Circle Program Kicks Off Summer Camp, Expanding Impact for New Hampshire Girls

Circle Program’s summer camp returns to beautiful Spectacle Pond this month,

continuing a mission that has served New Hampshire girls since 1993. The Circle

Program, based in Plymouth NH, is a year-round program supporting socially and

economically disadvantaged girls from Concord to the Lakes Region through one-on

one mentorship, year-round enrichment programs, and residential summer camp

experience, all free to the participants.

The program’s unique, long-term model is designed to enrich, empower, and transform

participants’ lives. Over nine years, girls build strong relationships with peers, mentors,

and staff while developing the skills needed to become confident, engaged members of their communities. Ultimately, Circle Program aims to help girls and young women grow into confident, independent, and resilient adults equipped to build strong, self sufficient futures.

By bringing together girls from different towns who share similar life experiences, the year-round structure fosters a lasting sense of belonging and connection. Executive Director Beth Dever says “the program’s long-term structure is what sets it apart. “Our model works because relationships come first. When girls know they are

supported over time, they’re more willing to take risks, build confidence, and see new

possibilities for themselves.”

This summer, Circle Camp will welcome 93 campers across three age groups: ages 9

11, 12–14, and 15–18. Among them are 31 girls attending camp for the first time, joining

returning campers who come back each year for friendship, growth, and confidence

building. Campers take part in a variety of traditional activities, including kayaking,

archery, arts and sciences, as well as new experiences designed to broaden their

horizons.

Circle’s oldest campers take part in an Eastward Bound –style travel program called

the Teen Adventure Program. This year, they will travel to Rhode Island for an

experience they planned together throughout the school year. This program provides

teen participants with the opportunity to apply their leadership and teamwork skills in a

real-world setting.

Circle Camp is supported by a dedicated team that expands during the summer

months. In addition to seven year-round staff members, the program brings in 18 - 20

seasonal staff, including counselors from New Hampshire, across the United States,

and internationally. Notably, this year three staff members are former Circle campers.

The staff also includes four Counselors-in-Training (CITs), all current Circle Program

participants. Beginning at age 16, Circle girls have the opportunity to become CITs,

gaining leadership experience, contributing to their community, and earning a summer

wage.

Elana Midura, Director of Camps and Programs says, “It’s incredibly powerful to see

former Circle girls return as counselors. They’ve lived this experience, and now they’re

role models for the next generation. Our staff bring diverse perspectives from all over,

but what unites them is a commitment to creating a supportive, empowering

environment for every camper.”

Circle Program’s summer camp experience blends beloved traditions such as

swimming, hiking, and campfires with new and enriching opportunities. Guest speakers

and specialized programming introduce campers to topics like art therapy and wildlife

education, while field trips provide exposure to new environments such as museums

and water parks, places that many campers may not otherwise have access to.

A standout tradition is “Shopping Night,” where campers browse a transformed cabin

turned boutique filled with donated clothing. Designed to feel like a high-end store, this

event gives girls the opportunity to choose items for themselves in an empowering and

celebratory environment.

Summer camp plays a central role in the Circle Program’s overall model. It strengthens

the relationships built during the school year while providing a safe, supportive space

for personal growth. As girls progress through the program, their camp experiences

evolve. Each year offers increasing levels of independence, choice, and leadership. This

scaffolded approach ensures that each stage builds on the last, introducing age

appropriate skills and concepts that guide participants toward becoming empowered

young women.

“Summer camp is where everything comes together. Girls step outside of their daily

environments and discover new strengths in a space that’s built entirely for them to

succeed. Every summer, we see girls leave camp more confident, more connected, and

more ready to take on the world and that’s why this work matters so much, says Dever,

highlighting the importance of summer camp.

To learn more about Circle Program, visit www.circleprogram.org. Community

members are also invited to visit camp and tour the property by scheduling a time with

the office at 603-536-4244.