Company

Our Catholic faith is central to our camping philosophy and permeates every aspect of our daily life. Our call is to love and serve those around us with Christ as our model and our means. For that reason we have weekly Mass to fulfill our Sunday obligation and hold a regular evening prayer session called “Shrine”. We also offer several voluntary activities (Rosary Club, Adoration, Reconciliation, etc.) throughout the session to help a camper grow in faith. We acknowledge the vital witness of our volunteers, staff and administrators, as they reveal the Christian message, not only by word, but by every gesture of their behavior through the day-to- day activities and cabin life at camp.

Our Catholic faith is not limited to religious instruction and liturgical celebrations but is a comprehensive way of life. It should animate our attitudes and activities as we strive to create an environment in which our campers’ faith, virtue, and character will gradually mature.

Our camping program provides a fun and faith filled environment where all campers will feel welcome regardless of their religious upbringing.

Mission & Philosophy
The Mission of Camp Bernadette, Camp Fatima, and Exceptional Citizens Week is to create a community where all are welcome. Guided by our Catholic faith we provide a fun and engaging outdoor camping experience where campers and staff learn new skills and grow in faith, confidence, and friendship.

Meet Our Director
Budd Ryer, Executive Director
Budd first came to Camp Fatima in 1982 as a counselor in the senior division. During his time at camp he served as Senior Division Head, CIT Director, and Resident Director. Additionally, he has served as a counselor and staff member at Fatima’s Exceptional Citizens’ Week for 20 years. Budd has had a successful career in the financial services sector working in the insurance industry for over three decades. He left that industry to become the Executive Director of Camps Bernadette and Fatima in 2020. Budd has served on the camps’ Board of Directors and chaired the Marketing and Development Committee. He believes strongly in advancing the mission of the camps which is to create a community where all are welcome, and, guided by our Catholic faith provide a fun and engaging outdoor camping experience where campers and staff learn new skills and grow in faith, confidence, and friendship.
Budd is married to his wife, Betsy. Together they have raised two adult daughters, Meredith and Meg. Budd is a member of, and worships at, St. Anthony Shrine in Boston, a prophetic Franciscan Catholic community.

Our Staff

A child’s relationship with his or her counselor can make all the difference between a great summer camp experience and one that is only so-so. We make it a priority to hire staff that can inspire, lead, motivate, reassure, protect and laugh with our campers.

We hire teachers or mature high school and college students. Although most of our staff comes from the local area, we also hire staff members from across the country and around the world. Every staff member undergoes a thorough interview, including criminal background check, and extensive training to prepare them to help your children get the most out of their camp experience.

Facility and Location

Our camp facilities begin with two amazing sites. Camp Bernadette is nestled on a 50 acre site on the shores of Lake Wentworth, a clear lake that is ideal for water activities. Camp Fatima is located on the shores of beautiful Upper Suncook Lake, a 362-acre lake that is perfect for boating, swimming and fishing. Like Bernadette’s site, Fatima’s 152-acre site includes both open fields and woodlands.

Both camps implement continual improvements to keep facilities up-to-date and comfortable.

32 Fatima Road, Gilmanton Iron Works, NH 03837

History
Camp Fatima for Boys was founded in 1949 and Camp Bernadette for Girls was founded in 1954 by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester, NH. Our mission to create a community where all are welcome and, guided by our Catholic faith, provide a fun, outdoor camping experience where campers & staff learn new skills and grow in faith, confidence, and friendship.

Camp Fatima and Camp Bernadette are sponsored by the Diocese of Manchester, NH. We welcome individuals of all faiths and denominations and adhere to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Consistent with these teachings, the camps admit campers of any race, sex, creed, color, religion, disability and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to all campers at their camps.

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