The lodge project is entering its final weeks, and momentum continues to build. Recent work has included insulation installation in the hutch, followed by drywall hanging, taping, and mudding. The wraparound porch is taking shape with decking boards installed, and steps leading down to the flagpole are now underway.

We are finalizing plans with painting and flooring subcontractors—materials are secured, and that work will begin next week. Plumbers and electricians have returned to complete their final installations, including lighting, fans, the well pump, and full utility connections. Finish carpentry is now in progress as well.

We are excited to be heading into the final month of work and look forward to sharing the completed lodge with the community in the coming weeks.

Furniture has been ordered, and all appliances are on site and ready for installation. A special thank you to alumna Laura Howson for helping us navigate furniture procurement. Masonry work has also wrapped up, including structural updates to the existing fireplace in the Lodge and exterior chimney work designed to match the new chimney in the Hutch. 

Thank you for your continued support—we are excited to see this project come to life!

Over the past few weeks, the masonry team has been hard at work constructing the new fireplace in the “Hutch” so it matches the existing, well-loved fireplace in the Lodge.

Final roof framing has also been completed, including a custom-built truss that connects the Lodge extension to the existing structure. The truss was carefully handcrafted by our framing team to blend seamlessly with the original building.

Our electricians and plumbers have been busy completing their initial rough-in work, running wiring for outlets and lighting, and installing the plumbing needed to support the Lodge’s new bathrooms.

In addition, our audiovisual and network contractors have been on site preparing for work that will begin next week. The Lodge will feature a new sound system along with upgraded network service and equipment to ensure reliable connectivity for staff and program needs. And yes—you heard that right—improved Wi-Fi is coming to the counselors’ lounge this summer!

Looking ahead, the next phases of construction will include installing mechanical equipment in the Hutch basement, completing roof shingle installation, and insulating the Hutch space. Equipment orders have also begun, with the prep kitchen equipment scheduled to arrive next week. 

We look forward to sharing more updates as the project continues to move forward!

The Lodge project continues to gain momentum, and it is exciting to see the building elevations beginning to take shape. Over the past two weeks, the Hardypond Construction team has been hard at work framing the walls and roof of the “Hutch”. This new extension will soon become a space that proudly celebrates Huckins history and, during the summer months, serves as an expanded counselor lounge.

The Hutch will also feature five bathrooms, two dedicated zoom/meeting rooms, and a small prep kitchen — our new candy store location — which will be ready for its first delivery of Moose Tracks before we know it!

We are thrilled to share that the wraparound porch is now fully framed, and roof sheathing has been installed. The traditional Huckins green roof will come next!

Next, our framing crew will shift their focus to the interior walls and window installation. We’re also preparing for the start of the masonry work on the new fireplace in the Hutch, along with the beginning of electrical and plumbing installation.

Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support as we build a space that honors our past and strengthens our future.

The Lodge Project continues to move forward, and we’re excited to share a meaningful preservation milestone. 

Last week, the team successfully relocated the original gable end of the lodge (facing the Middler Division) 16 feet to its new location. This means the expanded lodge will have exactly the same front it has had for the past 98 years. Preserving this original façade has long been a shared goal of Hardypond and the full construction team, and we are thrilled to see that vision become reality.

You can view the relocation of the gable in this video below.

The framing crew worked carefully to stabilize and brace the existing wall before lifting it with a telescopic forklift and placing it into its new position, where we are confident it will stand for the next 100 years. Their creativity, precision, and care made this remarkable achievement possible.

With the wall in place, the crew has now framed the surrounding walls and roof, and we can truly begin to visualize the expanded space, including that much anticipated extra room for vespers. Walking through the Middler Division now, it’s powerful to realize we are looking at the very same wall campers passed in the 1950s, ’70s, and ’90s—and the same one future generations will see as they make that familiar walk toward the lodge. 

We remain deeply grateful to the entire construction team—Hardypond Construction, Simons Architects, our Buildings and Grounds Committee, and the Board of Directors—for their leadership and dedication in moving this important project forward. We look forward to sharing more updates on the Hutch’s progress in our next communication.

It’s been an exciting start to the year at camp, with great momentum on the Lodge Project! 

Our framing crews hit the ground running as structural steel beams were set, officially connecting the existing lodge to the new Jody Hutchinson Skelton “Hutch”. This new extension will be the home of a place that proudly celebrates Huckins history, home to camp memorabilia, and during the summer serves as an expanded counselor lounge. The Hutch will also include five bathrooms, two “zoom” meeting rooms, and a small prep kitchen that will become the new home of the candy store. 

Since then, floor framing and subfloor installation in the Hutch have been completed, while framing has continued on the lodge extension and the new wraparound porch. The covered porch will provide even more space to gather, relax, and enjoy classic camp traditions—yes, including more ring toss games! The porch will extend to the JD side of the building, creating a new handicap-accessible ramp and improving accessibility for all. 

With some exterior walls now up, the building is taking shape. Wall framing will continue next, followed by roof framing. Best of all, the Lodge Project remains on schedule to be completed in June, and we can’t wait to gather more comfortably together in the lodge for vespers this summer. 

Thank you for being part of this exciting chapter at Camp Huckins—we look forward to sharing more progress soon! 

We’re excited to share another Lodge Project update as winter settles in at camp. Over the past month, significant progress has been made on the foundation for the Hutch. Foundation footings were formed and poured, followed by the installation of frost walls and weatherproofing. The surrounding area has since been backfilled, preparing the site for the next stage of construction. 

The completed foundation will house essential mechanical equipment and serve as an additional emergency gathering space for campers and staff during extreme weather events, such as microbursts or tornadoes. This addition strengthens our emergency action plan and enhances overall preparedness. 

Lumber and other materials have begun arriving on-site, and framing is scheduled to begin in the new year. We look forward to sharing continued updates as the Hutch, wraparound porch, and lodge extension take shape in the coming months. 

This project is being thoughtfully carried out by our trusted partners at Hardypond Construction and Simons Architects, and we’re grateful for their continued collaboration.

Be sure to check out the short video below highlighting the progress on the project. 

We’ve begun construction in full force, starting with the careful removal and storage of the beloved Huckster boards and historic phone booths. The former counselors’ lounge is now fully cleared, frost posts are set for the lodge expansion and wraparound porch, and excavation has officially begun for the Hutch (future archives & staff lounge), bathrooms, and prep kitchen.

We’re so grateful for the thoughtful leadership of Hardypond Construction and Simons Architects as this dream starts to take shape!

On September 27, board members, alumnae, donors, staff, and friends came together to celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking of this historic renovation. Built in 1928 as Camp’s original dining hall, the Lodge has always been the heart of Huckins life. It’s the one place every Huckonian across generations has experienced and made meaningful memories. Now, we’re preparing this cherished space for the next century.  

The expansion and renovation will preserve and enhance the Lodge’s character while transforming the back of the building into the space we need for campers and staff to thrive today and for generations to come. The project will expand the lodge forward by 16 feet, creating a more welcoming gathering space and a wraparound porch accessible to all.

Updates to the back side of the building will include adding bathrooms, a prep kitchen, a full basement, and an updated staff lounge and space featuring memorabilia celebrating our 100 years of history. This reimagined space will affectionately be known as “The Hutch,” honoring longtime Director Jody Hutchinson Skelton, who retired in 2020.

The project is officially underway and led by Hardypond Construction out of Portland, ME. Hardypond is helmed by alumna and current camper parent, Deirdre (Gaudreau) Wadsworth.

We are grateful to the supporters and volunteers that have helped us reach this milestone.