glen Brook in Marlborough, preparations for the summer season never really stop. "We're preparing all year for Summer Camp, even while running our other year-round programs: staffing, talking with families, improving our facility, planning new programs," said Mark Stehlik, executive director of Camp Glen Brook. "It certainly accelerates this time of year, when we're fully busy and focused on the start of Camp." Founded as an educational farm and residential camp, Glen Brook operates throughout the year with environmental education programs, farm operations and community events. That means summer preparations are layered on top of an already active schedule. "We're hiring top-notch staff, talking with camper families, streamlining systems are the obvious annual ones," Stehlik said. "Since we're a farm-to-table camp, we start growing food for Summer Camp in February and March. We are always repairing, improving, and working on the beautiful facility: with our central building dating to 1776, and 250 acres of trails, stone walls, and program spaces, there's always plenty to do." In recent weeks, work has included everything from landscaping and facility maintenance to preparing camper housing and outdoor activity spaces. "We're mowing, weed whacking, trimming field edges, planting the garden, grazing the animals, reorganizing furniture and preparing camper rooms, painting and staining, sanding the docks, and more," Stehlik said. The camp is also entering the season with several infrastructure improvements. Stehlik said a new greenhouse will help expand the camp's farm-to-table programming, while a recently installed water purification system and a transition away from plastic dining ware are intended to support healthier and more sustainable operations. "In addition to our brand new greenhouse, providing more farm-fresh food than ever, we're excited to have a brand new water purification system, and incredible stainless steel plates, cups, and bowls as we move away from plastic," he said. "Making our farm-to-table experience even healthier. We've got lots of fantastic new activities and plans for creative projects and fun games, as well." Located a bit further south, Camp Wiyaka in Richmond is tackling many of the same seasonal challenges while also navigating a period of transition. Operated by the Athol Area YMCA, Camp Wiyaka served as a residential camp for decades and introduced a day camp model last summer. The camp plans to continue as a day camp this year while preparing for a return to overnight programming in the future. "Our top priority for next year is to return to residential camping," said Erin Kimball, senior program director. "We had some administrative changes within our facility as well as some facility updates that needed to be done. We have been working hard to get facilities ready for campers, consistent leadership, and policies in place to open up residential again." Like many camps, Wiyaka relies on a combination of professional staff, volunteers and longtime supporters to get ready for opening day. "Summer setup is in full swing regarding camp," Kimball said. "Between administrative work and facility work we have been very busy. We are lucky enough to have a team of dedicated individuals who make sure camp runs smoothly every year." That team extends beyond seasonal staff members. "We have a board of directors who assists the camp director and senior program director every year," Kimball said. "This group makes camp possible every year. They know the ins and outs of the property, making sure everything is set up properly for the first day of camp." Volunteers, alumni and returning groups also play a significant role in preparing the camp's facilities. "Every year we have similar tasks that need to be completed in order to open camp," Kimball said. "With the help of some very dedicated volunteers this is possible to get done. We have to turn water on, set up tents, clean buildings, and complete landscaping tasks." She noted a rental group that regularly visits the property contributed to kitchen cleaning, tent platform maintenance and trail clearing this spring, while camp alumni have spent weekends helping prepare the grounds. Beyond physical preparations, camp leaders say much of the work happens in offices, meeting rooms and training sessions. For both day and overnight camps, ensuring staff are prepared to supervise campers safely is among the most important responsibilities before the season begins. "Balancing a safe and fun environment is essential to making sure camp runs smoothly," Kimball said. "The director and senior program director spend months leading up to camp making sure there is a plan in place for activities and making sure there are alternative activities when necessary." The final week before campers arrive often becomes a whirlwind of preparation. "The week before campers arrive we also host a staff week where it is a rush to try and make sure staff understand the expectations for the summer," Kimball said. "The execution of the plans is just as important as making sure the plans are in place." Camp leaders say paperwork and administrative coordination remain some of the biggest challenges they face each year. At Glen Brook, Stehlik identified camper forms and family communication as one of the most important pieces of preparation. "Getting everyone's paperwork in, ordered, and any concerns addressed before arrival day so that we can just focus on connecting and enjoying the start," he said. Kimball echoed that sentiment, noting that medical forms, allergy plans and behavioral support information require significant attention before camp begins. "The biggest logistical challenge we face when opening Camp Wiyaka is making sure we have all our paperwork completed," she said. "Making sure parents get in the required information before camp is a big project that takes a lot of time and dedication."