This past August, the Manitou Camps Foundation provided 90 children the gift of summer camp.

The Foundation supported two wonderful programs, Manitou Experience (a one-week camp for boys who have lost a loved one) and the Summers Dreams Program (a one week program for urban middle school boys who acheived academic success through a program sponsored by the City of Boston).

Manitou Experience was funded by Manitou Families, Friends and Alumni and was completely staffed by volunteer alumni and staff. We are proud of all camper, staff, parents, friends and alumni who contributed to effort that we hope to be running for many years.

Details on each of the program as well as photos and video can be found on their facebook pages (see below) as well as ManitouCampsFoundation.org

We look forward to giving many more children the gift of residential camping and some Manitou Magic.

After 95 years, the Manitou Lodge is taken down. A new and expanded waterfront area, highlighted by a spectacular view for nearly all lower camp cabins, is the immediate result. The Lodge, however, will never be forgotten. A brief history below as well as a slideshow of it's demolition this fall.

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Built in 1914 by E.E. Gillette, the lodge had served as the physical and spiritual centerpiece of Manitou for almost a century.

As legend has it, the fireplace contained a stone from every state in the union as well as every known element. The fireplace has been saved and will be reborn somewhere else in camp. The doors, as well as other pieces of the lodge have also been saved.

Ultimate use of the space is being determined now, but those who have seen the new expanded corral have commented how great the lower camp looks and how every bunk in lower camp now sports water views. In the short term, there will be an amphitheater set-up around the fire pit for camp meetings and other camp gatherings. The seen at the waterfront at sunset, from any seat, will be unbeatable.

An era ends. A new one begins.