Camp Notes No. 12

THE BOYS CAMP!

So, why did I photograph an all-boys camp?

Even though this started as a project dedicated to documenting all-girls summer camps, I’m always thinking about the next thing, and for this project to be complete, I wanted to explore the world of all-boys camps. The whole institution of summer camp began 1861 for boys, this was the origin. So naturally these camps tend to hold the richest history.

I discovered Pasquaney last summer when I was at their sister camp down the road, see Camp Notes No. 3. Several of the counselors were encouraging me to go but that was before I had the idea of expanding this project. When I realised I had extra time at the end of my summer journey to add on my first boys camp, Pasquaney was the obvious choice.

Pasquaney was founded in 1895, making it one of the oldest continuously running camps in the country, and one of the very oldest still operating on its original site. Some older camps have had to move properties over the years; Pasquaney never did. Its first cabin is still in use, and campers have been scribbling their initials on the walls and benches for decades - the whole camp is covered in nostalgia.

Camp Pasquaney is a legacy camp. Their alumni network is deep.
This a place that defines a boy; this is a place that turns a boy into a man.

The same core values that Camp Pasquaney was founded on in 1895 are the same today. Very little, if anything, has changed. At Pasquaney, activities are vehicles to build character. The boys have a great time all summer long but between being goofy in canoes and backflipping off the diving board, these boys learn skills that will eventually shape them for life.

The boys at Pasquaney are kind and respectful. Every meal I had with them was a delight. I had boys asking to take my plate, asking if I wanted a refill of my water, and - my favourite - if I was talking to the boy next to me and another counselor or camper came over to speak with him, they’d ask, “Would you mind if I spoke with so-and-so?”

Something that really stood out to me is the amount of ownership they give campers here. For example, they have a weekly "camper meeting" which gives the boys an opportunity to raise whatever they've noticed, good or bad, and each younger camper is paired with an older one who shows them around and helps with homesickness. I love how it ensures no one gets left behind - the older boys keep a watchful eye and flag anything that needs to reach leadership.

It was very special to spend my last few days of this project with 90 boys and relish in the reality that I will have one of my own one day soon…

PS: I’ve had a little buddy on board with me all summer long, he’s due in November and there is a very real possibility that when he is of age, he will be going to Pasquaney.