A Note from Tara & Gregg

Time is flying by, and sweet November is already here! We are looking forward to seeing our alumni at our meet-up and our current camp families at the reunion this weekend.

We have been busy in the office welcoming new campers and planning for Summer 2027. Looking back on this past summer, we have so much to be grateful for; the memories, the friendships, and the traditions we get to share with your children each year.

We also enjoyed trying new things, and hearing from our campers and families has helped us think through what to continue, what to adjust, and what to bring back. Below, we’re sharing more about your survey feedback and some of the plans taking shape for next summer. There’s a lot we’re excited about!

We hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful fall season. Before we know it, we will all be back together at the lake.

Sending lots of love to our entire Raquette Lake family!

Tara & Gregg

A Summer to Remember: Looking Back on Summer 2026

from Carrie White, RLGC Director

As the leaves begin to change and fall from the trees and a chill settles into the air, at least here in New York, it’s hard to believe that another summer has come and gone. It feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago that we, as staff, were eagerly awaiting your arrival—our incredible campers—ready to welcome your smiles, laughter, energy, and joy as we embarked on Summer 2026. And what an incredible summer it was!

Supy girls, you brought all the spirit, leadership, and love needed to make this summer truly spectacular. Each of you challenged yourself to show up as your best self, try new activities, step outside your comfort zone, and cheer on and support one another every step of the way. You learned and played together, upheld the traditions that make Raquette so special, and embraced new changes with open hearts and enthusiasm. Watching you do all of this made me incredibly proud.

As I stepped into my new role as Director this summer, my motto was focusing on the fun—and did we ever have fun! From Camp Sisters and the Counselor Talent Show to trips and new electives; from Karaoke and Masked Singer to Fourth of July, Western Night, Luau, Halloween, and Carnival; from an incredible Alumni Day and Four Week Sing to fake-outs and Team Week, the summer was packed with unforgettable moments. And that barely scratches the surface!

Behind the scenes, our leadership team worked hard to be collaborative, creative, and flexible, building a program that would challenge you, teach you, inspire you, and, most importantly, bring you joy. We tried new things, learned a lot, and came away with so many ideas for the summers ahead. One of the greatest gifts of camp is that it continues to grow and evolve while holding on to the traditions and spirit that make it feel like home.

But as I reflect on all the activities, special events, and moments that made Summer 2026 so memorable, I keep coming back to what matters most: the friendships you built and the bonds you strengthened. As someone who has experienced the magic of Raquette firsthand, I know that these friendships can last a lifetime. They are the heart of this place and the true legacy of being able to call Raquette your summer home. Long after the last song at Sing, the final cheer in the dining hall, and the last moments on the lake, it’s the people and the connections we make here that stay with us.

I hope your transitions back into the school year have gone smoothly and that you’re finding your rhythm in the world beyond our little bubble in the Adirondacks. Of course, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness and pressures of everyday life. When that happens, I encourage you to do what I do: close your eyes and take yourself back to Raquette.

Picture yourself sitting in an Adirondack chair at Swim, jumping on the Rave, sailing across the lake, gliding behind a ski boat, flipping over the uneven bars, or laughing with your friends as you walk down the bunk path or lake path. Whatever memory brings a smile to your face, hold on to it. Let it remind you of who you are, the joy you felt, and the incredible community you are part of. Even when we’re miles apart, you have an entire sisterhood behind you, cheering you on, believing in you, and sending you so much love.

As I reflect back on my first summer as Director, I feel incredibly grateful. Grateful for the trust you placed in me, the energy and enthusiasm you brought to each day, the traditions you helped carry forward, and the countless moments that reminded me why this place is so special. Thank you for making my first summer in this role one I will always treasure.

I miss you all terribly, and I’m already looking forward to the next time we’re together. Until then, carry a little bit of Raquette with you wherever you go. Keep showing up as your best selves, supporting one another, trying new things, and, of course, focus on the fun.

I can’t wait to see so many of you at the reunion!

All my love,

Carrie

Guilty of Counting the Days

from Mark ‘Sparky’ Howell, RLBC Director

There is something magical about a Raquette Lake summer. It’s the kind of magic that can’t be described to friends back home. At least, not in a way that any of them can ever fully understand. It’s a magic that must be experienced to be truly understood. You understand. You have lived it.

The magical feeling you get when you cross the lake for the first time each summer.

The anticipation that motivates you to run up the hill to get your bunk assignment at The Wolf after stepping off the boat.

The “waking of the echoes” at the Opening Campfire.

The voices of over 200 boys and men singing Adele’s, “Someone Like You” at a volume that surely has to be heard on both ends of the lake.

The passion and competition of the Senior War Canoe race.

…along with all the other traditions that make Raquette Lake Boys Camp our unforgettable summer home.

As I reflect on the summer of 2026, I find myself feeling incredibly grateful. Grateful for the campers. Grateful for the staff. Grateful for the friendships that developed amongst us all.

One of the greatest privileges of directing a Raquette Lake Boys camp is watching young people grow. Sometimes that growth happens in big, obvious ways. A camper conquers a fear, discovers a new talent, or steps up as a leader for the first time. Other times, it happens quietly: a bunkmate offering encouragement, a camper including someone who feels left out, or a boy realizing that he is capable of more than he imagined after stepping off the zipline platform for the first time.

Those moments remind us why camp matters.

Of course, we will remember the adventures, the competitions, the laughter, and the beautiful Adirondack days. Yet, year after year, what makes a summer truly great is the family we become. It is the sense of belonging, the friendships that extend beyond the summer, and the feeling that every boy has a place here.

And while it is always difficult to say goodbye at the end of a great summer, there is something exciting about knowing that our story will continue.

Summer 2027 is already on the horizon. Plans are being made, the calendar is being developed, and campers and staff are signing up to return to their summer home, with others coming for their first time. There will be new challenges, plenty of laughter, and opportunities for every boy to carry on the traditions of Raquette Lake Boys Camp.

Until then, we can look back at all we accomplished together in 2026, and look forward with excitement to what comes next.

Thank you to our campers, families, and staff for making the summer of 2026 so special. The spirit of camp is something we create together, and I cannot wait to see what we build in 2027.

The lake is waiting, the mountains aren’t going anywhere, and another great summer is just around the corner.

Meanwhile, I still encourage everyone to “Make the Days Count!” throughout the school year, just like I do at camp. Yet, I hope you’ll forgive as I COUNT THE DAYS until we open for the Summer of 2027. By my count, we have 247 days to go!

See you soon!

~Sparky

In-Camp Clinics

Based on your feedback and camper interest, we’re adding a series of in-camp clinics this summer! These will introduce activities that aren’t always part of our regular program, giving beginners a chance to try something new and experienced players time for more focused instruction.

First up is lacrosse! We’re excited to welcome camp parent Josh Borthwick to lead the program this summer. Josh grew up in Central New York and played Division I lacrosse at Hobart College. He brings 40 years of experience playing, coaching, and officiating, including the past 11 years coaching at Saint Andrew’s School in South Florida, where he has been part of three state championship teams and helped coach numerous All-Americans. He continues to play competitively with the Air Force Old Birds at the Vail Shootout and Florida Lacrosse Classic.

Josh will spend one week at Boys Camp and one week at Girls Camp. Each group will have time scheduled with their bunk to learn and practice the sport. During those weeks, an intensive clinic will also be offered during elective for campers who play at a high level or on school teams.

Campers will work on scooping ground balls, cradling, passing, catching, and shooting, with instruction suited to their experience. Along the way, Josh will emphasize fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship—and, most importantly, having fun!

We’ll announce more clinics later in the year!

Nature & Camping Trips

Our nature program is returning this summer! Boys and girls will have nature scheduled with their group throughout the summer.

Campers will take part in pioneering crafts, learn wilderness skills and fire building, and head out on nature hikes. The program will also connect with our trips program, helping campers prepare for their camping trips and put what they’ve learned into practice along the way.

We’re also adding back more camping trips by popular demand! One of the things we heard from families in the survey was a desire for more hiking, camping, and outdoor adventure. With that in mind, we’re adding a trip for each age group, giving campers more opportunities to explore the Adirondacks together.

More Electives, More Variety!

We’re working on some new electives for this summer as part of a rotating series offered at different times throughout the season. This will give campers more variety and opportunities to try something new alongside their favorite activities.

Some of the additions we’re looking to offer include cooking and baking, where groups can sign up to make something together, as well as a chess and mahjong club. Nature will also be a regular elective, giving campers more time for outdoor projects and wilderness skills beyond their scheduled group periods.

We’ll share more as the plans come together!