Our History

Named for Nellie Harmon Huckins, Samuel O. Huckins donated the land, where Camp Huckins exists today, in his wife’s memory. This is most evidenced in his letter where he granted the land:

“I present this living document, which give you the custody of an attractive site for a camp ground. No marble slab, however costly, could do justice to her in whose name this grant is made. Nothing but a living, pulsating institution can justly portray her personality.”

Samuel O. Huckins

So with that generous gift, beginning in 1928 there have been decades of summers filled with laughter, love and growth along the shores of Lake Ossipee. That first summer it was open for two weeks for boys only. The following summer, in 1929 Camp Huckins was opened for the entire summer— 4 weeks for boys and 4 weeks for girls. Due to the boy interest seemingly waning throughout the years, the camp became an all girl camp in 1966.

“Training in citizenship for community life and team work, with the cultivation of self reliance, which enables service to others, is incorporated in the everyday routine.” These are words from one of Huckins first brochure that still reverberate today.