Welcome!

Camp Marist is an international, co-ed Catholic overnight camp for campers aged 6-16 years old on Ossipee Lake in New Hampshire. For over 70 years, Camp Marist has nurtured campers’ personal growth in faith, mind, body, and friendship through a wide variety of activities and a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Here, we encourage character building, kindness, uniqueness, and confidence. Our outstanding staff consists of dedicated Marist Brothers, teachers, parents, alumni, and college students. We boast a staff to camper ratio of 1 to 3.

The Camp Marist program provides a variety of activities, including horseback riding, go-karts, tennis, water skiing, sailing, drama, soccer, ropes challenge, baseball, archery, and more.

Every summer, hundreds of campers experience the special place that we are. We are proud to provide a place for campers to learn, grow, and thrive in positive ways that will enhance their lives forever. Camp Marist Experience is something that stays with you long after the last sunset of the summer. ACA Accredited.

Program

The Activities Program at Camp Marist is an engaging, exciting and educational experience for campers structured around their individual interests.

We offer over 40 different elective activities in Athletics, Fitness, Adventure, Nature, and Creative and Performing Arts with counselors who bring enthusiasm and a history of involvement as participants, team captains, and coaches or professional instructors. In addition, all campers participate daily in a period of Waterfront activities where trained, Red Cross certified, and experienced instructors develop campers’ water safety, knowledge, and proficiency in swimming or boating.

The Activities Program is organized around accomplishing and learning specific skills for each activity in a safe, controlled, positive and supportive environment, and then creating, performing, or demonstrating mastery each session. Many of our offerings have progressive levels to allow campers to continue to learn and grow with new experiences summer after summer. The emphasis throughout our program is one of learning and practice to gain confidence as well as competence in an area of interest. Opportunities exist for competition and performance for those campers who wish to participate at that level, but it is not required.

The Camp Marist activities program is truly unique and absolutely impressive!

A Day in the Life

Each day begins after a solid night’s sleep, with campers woken up by their prefects with music, then presented an overview of the day and reminded of upcoming events. Reminders (and assistance for younger campers) to apply sunscreen and be ready for the morning activities are repeated as all campers prepare for the fun that lies ahead.

Campers start their day with a buffet-style breakfast in the dining hall where they’ll find ample tasty and nutritious options to give them the energy they’ll need.  The whole camp then gathers at the mound to begin as a community with a prayer, flag-raising, any important announcements, and a preview of the day and upcoming special events.

Campers head off to participate in their first three morning activities, each at 45 minutes in length. Camp operates on a two-day alternating schedule, personalized for each camper, that incorporates the numerous activities they have selected.

A kid-friendly, buffet-style lunch with something for everyone is served at 12:45 and is followed by some supervised free time at the canteen, on the playground, or in the cabins until 2:15 when everybody heads out to their 4th and 5th activity periods for the day, followed by an all-camp general swim at the waterfront, then dinner.

The evening activity is a mixed-cabin event where campers choose between competitive tournament games in various sports, or counselor-organized cooperative games and activities. We close the day as a full community with some all-camp fun at the “evening mound” where there are games and challenges to entertain all whether watching or participating. We return to the cabins after a closing prayer and the lowering of the flag where social time with counselors and cabin-mates fills the remainder of the day. An age-appropriate lights-out time is set by prefects to allow all the necessary recovery time for another day of excitement.

Most of our campers are exhausted by the end of the day!

Wolf Pack (Younger Campers)

The Wolf Pack is our youngest camper group of 6-7-year olds. This program provides an atmosphere of increased support and guidance during and between activities, and creates a foundation of friendships to last through summers to come. Wolf Pack campers follow a group schedule that highlights many of camp’s most popular activities, full of age-appropriate instruction and games, with the aim of introducing and developing essential skills. These campers are introduced to our alternating two-day schedule with regular programming in tennis, arts & crafts, basketball, performing arts, fishing, nature, and swim lessons. The final activity period each afternoon allows a chance for the group to explore other exciting activities from across camp, sampling from go-karts, low-ropes, yoga, ultimate frisbee, air rifles, soccer, badminton, and more. Like every other camper, they wrap up the afternoon at the waterfront for the all-camp general swim.

With dedicated group leaders, supervised access to cabins in-between activities, built-in mid-morning snack time, and intentional programming that meets their unique needs, the Wolf Pack is the perfect way for this age group to experience camp!

Special Events

Cabin Events

Cabin prefects keep things fun during “down” time with tournaments in table tennis, bumper pool, or tetherball. They may pick a day to skip the camp lunch and have a cookout at the beach with some cabin games. An evening campfire with marshmallows or s’mores is a popular cabin activity as well.

In addition, each session all prefects organize a cabin trip day outside of camp. Sometimes it is outdoor activities like scenic hikes, rope swings, and water parks. Other times it can be indoor options like roller skating, fun centers, or movies.

Clan Gatherings

While Camp is a wholly integrated co-ed environment, we also allocate time for the girls’ Mighty Bear Clan and the boys’ Bad Moose Clan to be together for some unique group bonding. One evening each week we take a break from the usual Tournament games and Explore! activities in exchange for the Bad Moose Games and Bear Battle Brawls. Numerous counselors officiate these wild events and strive to keep accurate scores. In addition, there is mid-session Clan Campfire, which includes memorable stories and songs.

All-Camp Events

Coming together frequently as a community is an integral part of what Camp Marist is all about, and we do just that every night after the evening activity for music, dancing, and usually some uniquely entertaining spectacle or game. In addition, campers and staff alike always look forward to one night each week when we have a special event at The Mound. These events include the 4th of July Carnival and celebration, International Night, Halloween in July, the Iron Fitness competition, the Talent Show, and even the theatrics of the staff skit night during Color War.

So much good happens with the Camp together as a whole, and we’ve designed meaningful events throughout each session to make the experience exceptional for all!

Cabin Life

Camp Marist continues the tradition of housing a large, diverse group of campers together to form the ultimate bonds through cabin life.

The Camp Marist property is home to nine camper cabins that each have their own unique personality and landscape. Despite their differences, all cabins have electricity and are fully equipped with indoor bathrooms including toilets, sinks and hot showers.

Campers will arrive to find their bunk bed made with sheets, a blanket and pillow and a set of storage shelves for their personal items. However, we do recommend campers bring a sleeping bag for those chilly New Hampshire nights. See our handy packing list.

An assortment of games, puzzles, ping-pong and pool tables can be found in each cabin as well as a seating area full of couches – the perfect spot for chatting and relaxing.

Staffing & Structure

One of our nine highly esteemed Prefects live in each camper cabin along with an Assistant Prefect, and two additional counselors. Cabin life is all about fostering a sense of community, and through our Champagnat Program, the live-in staff provides campers with ample support and opportunities to connect and unwind from their busy day. Campers’ daily activity schedule is deliberately mixed by age and gender, however, each cabin joins as a family for meals, as well as during our morning and evening gatherings.

Out of respect for their community, all campers are expected to keep their area tidy. Most prefects perform a routine cabin inspection each morning and look for beds to be made, the floor near their bunk to be swept and the items and clothing on their shelves to be organized. The cabin staff is responsible for cleaning the bathroom and larger common areas.

Cabin Placement Process

Cabins are divided by gender and then relative age. There are five buildings that house our male campers and four for our female campers. During the administration’s thoughtful placement process a camper’s age, experience with overnight camp and preferences are all taken into consideration. While not all requests can be honored, our goal is for each camper to be surrounded by a group of staff and campers who will best help them thrive and grow. Cabin assignments are handed out on arrival day.

Health & Safety

Health and wellness are of the utmost importance to the Camp Marist nurses, administration and staff. The camp supports a well-equipped Health Lodge, which is staffed by experienced registered nurses and/or nurse practitioners with appropriate credentials and certifications.

Assessment and Prevention

The nursing staff provides individualized health care as well as emergency care for the campers. The responsibilities of the nurses include health screening and assessment of camper needs at the beginning of camp, preventive health care for the campers, including sunburn prevention, injury prevention, and health education regarding nutrition, hydration, homesickness, and other important concerns.

Parents are encouraged to prepare their child in advance with adequate sneakers/socks, sun lotion, insect repellent, water bottles, etc. Parents can refer to the Packing List for the full list of recommended supplies.

It is also important that campers are lice/nit free and that their immunizations are up to date.

The nurses also manage acute and chronic illness problems and dispense medications as needed. Camper medications are kept in the Health Lodge and dispensed by the nurses. The Health Lodge has “open clinic” after meals for healthcare concerns, but the nursing staff are always on campus for all healthcare and urgent needs.

Nursing Staff

Camp Marist maintains a nursing staff of 2-3 nurses for all camp sessions. There is a nurse present on campus and available to intervene for most health care situations. The nursing staff also maintain a collaborative relationship with staff from Ossipee Family Practice and Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, NH.

Food & Nutrition

Meals

Delicious, nutritious and well-balanced meals are served buffet style in our dining hall where our campers eat together with their assigned cabins. Campers can choose meals from a wide variety of options. Camp cookouts are held every Saturday at the picnic grove down by the lake.

Our chefs are Serve Safe Certified and have been with us for over 5 years making sure our campers are well taken care of.

Fresh fruit is available at every meal, along with salad bar, sandwich bar, and pasta alternatives for lunch and dinner. There are fresh-baked rolls, cakes, muffins, and cookies – and a lot more.

Special Needs

Food allergies and special diets are also closely monitored along with assistance from our healthcare staff. Water is available in many locations throughout the day.

At Camp Marist we strive to build character, independence, and personal growth across every experience.

Adventure & Nature

• Archery

Archery is one of the most popular activities at camp. Led by a certified instructor through the National Archery Association, campers practice on stationary targets over varying distances using traditional bows, recurve bows, and compound bows. Progress is defined, tracked and recognized as campers hone their skills and show increasing accuracy over the course of each session.

• Call of the Wild

The mere mention of the program elicits wild howls from the campers in recognition of the fun and unique skills learned. The emphasis in this activity is on camping and outdoor survival skills like setting up tents, preparing a campfire, lighting a fire without matches, and learning essential knots. Every session can be a little different than any other, but campers have been known to build lean-tos, cook pancakes over a fire, and even catch some fish with makeshift rods.

• Nature Hiking

In Nature Hiking, campers learn about the natural world and the wonders that surround them – edible and poisonous plants, animal tracks, sounds, and behavior, compass reading, and basic orienteering hiking safety, and more. Campers will know how to pack for a hiking trip of various lengths, how to determine their direction on a trail, and how to spot and handle a typical encounter with regional wildlife.

• Ropes Challenge

Cooperation, Trust, and Teamwork define what it takes to be successful on the ropes course. With low-ropes and high-ropes elements, campers develop their skills and confidence through individual as well as team-based challenges. Trained and certified instructors guide and support the campers as they reach new heights.

• Go-Karts

Campers wind their way through the Camp’s track with our fleet of commercial go-karts. Campers learn and practice the basic mechanics of cart operation and compete for fast but safe and controlled lap completions. Always a hit, but we reserve this thrill for campers under age 14.

• Horseback Riding

Our experienced riding instructors will provide novice and seasoned riders with a memorable and educational experience over the course of the session. From our ample corral to the numerous bridle paths throughout our large campus, riders will learn to groom and care for the horses, as well as develop riding skills in their time at the stables Note that campers should plan to bring long pants for riding and boots if they have them. When signing up, families should estimate the camper’s experience level:

Beginner

For new riders who are comfortable being close to a horse but lack riding experience, this level introduces campers to safety, care and grooming, getting on and off the horse, and controlling the horse for walking, trotting, and stopping.

Intermediate

For campers who have mastered the beginner skills and have confidence with basic leading, riding, and caring for the horse. This level practices saddling the horse, leading through tight circles, maintaining balance and control while trotting and cantering, comfortable walking and trotting on trails, stopping over a medium distance, and provides an introduction to jumping

Advanced

This group is made up of campers with substantial experience riding and who are comfortable and proficient at the skills in the previous levels. This level teaches proper methods for putting on the bridle and cleaning the hooves, and provides practice jumping and maintaining proper position, as well as safe trail riding at 3 speeds with an emphasis on controlling, varying speeds, and stopping over short distances.

• Air Rifles

Campers through age 11 learn the basics of safety and handling the air rifle, sighting and shooting in different positions, and goal-setting around points on targets. The fundamentals of behavior and respect on a shooting range are introduced as well.

• Riflery

Campers age 12 and over can learn how to concentrate and control their movements as they shoot at targets on our protected 50-foot rifle range. Under the guidance of trained, certified, and experienced instructors, campers learn to handle and fire single-shot .22 rifles.

Sports & Fitness

Camp is a great place for kids to be active while learning new skills and maybe even trying new sports. With our diverse offerings of sports and fitness activities, campers can pursue and expand their interests with instructors who can accommodate various skill levels.

For team sports, counselors provide instruction and design fun drills and scrimmage games for both new and more experienced players to work together to advance their skills.

• Badminton, Baseball, Basketball
• Field Hockey, Floor Hockey, Football
• Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball
• Team Handball, Tennis, Track & Field
• Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball
• Cycling, Iron Fitness, Martial Arts
• Weight Lifting, Yoga

Creative & Performing Arts

Campers can demonstrate their artistic side, stretch their imagination, and explore their creativity through our Creative & Performing Arts activities. Our passionate instructors teach and inspire campers to help them discover new talents.

• Arts & Crafts, Ceramics, Music
• Chorus, Dance, Drama

Waterfront

We are fortunate to have a vast, beautiful waterfront with a wide range of activities for campers to enjoy. We believe that as part of the Camp experience every camper should gain knowledge in water safety as well as develop skills in swimming and/or water sports.

All campers are at the waterfront at least twice a day – once for their daily waterfront instruction period and once for the all-camp general swim. Waterfront instruction periods and general swim are led by a team of 16-18 certified lifeguards. During the daily instruction period, campers are placed in American Red Cross swim classes. Those who can demonstrate swimming proficiency at or higher than Level 4 can select from any of the additional swimming and boating activities offered at the waterfront. During the daily general swim, these campers have access to canoes, kayaks, rowboats and paddleboards in addition to all swim areas.

• American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Levels 1-6

Each camper is evaluated on swimming ability at the start of the session and assigned to the appropriate level swim class. Swimming lessons are overseen by American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors and other experienced instructors and lifeguards. Campers must demonstrate proficiency as Level 4 swimmers before having the option to take any of the boating classes.

• Canoeing & Kayaking

Canoe & Kayak instruction involves learning about small craft safety, entering and exiting the boat in shallow and deep water, effective paddling techniques for various conditions, self-rescue in the event of a capsize, and more. Classes take trips to various landmarks on our expansive bay or beyond, including a 5-mile round trip canoe challenge for those who are advanced.

• Sailing

A long-time favorite at Camp Marist, our sailing classes teach the basics of rigging the boat, identifying wind direction and force, sailing at all points of sail, understanding right-of-way, navigating a course across the bay, righting an overturned boat, and handling various conditions while sailing.

• Stand Up Paddleboarding

Campers can experience the wonderful challenge that Stand Up Paddleboarding offers as they explore balance, effective and efficient strokes for paddling, navigating turbulent water, and much more.

• Snorkeling

For campers who would rather explore what’s in the water, snorkeling is a perfect match! Campers learn how to safely enter the water, maintain a fog-free mask, clear a snorkel after a dive, and explore the lake floor without disturbing it. Campers will carry the diver’s flag to numerous exciting areas of the lake where they’ll discover underwater plant life, animals, and terrain.

• Water Safety & Rescue

The water safety & rescue activity is perfect for campers who want to excel in water safety and equip themselves with skills to help others in an emergency. This basic rescue course serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of life-guarding and water safety. Campers learn how to assist a swimmer in need of help without endangering themselves, how to understand and adapt to changing weather conditions, how CPR works and when someone needs it, and how to use a variety of rescue equipment found in aquatic environments. While not a certification course, this activity is certainly a confidence booster for campers and a great introduction to prepare them for future training courses.

•  Water Skiing

Campers are taught the basics of the sport by qualified instructors, and progress through the various levels of achievement as described by the American Water-Skiing Association. Beginner skiers are taught using the ski boom on two skis. Novice and advanced skiers can learn slalom, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, and even barefoot skiing.

• Fishing

Campers who wish to go beyond the land-based excitement to go fishing are taken out on the lake aboard our 24-foot pontoon fishing boat. Poles, tackle, and bait will be provided, but campers can bring their own gear if they prefer. Many different types of fish have been caught, but the largemouth bass has always been the prize catch, as they can be 24-inch (or longer). Most summers a handful of campers will submit their catches for consideration in the New Hampshire Trophy Fish program for recognizing the largest catch in 21 different freshwater categories. We also offer Advanced Fishing for more experienced campers who are 12 or older. The activity is a double period class and involves fishing on the adjoining bays and on Lake Ossipee itself.

• Powerboat Instruction

The powerboat driver education course familiarizes campers with the boating laws of New Hampshire. Campers learn to operate and drive various-sized powerboats under the supervision of the instructor. This exciting opportunity is reserved for campers ages 12 and up.

Special Trips

Camp Marist offers a number of optional Specialty Trips for campers that are available on a first-come/first-served basis. Please note that all campers participate in one “Trip Day” per session when the entire camp empties out to explore what New Hampshire has to offer. Some go hiking, some enjoy local watering holes, some go to the Polar Caves, Water Parks – we are surrounded by different opportunities!

The Specialty Trips listed below are additional opportunities with additional fees. These trips are scheduled at different times throughout the session, and not all trips are offered every session.  Age restrictions and enrollment limits may apply.

• The Blast
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Ice Skating
• Rock Climbing
• Sea Dogs Baseball Party
• White Water Rafting
• Zip Line Tour

Registration Fee: A $200 non-refundable registration fee is required for each camper at the time of registration.  This fee is in addition to the published tuition rates.   

Covid Fee: While we are hopeful that the precautions and concerns related to the covid pandemic will continue to diminish we are continuing to advertise a Covid Fee of $100 per camper which goes towards cost of testing, and additional supplies for cleaning, hygiene, and personal protective equipment.   If this fee proves unnecessary it will not be collected we will credit accounts of any families already paid.

Included:

Rates include all housing, meals, canteen snacks and laundry services.

Not Included:

Activities Fees – Some of our elective activities incur a charge of $50/session (charged after camper is at camp and has begun the activity schedule, so as to accurately reflect their selection)

Special off-campus trips are optional and carry additional fees.

Transportation -Parents are invited to drop campers off themselves, but may choose to utilize scheduled camp transportation on arrival and departure days for additional fees, as below:

• New York ($165 each way)
• Connecticut ($150 each way)
• Boston’s Logan Airport ($125 each way)

Spending Money – We recommend $25 per week for spending money for your camper at our camp store or for trips. If you choose multiple off campus trips, the camper will likely need more spending money.