Understanding New England Camps

To many, the word camp goes with the words fire and counselor. But to New Englanders, it’s a whole different concept. Around this time of year, you’ll hear many New Englanders announce, “We’re going up to camp for the month.” This could mean a trip of anywhere from 200 miles to 200 yards. A camp, in New England, is a small, seasonal dwelling — not a second home, but an antidote to home. While camps tend to be highly idiosyncratic, most are variations on a few basic themes.

By the ShoreName: “Spindrift” Typical diversions: Swimming, sunbathing Pests: greenheads Chore you don’t get around to: fix broken beach chair Specialty of the house: lobster Inescapable problem: noisy neighbors On Golden PondName: “Whispering Pines” Typical diversions: Swimming, sailing Pests: mosquitoes Chore you don’t get around to: rebuild old dock Specialty of the house: sautéed trout Inescapable problem: friends who “just happened by” with swimsuits On Non-Golden PondName: “Dunroamin’ ” Typical diversions: fishing, puttering Pests: leeches Chore you don’t get around to: fix leaky rowboat Specialty of the house: fried perch Inescapable problem: kids on Jet Skis Mountain RetreatName: “Shangri-La” Typical diversions: hiking, board games Pests: blackflies Chore you don’t get around to: replace moribund gas refrigerator Specialty of the house: sweet corn Inescapable problem: access road washes out every spring BackwoodsName: “Ta-Pah-Nu-Keg” Typical diversions: shooting at empty bottles, card games Pests: varmints Chore you don’t get around to: splitting unsplittable pieces of firewood Specialty of the house: defrosted deer Inescapable problem: privy needs to be moved Excerpt from “’Understanding Camps,” Yankee Magazine, August 1995.