The Diocese of Massachusetts' Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center in Greenfield, N.H., finished out its 2013 camp season in August, wrapping up its 10th year. There were five week-long sessions for campers entering grades 4-12, and the sixth week welcomed campers from the B-SAFE summer day program for children in Boston and Chelsea neighborhoods.
Campers ready to explore the lake.
There were 104 parishes represented at the camp this summer, 94 in Massachusetts and 10 additional parishes in New Hampshire and New Jersey. On average there were 94 campers per week-long session.
The faith formation theme for 2013 was "Peacemakers," focusing on forgiveness and resolution. The tagline "Make peace happen" or "MPH at BCH" was adopted by campers and counselors as a favorite cheer. The idea of making peace happen was carried throughout group discussions, Bible study and skits created and performed by campers.
Bishop Tom talks with campers about what it means to be peacemakers.
Several new offerings were added to camp this year, including cooking, step squad and swimming lessons.
Week 5 campers at cooking class
This year, the camp sought to create programming that would push campers to progress in their knowledge and tangible skills in a particular area.
“For example, if the camper chose canoeing, over the course of the week we spend time learning the parts of the canoe, how to do certain paddle strokes, what to do if you capsize,” said Alessia Doss, assistant to the executive director. This progressive learning is key to providing programming that engages older campers, something that Doss said was also a priority this year. Older campers were able to have longer sessions and more ropes course time, and given the opportunity to “narrow the road” and focus on their areas of interest.
A popular new weekly activity was “Cook Out and Camp In or Out.” Campers gathered with their cabinmates for a cookout, and then had the opportunity to camp outdoors somewhere at the camp, or to sleep on the porch of their cabins in forts they designed. These “Camp Ins” provided time for campers to bond with their cabin group, and Doss says it was a hit with campers every week.
The camp hosted 113 kids from the B-SAFE program during the sixth and final week. The center provided program staff for sports and activities during the week. The camp also hosted family camp on the weekend before the first session, with the camp staff leading recreational programming including canoeing, swimming and archery.
Having a
Doss and the BCH staff are already looking ahead to next summer. The bunkhouse that was under construction all summer will be open for campers when the 2014 season opens, and the camp will continue to expand its offerings, create new programs and strengthen relationships with churches throughout New England.
“We’re grounded and ready,” Doss said. “We’re feeling positive and ready to grow.”
Learn more about the camp, its programs for kids and teens, and how to support the camp at www.bchcenter.org.
--Ellen Stuart