OUR PHILOSOPHY
We are a summer camp committed to helping young people discover the very best version of themselves, encouraging them to fall in love with who they are and helping them bring out the very best in other people at the same time.
All our campers are guided towards opportunities for growth and self-awareness. By escaping the pressures of school, social media, and electronics, Waukeela campers are given the space, time, and leadership to find their true selves. They belong to a community. Waukeela Campers will sense they belong to something bigger than themselves.
Our community reaches far beyond the pines and through many generations. When a camper comes to Waukeela, they are welcomed with open arms to a community of thousands of people from all ages and backgrounds who root for them and with whom they share a lifechanging experience.
The
Waukeela Way
Tap on each section to learn more about the philosophies that lead us through the pines
Immersion in Nature
Located in the scenic foothills of Mount Washington and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Waukeela campers will experience the wondrous beauty of the region through daily activities. Welcome bountiful, unplugged social time in the outdoors.
Growth
Waukeela campers are guided towards opportunities for growth and self-awareness. They are given a safe space to openly explore their confidence, leadership, and inner beliefs
Self Esteem
Waukeela deliberately focuses on campers feeling significant, competent, virtuous ,and powerful. We provide unique programs, such as "G-Time" which offer encouragement, effective praise, skill-building, and self-direction.
Guiding Aspirations
Our staff is carefully selected, trained, and encouraged to be strong, positive role models for our campers. As mentors, our staff are figures of encouragement & inspiration.
Sisterhood
Our female-centered space embraces the values of friendship, solidarity, sorority and unity. Each new camper is given a camp sister, someone who helps them prepare for camp and make friends once they arrive.
Mental Health
Our number one priority is to ensure that all campers are cared for and feel safe at all times. At every meal, each camper is greeted at the door by the directors for a personal high five check-in. We have daily check-ins and activities to support your child's health and well-being. Counselors are checking in with alley heads, and alley heads are checking in with the directors, making sure every kid is looked after in the most comprehensive way possible.
Unique Personalities
Whether a camper is feeling quiet and introverted or outwardly extroverted, we provide guidance and space to express themselves comfortably, allowing them to discover new aspects of their personality.
Fitting In
At Waukeela, campers are encouraged to be their truest selves through being accepted and loved unconditionally by everyone. Waukeela Campers don’t have to fit in, they just belong.
Community
Here, your child will sense they belong to something bigger than themselves — just as generations of campers throughout the years have before them.
Kids Can Be Kids
Waukeela campers are encouraged to lower their guards, lose their image and discover their true selves. We encourage our campers to get lost in the moment by enjoying natural, spontaneous, belly-laughing fun. The uniqueness and diversity of all campers is encouraged and celebrated. Kids at Waukeela can be goofy, quirky and just plain weird! At Waukeela… we love weird!
WHERE OLD FRIENDSHIPS BEGIN
WHAT SETS US APART
Graham and Gill Moore are both family people and camp people. They were counselors for five years at a camp in Pennsylvania in the 80’s and 90’s and they now have four grown up children, all of whom have been campers and counselors at summer camp.
They know exactly what it feels like to leave a child at camp making them the perfect parents to look after your child. Furthermore, they know exactly what to look for in a good counselor and every year they take great pride and care in handpicking and training the right staff to join their strong teams. Very quickly these teams bond and form the Waukeela family that looks after each camper with love and respect.
Unlike most camps, Gill and Graham know every camper by name and spend time each day checking in with campers to ensure they are happy and settled at camp. The campers adore the couple and see them as approachable, friendly and caring. Their day-to-day values and ethics can be seen and felt in the warm, inclusive people centric environment they have created.
They have a wealth of experience working with young people but still retain a fresh and youthful outlook on life. They use their wisdom and knowledge together with their open-mindedness and awareness of current youth issues to lead this historic camp rich in tradition but balanced with a modern and current perspective.