EMPOWERING GIRLS THROUGH CONNECTION, CAMP, AND MENTORSHIP
Circle Program is a unique, year-round program that combines the power of a residential summer camp with consistent, one-on-one mentoring and monthly enrichment programs to support socially and financially disadvantaged girls aged 9 to 18 from 30 towns across rural New Hampshire. Offered completely tuition-free, Circle provides access to experiences and relationships that build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Through Circle Program, participants discover new opportunities and develop lifelong strengths. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive space for every girl to grow and succeed.
We are proud to be one of the only programs in the country offering this unique blend of camp and mentorship for girls in rural communities.
WHAT WE OFFER
Summer Camp Experience
A multi-week residential camp on Spectacle Pond where girls build confidence, explore nature, and form lasting friendships.
Year-Round Mentorship
One-on-one mentoring relationships that provide guidance, encouragement, and a trusted support system throughout the school year.
Skill-Building & Enrichment
Monthly Activities and workshops focused on creativity, leadership, emotional wellness, and self-expression.
MISSION
Empower, transform, and enrich girls’ lives, through community, connection, camp and mentorship.
VISION
Self reliant young women, confidently engaged in their community and living to their full potential.
6 C'S OF CIRCLE
Competence, caring, connection, character, confidence, and contribution.
HISTORY OF CIRCLE PROGRAM
Circle Program was founded in 1993 by the trustees and camp director of Camp Onaway, a camp for girls on Newfound Lake in Hebron, New Hampshire. They wanted to create a summer camp program for socially and economically disadvantaged New Hampshire girls, but recognized the fact that just a few weeks at camp might not be enough to make a sustainable difference in the lives of the girls. They modeled Circle Program after the Mayhew Program for boys and combined residential summer camp with year-round, one-on-one mentoring.
Circle began as a "pilot program" with twenty-two girls. Currently, over eighty girls and teens are enrolled and they come from thirty-two towns throughout the Lakes Region. Circle Program is the only program of its kind serving girls in New Hampshire. It is also one of the only programs in the country that combines camp and mentoring, serving rural girls.
CIRCLE PROGRAM STAFF
Mike Vittum
Camp Maintenance Supervisor
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Circle Program’s Board is a dedicated group of leaders whose vision and commitment make our work possible.
Talesha Saint-Marc, President
Dawn Beers, Vice President
Christina Bradbury, Treasurer
Mark Seymour, Secretary
Tory Amorello
Leslie Craigen
Nate Dutile
Ryan McFarland
Jennifer Rothman
Kierstan Schultz
Kayla Turner​​
TRUSTEES EMERITI
honorary nonprofit trustee -
Vincent Broderick
Priscilla W. Gemmill
Martha Macomber
Mary Ann McRae
Seton Lindsay O'Reilly
Carol M. Southall
Karen Werner