best 11 programs in Holderness, NH

Nestled in 178 acres of lush woodland is a serene escape from the city, a place fondly known as Camp Swamp. This overnight Christian camp, located just two hours east of bustling Atlanta, has been serving as a peaceful retreat since 1992. We like to think of it as our own "little slice of heaven," offering a respite from the daily hustle and bustle, and inviting people to reconnect with nature and their spirituality. Our primary offering is a week-long summer camp, but we've expanded over the years to include more than just summer fun. As part of our mission to support families and churches, we now also host three family camps throughout the year, as well as four parent/child retreats. These events offer a chance for families to bond, parents to connect with their children, and individuals to grow in their faith. Moreover, our facilities are not exclusive to our organized events. Camp Swamp also offers rentals to schools, churches, universities, sports teams, and even business groups. Whether you're planning a camp, a retreat, or a team-building excursion, our serene setting and well-equipped facilities provide the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable experience.

For fifty-four years, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center has been a source of education and enlightenment for visitors of all ages. Not only does it feature spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, and guided Squam Lake Cruises, but also an informal public garden and even the Blue Heron School which is a nature-based Montessori early learning center. But in order to accommodate the recent pandemic restrictions, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center has had to make some changes. Most recently, the Richard and Jean Lovett Raptor Exhibit opened with new enclosures, interactive exhibits, and interpretation about raptors. The live animal exhibit trail opened on May 1 with capacity limits, timed-entry tickets, outdoor retail operations, and increased cleaning in place. Despite the recent changes, the Science Center is still certified as Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beautiful natural world around them.

At Deerwood, boys can enjoy the beautiful setting of Squam Lake and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, while making life-long friends and developing new skills. Campers have the opportunity to participate in a well-rounded program of activities designed to challenge them without undue pressure. The atmosphere is friendly and electronics-free, encouraging campers to achieve surprisingly good results. Started in 1945 by Ferris & Helen Thomsen, Deerwood is now run by the third and fourth generation of Thomsens, with a strong core of senior counselors.