I was a shy eleven-year-old when I landed at Onaway for my first summer and was so homesick that Miss Stiles almost sent me home! But with the loving support from counselors, friendships that steadily grew, and the camp’s well-designed program of varied activities, I blossomed like so many campers before me. What an incredible gift Onaway was for me then and has continued to be through the decades since. “Be Strong” still pops into my head from time to time as I confront a c

I miss my children so much when they are away at camp. The house is so quiet it can feel disconcerting. And while I am happy that it is less messy and disorganized, that also feels a little “off” and I find myself almost missing the sneakers in the middle of the floor or the empty bowls and cups scattered everywhere. I look forward to checking the mailbox each day hoping today will be a “letter day”. With all that being said, there is much to be gained from this opportunity.

Dear Fellow Onaway Families, Hello and Welcome (or Welcome Back) to Camp! As we roll into spring and the warmer weather, thoughts turn to summer and getting ready for camp and with that, the packing list! We know it can be a little overwhelming at first glance and as two moms who attended camp in the ‘80s and ‘90s and have each sent 3 girls to camp over the last 10 years, we thought a little explanation/expansion might be helpful. While the official packing list is quite comp

In the summer of 2023, Onaway welcomed Mr. Dave Finnell as the new Property Manager. “Mr. Dave” grew up northeast of Atlanta, Georgia where his family still lives today. He started his professional career as an electrician in Atlanta. Growing up, Dave was a boy scout who loved hiking. In 1996, he decided to hike the Appalachian Trail (a north to south through-hiker!). New Hampshire was his favorite state on the trail, so after completing the AT, he decided to move to New H

It’s been said that the only constant is change. Raising children, we are reminded of this every day. Though, while our children are away at camp, we sometimes forget how much they grow and change while they’re away from us. We expect to receive them home in a similar condition in which they left and, sometimes, that homecoming can be quite overwhelming. The growth and development we have witnessed has been incredible. Year after year we are more surprised than before at

Ten years ago last March, at my second board meeting, Onaway Trustees spent the weekend in Philadelphia working to define Onaway’s values, thanks to some encouragement from Advancement Director Meredith Funston. Through deep reflection, working as individuals, in small groups, and as a whole, the Board dug deep into what it means to be Onaway. Though the lists were long, trustees were able to identify five values that “carried a herd” of other values within them: Honor S

I grew up in a small country called Zimbabwe. A country approximately 7600 miles away from here. Never in my young life did I ever imagine leaving home and raising a family in a foreign land. I had a wonderful childhood and I was fortunate to have many opportunities and I had the love and support of many people around me. I had my community of friends, church, schoolmates and family, and I had a strong sense of belonging. Now fast forward to years later, I found myself a pare

The Camp Onaway core values help guide the campers while they are on Newfound Lake, but also serve to help the board in stewardship and decision making. Every meeting of the board of trustees starts with a member offering a reflection centering on one of these values (Self-Discovery, Simplicity, Honor, Spirituality and Love, and Community). Within the core value of Honor are included habits of honesty and integrity. At a recent board meeting, I considered the core Onaway Valu

by: The Onaway Staff The first week of summer camp always includes a few (or many) moments of missing home, unfortunately known as “homesickness.” It’s not a sickness or illness! It’s totally healthy and natural to miss one’s home, family, and friends. In most cases, it’s brief moments of sadness in the rare downtime of the otherwise very busy and fun day. If your child writes home expressing sad feelings, missing home, the dog, or their friends, here are some wonderful words