Camp Wigwam...
...a beautiful summer camp in Maine
Nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains on the sandy shores of Bear Lake, Camp Wigwam offers a traditional summer camp program with particular emphasis on tennis, golf, the arts and rustic camping along the spectacular trails of the magnificent White Mountain National Forest.
Camp Wigwam stresses participation rather than strict competition and allows every camper ample opportunity for choice. This encouraging, supportive atmosphere enables each camper, no matter his interests, the ability to reach his highest potential.
The Wigwam summer camp experience is a very personal one with only four boys and one counselor in each cabin. One seven week program begins in late June and runs through the middle of August, with a five week option within that time frame. Campers range in age from seven to fifteen. With a high percentage of returning staff, experienced administrative personnel and the involved ownership of the Strauss family, Camp Wigwam fosters individual, physical and emotional growth in a less competitive atmosphere, guiding each camper to live and learn within a community of his peers.
Since 1910, Camp Wigwam has remained a thriving, dynamic cultural experience renowned for the high quality of its innovative sports and fine arts programs.
Camp Wigwam, on the shores of Bear Lake in Waterford, Maine, was founded in 1910 by Abraham "Mandy" Mandelstam and Arnold "Pop" Lehman. Together these pioneers of the industry forged a program that would be a model for the summer camp industry for most of the first half of the twentieth century. Pop was an athletic and energetic leader, whose strength was the day to day operation of the camp. Mandy was a creative genius, established in the arts and theatrical community in Manhattan, whose well connected friends were frequent visitors to Camp Wigwam.
In the autumn of 1964, Mandy, who had two years earlier purchased Pop's interest in the camp, sold Camp Wigwam to Ned & Helen Strauss. Ned & Helen resurrected Wigwam to its former glory, reignited it's storied traditions and operated the camp until 1977 when their son, Bob, took over its reigns. Wigwam enters the new millennium under only its second ownership as Bob and his wife Jane Strauss continue to carry on the amazing legacy of this marvelous camp. Today, thousands of men from all over the country share a bond born in their childhood that still burns brightly within their soul to this very day, the cherished memories of a Camp Wigwam summer.
History of Camp Wigwam
A Typical Day at Camp Wigwam
7:30am Reveille
8:00am Breakfast
8:50am Cabin Clean up
9:30am – 12:45pm 3 Instructional Activity Periods
1:00pm Lunch
1:45pm Rest Hour
2:45pm – 5:30pm 2 Free Choice Activity Periods
5:45pm Dinner
6:45pm Evening Activities
7:30pm Camp Fire / Drive in Movie / Hang out with Friends
9:00pm Campers begin to get to bed (excited about doing all again tomorrow)
Each day spent at Wigwam is different. However, to give you an idea, a typical day in the life of a camper at Wigwam might look like this. Playing basketball, soccer, going for a sail with a friend, fencing, tennis match, a morning at the driving range or an afternoon at one of our local golf courses, waterskiing or exploring their more creative side in ceramics, arts and crafts, sewing or rocketry.
Spending Money
Each family will be billed in the springtime, for a Canteen Account for their camper. Cash will be distributed to each camper from their Canteen Accounts as appropriate for trips outside of camp. Extra money that a child might bring to camp on opening day is collected and kept in a safe in the office. We refer to this as "envelope money." This account may be accessed by a camper if he feels that a little extra money might be needed for a specific trip (Fenway Park, Old Orchard Beach, Funtown, etc.). It is a good idea for each camper to have some envelope money. We suggest between $50-75 at the start of the season. That will be plenty until at least Parent's Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Wigwam?
Prospective families most often ask the question;"What makes Wigwam so special?" As soon as a new camper passes under the Totem Pole entrance for the first time they become a "Wigwammer" at that very moment. The spirit, the camaraderie, the sense of community and the joy of summer camp happen almost immediately in this nurturing and friendly environment. For generations, boys have enjoyed this magical spot on the shores of Bear Lake, returning year after year as campers, Counselors in Training, full staff members, and ultimately as revered alumni. Cherished memories, and lifelong friendships are forged and preserved in this hallowed and traditional setting in the woods of Maine.
How does my son get to Wigwam?
The Wigwam office will help arrange air transportation for any family wishing to have their youngster fly to camp. Wigwam staff will escort campers from every airport, as a Wigwam camper never flies unattended. Camp Wigwam will arrange free coach transportation from the greater Boston area on opening and closing dates each season, and will gladly assist any family in making arrangements to meet that coach on those dates. For families who choose to drive to Wigwam, directions may be found on our web site.
Telephone Policy?
Parents and campers are welcome to phone. We feel that keeping the lines of communication open makes every camper and parent, whether rookie or veteran, feel that much more comfortable. Parents are asked to arrange a phone call through the Wigwam office so as to not disrupt the daily schedule in taking a child away from an activity. Homesick camper's phone calls will be scheduled so that the time in between calls increases proportionally, and before long sad calls become enthusiastic and happy ones. Parents are also encouraged to write, e-mail or fax on a regular basis.
Care Packages?
Parents, grandparents, siblings and friends are welcome to send along a care package. One of the great joys of the summer camp experience is receiving a package from home. Please remember to include bunkmates and counselors, as sharing of these packages is encouraged. Healthier snacks are a good way to go, and non-perishables are a must.
Visiting Day
Our schedule on Parent's day starts at 9:15 A.M. Parents, families and friends are encouraged to accompany their camper(s) on their normal morning schedule to get a feel for the normal camp day. At noon, a sumptuous buffet lunch will be served on the lodge lawn while the 28th Annual Wigwam Water Ski Extravaganza is presented. Families are then encouraged to participate in Wigwam's Parent / Son Decathlon which is followed by our annual theatrical production. Parents may then take their camper(s) out of camp for family time and dinner, and are asked to return by 8:30 P.M.
Electronics
Cell Phones, DVD players and small refrigerators should be left at home. Game Boy Player use will be restricted and supervised. Campers are welcome to bring I-Pods or CD players, but remember we are out in the middle of the woods, and mother nature is not kind to sophisticated electronic gear.
