Summer Camp for Boys 8-15. Since 1908 in Maine. All inclusive. Water skiing, Basketball, BaseBall, Kayaking, Soccer, Softball, Tubing, Mountain Biking, Lacrosse, Beach Volleyball/Newcombe, Batting Cage...much more!!"
The West End House Camp
Welcome to West End House Camp for boys. We warmly welcome you to the West End House Camp of Maine, USA, a modern facility with an almost one hundred year history of providing boys with top quality recreational programs in a safe, caring, and nurturing atmosphere. We invite you to join the thousands of boys who have attended over the years and have formed friendships that have lasted them a lifetime. The directors and staff stand ready to address any questions or concerns you may have, and we invite you to get in touch with us at any time to learn more about our organization.
Some of our Activities: Baseball, Hiking, Banana Boating, Tubing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Sailing, Swimming Instruction, Waterskiing, Archery,Tennis, Nature & Crafts, Camping, Fishing, Mountain Biking, Newcombe, Beach Newcombe, Street Hockey, Basketball (indoor & outdoor), Softball, Soccer,Lacrosse
Special instructional attention is paid to the younger boys (the Juniors), since their level of coordination and skills are often in the early stages of development. Newcombe (in place of volleyball) and kickball (in place of flag football) are regularly scheduled; banana boating, a favorite of all ages, is especially programmed for the Juniors; and the routes used during the mountain bike activity period are planned with the younger children in mind. Each season special intercamp activities include competition against other camps in newcombe, softball, soccer, and basketball
Although each morning and evening are filled with exciting athletic and aquatic activities, the evening program is often the highlight of the day. A varied, interesting, and always challenging program follows supper each night, including the always popular Monte Carlo Night, Gold Rush, Stock Market Night, Liars' Club, Elections, Auction, Prize or Consequence, Jai-Alai, Apache Relay, Super Monopoly, Counselor Hunt, Choose Your Own Adventure, and Specialty Clubs. Special events, such as a social with a nearby girls' camp, a evening trip to the Portland Sea Dogs Baseball Game in Portland, or the end of the year trip to Funtown USA Amusement Park in Saco, Maine are eagerly awaited each season by campers and staff alike!. Of course, the most cherished event each season is the Annual five day Color War, pitting the Blue Team against the White Team, a time honored tradition that dates back to the 1940's and whose history is reflected by the Color War plaques on the dining hall walls.
West End House Camp - boys summer camp boasts first class facilities that are constantly maintained so as to remain in top condition each season. The buildings are constructed in the "log cabin" style, adding to the beauty and charm of the place. Everything is generally located in close proximity to each other, which adds immeasurably to the safety factor as well as to the ease of programming and other logistics. The addition in 2000 of an administration building also created space for a well stocked library, home not only to many hundreds of books and periodicals, but also to a large number of board games - especially important for that quiet time before lights out at night or on rainy days. The canteen also operates from this building - at least once a week campers use some of their spending money to purchase candy, sodas, chips. and other food "necessities!" Each cabin is home to 10 - 12 campers and three staff, and each bungalow has its own bathroom facilities and shower. Every boy has his own bed and space, along with ample room to store his clothes. The lighting fixtures in all the cabins have just been updated, and each building boasts the best drinking water in the world - direct from our own 400 foot artesian wells! Centrally located in the camp, the Council Ring is an ideal meeting place for campers and staff, the site of the famous wiffle ball tournaments, and an area where boys can soak up some sun, read a book, or just sit and take in the surrounding view. It is also the meeting place for the entire camp prior to each meal, as well as the site of various evening activities such as Prize or Consequence, Elections, or the two part annual Auction. The flag pole is located at the head of the Council Ring, and the raising and lowering of the flag on a daily basis are done with respect and dignity throughout the summer. Known as Wonderland, this building contains the materials for launching many a handmade project, often limited only by one's imagination! Wonderland is also the place where the Color War teams gather each season to create their props and prepare their signs. The dining hall is large enough to accommodate all 160 boys and staff at one seating. Newly purchased tables and seats have added to the quality of that facility, which is also used for indoor activities, including movies, orientation, instructional classes, and evening programs such as Stock Market Night, Let's Make a Deal, Liar's Club, etc. The kitchen is the pride of the crew of experienced cooks who prepare three full meals a day (complete with salad bar for lunch and supper), plus a snack at night. The 2004 addition in the kitchen of a large, new grill and electric food warmer has meant even better products coming forth from the hands of our expert culinary. West End House Camp - boys summer camp boasts a full size gymnasium, complete with professional basketball court, electronic scoreboard, and stage. This facility is also ideal for rainy day activities and evening activities, including relay games, Jai-Alai, Monte Carlo Night, Skit Night, and Color War Song Night. The exceptionally large stone fireplace is used as the brightly burning backdrop for a couple of evenings each the summer when stories of camp history and lore are told.The medical center of camp is the infirmary, staffed by a licensed nurse. The examining room contains camp medicines as well as the medicines that individual campers bring with them. There is also a private area where campers who need extra quiet or attention can relax or be monitored by the nurse. As part of the annual State of Maine inspection, the infirmary is thoroughly checked for cleanliness, current licensing of the nurse, up to date record keeping, and proper safeguarding of all medicines. Large playing fields are the sites for the outdoor sports and recreation programs, including softball, baseball, flag football, soccer, lacrosse, kickball, Color War Track meet, and many other games and activities. Volleyball and newcombe are played both on the outdoor court (which can also be converted to supplement our indoor basketball program) and on the adjacent beach volleyball/newcombe court. The nearby batting cage allows boys to perfect their swing, while the tennis courts and archery range always remain near the top for favorite The camp is located on beautiful Long Pond; it owns about 5,000 feet of shoreline along this pristine body of water, including a small beach area ("Kennard's") that contains remarkable natural sand that extends out for hundreds of feet. A permanent H dock, sailing and boat docks, and an "Old Timers" dock (complete with waterslide) are in full use all summer, and the refreshing waters of our lake are especially inviting on warm days or after an active morning or afternoon on the playing fields.
Where do the campers come from? About 75~ of the campers live in Massachusetts, with communities such as Sharon, Needham, Medford, Natick, Newton, and sections of Boston having especially significant representations. Dozens of Maine children attend each summer, and campers also come from states like New York, New Hampshire, Florida, South Carolina, Washington, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey. The camp has had more than it share of campers from overseas, including youngsters from France, England, Norway, Virgin Islands, Israel, Sweden, Ukraine, and Hong Kong. How many children are at camp? Enrollment is generally about 115 boys at one time; however, as a result of changeovers during the summer, about 210 different boys attend each year. My son wants to go, but we (the parents) are nervous. Or, we know that camp will be a great experience for our son, but he is reluctant to attend. What do we do? Parents and children should discuss this among themselves and view this web site together, arrange to meet one of the directors, attend (if possible) the October or April Open House in Maine or the Annual Camp Breakfast in January, and/or arrange to meet other incoming new campers and their families. Consider a two week option as way to start off slowly without a long term, major commitment. I want to call my son, but that is not allowed. Why? The camp wants to make sure that the number used to reach campers is kept open for truly important phone calls, not tied up with nonessential calls. Also, the sound of a parent's voice on the phone line can cause an emotional "scene" by a camper who otherwise has been quite happy and thrilled by his experience. Finally phone calls can be disruptive, especially if a camper is paged from an activity to respond to a call. Parents are asked to communicate by mail, as well as to feel free to call one of the directors to check on their son's progress. My son is really enjoying himself at camp; I wish I had enrolled him for a longer period of time. Can anything be done this summer? If a camper is enjoying his stay and it is a rewarding experience for all concerned, it is often possible (space permitting) to extend him for a period of time. I want to visit my son at camp, but the one Visiting Day listed just doesn't work for me. May I visit at another time? The answer is yes, but please check first with the directors to make sure that your visit will not be disruptive (e.g., if your son is just getting settled in, a visit from his parents may cause homesickness) and that, indeed, your son will actually be at camp (and not on field trip!).&q7=What are the driving directions? What's the weather like? The historical average highs for the eight week summer range from 78-83F, and the average lows range from 51-57F. What must I pack? 8-10 pairs of underwear, socks and T-shirts; 2 pairs of sneakers; 4-6 pairs of shorts; 2 bathing suits; 2-3 pairs of long pants;1-2 heavy shirts and sweatshirts; Sweatpants; Raincoat; Jacket; Baseball glove and cap; 6-7 towels and wash cloths; sleeping bag or twin size comforter, a pillow, 2 fitted and 2 twin size sheets; 2 pillow cases; Laundry bag; Pajamas; Soap and shampoo; Toothpaste, floss and toothbrush; Writing materials, stationery and stamps; Insect repellant; Sunblock; Comb or hair brush; Canteen money; Medication if applicable. What am I not allowed to pack? Cellphones or beepers; Video games; CD players, DVD players or walkmans; Portable computers; Hot plates, sandwich makers or plug-in grills; Matches; Fireworks; Knives or other weapons; Skateboards, scooters or inline skates; TVs; Chewing gum. What else can I pack, i want? Small fan, Hiking boots, Fishing rod, Tennis racquet, Board games, Sporting equipment, Books, Flashlight, Flip-flops or sandals; specialty footwear such as cleats or basketball sneakers.
In a safe and nurturing environment, your son will enjoy a happy, healthy, fun-filled summer at West End House Camp. New skills will become part of his repertoire, and existing skills will be fine-tuned. Supported by everyone around him, he will quickly develop confidence and, in turn, become supportive of others. Through increased self-confidence and enhanced peer socialization, West End's mission is to bolster your son's self-esteem.
West End House proudly offers an array of activities that appeal to all boy campers. Activities range from water skiing, basketball and sailing to soccer, mountain biking and kayaking.
Tradition plays a major role in the history of West End House Camp - boys summer camp. Whether a camper is a third or fourth generation West Ender or one whose family just recently heard of the camp, all campers are caught up with a sense of belonging to an organization with a long history of excellence. Inevitably, they all feel within them "the Spirit of the House," an oft used phrase that describes the friendships, loyalty, and camaraderie that are always present. The tradition begun by our founder, James J. Storrow, of creating a place among the tall pines overlooking Long Pond in East Parsonsfield, Maine where boys can live and learn in harmony is carried on in the same manner now as when the first group attended in 1908. The cooperative attitude among campers, their feeling of loyalty to a great organization, and their desire, as adults, to give back to the organization that has had such a positive influence and impact on them are all immediately evident whenever WEH Alumni gather.
Preparations for the 2005 season have been in full swing since the end of last season! Visits to camp fairs and to the homes of prospective campers (along with the highly successful Annual Camp Breakfast held on January 16th with 230 people in attendance) have generated a very high degree of enthusiasm for next summer. The Camp Trustees have been meeting regularly to plan for the purchase of new equipment and for the timetable of various renovation projects that each year result in our camp being in outstanding shape. Indeed, in 2004 we received a mark of 100 from the State of Maine Department of Human Services after their annual surprise inspection; this perfect score is evidence of our great facilities, safety record, and excellence of qualified and trained staff. 2004 Camping Season Awards Announced! Each summer, on the night before the campers go home, awards in various categories are announced in the Council Ring in front of the entire camp. The winners are young men who, in the opinion of the senior staff, have shown qualities that the counselors feel should be recognized. The actual trophies are presented in January at the Annual Breakfast at Boston College.
Our site is in Flash. But much of its text is above.