Hello everyone! Sorry for the delay; some technical difficulties delayed our first post, but welcome to the 2026 camp blog!! I look forward to bringing you along on our camp journey this week. To introduce myself, I’m Meghan Crosson and I’ll be your blog coordinator this year. I was a 6 year camper and have been on camp staff for 9 years. I can assure you no two years look the same, but each are uniquely beautiful. You’ll be hearing from me tonight, but for the rest of the week, you will be hearing from my lovely team of writers. Our goal is to keep you updated on what we’ve been up to each day and provide you with insight into what makes Camp so special. Thank you for reading along; we hope you enjoy reading about our days as much as we enjoy living them!

After a year of planning, 233 campers and over 50 staff members met at Weymouth High School late this morning. Staff and campers alike packed the busses before we hit the road and headed to Lake Winnipesaukee. The ride took about 2.5 hours and was as smooth as we could have wished for.

Upon arrival, we all made our way to the council ring where campers received their cabin assignments. They grabbed their backpacks and headed to their new homes for the week. Campers claimed their bunks, unpacked tuff boxes, and hung decorations to make the space their own. We then gathered back at the council ring for the campers to get their small group assignments. Throughout the week, our campers and staff meet with the same groups to partake in discussions, play games, and build relationships. When we met in small groups today, we focuses on introducing ourselves and had some great ice breakers.

At the end of this post, you will be able to find a photo of your campers morning group!

After meeting with our Morning Groups, everyone made their way to the air-conditioned dining hall for pulled pork sandwiches, mac & cheese, and broccoli. Some enjoyed this meal while others dove into the salad bar or sandwich station. The meal was completed with the most delicious cookies I have ever had (seriously they were so good). During most meals, we sit with cabins so the dining hall was full of chatter and laughter as bunk mates got to know each other even better.

Once the tables were cleared, everyone made their way out to our Chapel service. Also held in the council ring, Chapel is a time for the entire group to gather as a community for a worship service organized by Rev. Brian. He introduced our campers to Chapel and explained how everyone has an opportunity to participate in the worship service at some point during the week. Tonight’s Chapel helpers were our amazing CITs. They assisted Rev. Brian with the call-to-worship, scripture, and a short skit that put the scripture reading into a modern-day context.

John Fiander did an amazing job playing our Camp favorites during chapel. Tonight, John led us in enthusiastic renditions of camp classics like “Lean On Me,” “Alleluia, Praise Ye the Lord,” and “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing.” Steve Flaherty delivered tonight’s Chapel message and shared that although we don’t know what the Camp week holds for each of us, that each of us hold a purpose and we all belong here.

After chapel, we kicked off our evening programs with a game show. The program was crafted to encompass a number of ‘minute to win in’ styled mini games where campers went head to head in competitions. The 10th & 11th graders went first. They had to compete in a classic style race with a twist. Each team had to put on additional Hawaiian themed clothing on over their outfits, race to the bucket basketball hoop, and made a shot.

8th & 9th graders were up next. These grades played another classic. Two teams went head to head trying to pop balloons that were tied to the opposite teams ankles. The last team standing took the prize. After that, the 6th & 7th graders were up. These groups played a series of mini games each with their own twist to make it a bit more difficult.

The game show concluded in one last group. A number of staff members were tasked with picking a 12th grader to be their teammate while competing in mini games. By the end, 1 camper and 1 staff member were left. They had to finger-fence for the winner and Declan Malone was victorious!

After the campfire, Brian Craig gave the first Vespers message of the year. We end every night with a Vespers message from one of our staff members. The message always relates to the theme of the day and usually tells a story that the campers can resonate with or gain a take away from. Brian’s message focused on the 4 elements of nature and how each of them serve a purpose. Just like how each of us serve a purpose.

As a wrap up this first blog post, I am impressed with how much we fit into today’s shorter schedule. Being back at camp is truly an amazing feeling and I have a good feeling this year is going to be one of the best yet! I am so looking forward to a week with new and old friends, fun programs, good meals, and chances to make new memories.

Thank you for joining us! Stay tuned for what we do tomorrow!!