Article From the
1922 Camp Acadia Promotional Booklet
Courtesy of Grant & Beth Seaverns
Location
Camp Acadia is located on the south shore of Lake Winnipesaukee,
in the foothills of the White Mts. The Lake itself is
about 500 feet above sea level, and its pure sparkling
waters are fed by springs and small streams that flow
from the encircling mountains. With its sandy beaches
and rugged shores, and dotted with three hundred enchanted
islands it fulfills its Indian name “The Smile
of the Great Spirit.” From the broad porches of
Camp, can be seen the peaks of the White Mountains,
and the low hills in the west make the spot a rare one
from which to watch the wonderful sunset lights and
shades.
Equipment
The Camp itself consists of two main buildings, Camp
House and Trail’s End. These are substantially
built, well ventilated, lighted by electricity, supplied
with running water and have perfect sanitary arrangements.
Each of these has a large living room with fireplace
for indoor gatherings. The tents and kiosks, with board
floors, are situated on high dry soil. For each girl
is provided an iron frame, woven wire cot and comfortable
mattress.
There is also a rustic open air theatre, the scene of
many original plays. A natural rock fireplace affords
the campers opportunity for shore suppers.
The Camp is fully equipped with its own rowboats, canoes,
and war canoe. The tennis court and playgrounds, make
possible all land sports.
Camp Council
The Family and Their Assistants
Dr. Quimby, a physician of many years experience is
personally in charge of the Camp and much attention
is given to the health and physical development of the
girls. Mrs. Quimby is Camp Mother, with all that the
word implies. Their daughter Havene Quimby, who has
had several years experience in camp life, is head councillor.
A trained nurse is always in attendance, though rarely
needed. All sports and camp activities are in charge
of competent and carefully chosen councillors. As many
of them have been at Acadia several years, they understand
its ideals, and campers during the summer quickly learn
the value of team work, and acquire a fine Camp Spirit.
Advantages of Acadia
Aim
It is the aim of the directors to make Acadia an ideal
combination of home and camp life, designed particularly
for girls from eight to sixteen years of age, who are
divided into Junior and Senior groups. There is no better
way for girls to rest their minds and strengthen their
bodies than life in the open. Here, they have complete
relaxation from the stress of school life, and the most
perfect physical development is made possible. All the
romance and pleasure of camp life is retained yet comfortable
and commodious quarters are provided.
Physical Chart
At the beginning of Camp season a physical chart is
made of each camper and necessary corrective exercises
planned for those in need of them. At the end of the
season this chart is sent to the parents showing the
improvement in weight, muscular development, and poise
of figure.
Week At Sandwich
A unique feature is the week at North Sandwich at Dr.
Quimby’s homestead farm, near the foot of the
Sandwich Range. This taste of farm life is very popular
with Acadian campers, and several “hikes”
are taken to climb Chocorua and other mountains. For
girls who qualify, a camping trip is made and the night
spent on some mountain-top. The wonderful view of the
surrounding country at sunset; the picturesqueness of
blanketed figures about the roaring summit fire, as
they sing and tell stories while watching the sparks
fly upward; the glorious effects of the sunrise; leave
in the memory a picture and an experience never to be
forgotten.
Trips
There are other overnight trips on which instruction
is given in the art of camp cookery, trail making, and
all details attendant upon a night in the open. There
are also motorboat picnic trips to various islands and
points of interest around the lake, and the ride on
the “Uncle Sam” -U.S. mail steamer-in and
out among the islands is anticipated by campers old
and new. For these trips no extra charge is made.
Extra Trips
For those who wish them, extra trips are arranged to
Lost River and through the White Mts. by auto. This
last trip is through the Franconia Notch visiting the
Flume, the “Old Man,” Echo Lake, along the
base of Mt. Washington lunching at the Cascades, and
returning through the Crawford Notch, around Lake Chocorua
and through Whittier’s famous Bear Camp valley
to Acadia.
Swimming
Swimming has an important part in the life of Acadia.
A beach of fine white sand and gradually deepening water
makes an ideal place to spend the swimming hour. Farther
out is the diving float for the more experienced swimmers.
For nine years the water sports have been under the
direction of the same instructor, and this branch of
camp activities has reached a high degree of perfection.
All campers are required to pass a definite swimming
test before using canoes. All rules in water sports
are enforced so that the girls participate in perfect
safety.
A.R.C. Lifesaving
Instruction is given in different methods of swimming,
resuscitation, and life saving under the direction of
a Red Cross Life-Saving expert. Last year many of the
campers were awarded certificates and emblems by the
National A. R. C. Life Saving Corps.
Sports Days
Land Sports Day and Water Sports Day, in July and August
respectively are visiting days for parents and friends.
Special arrangements may be made for parents to visit
at other times.
Food
With growing girls and the “Camp Appetite”
to reckon with, food must play an important part in
Camp life. The table is provided with abundant homecooked
food, and milk and vegetables are supplied from nearby
farms. The drinking water is obtained from the well
known Laconia Spring.
Accessibility
The Camp is extremely accessible. It is 115 miles from
Boston and one-half mile off the Daniel Webster Highway
to the White Mts. (See chart) There are in the vicinity
several hotels where accommodations may be obtained
for parents visiting their daughters. The Camp is connected
by a long distance phone with the outside world.
Reunion
An annual Camp Reunion is held at Hotel Westminster,
Boston, Mass.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a most delightful sport and
Acadia’s saddle horses are the best that can be
procured. Thorough instruction is given, and the rides
along the country roads and through the woods, give
the riders a keen sense of the joy of living.
Nature
Nature lore is under the direction of a capable councillor
who makes the study of nature both instructive and fascinating.
During the season a “Treasure Hunt” Is conducted
and the girls find great joy in discovering the treasures
of woods and fields.
Handicrafts
Campers are instructed in all branches of handicrafts-painting,
basketry, stenciling, etc. Particular attention is given
in mending and caring for their own clothing. The mending
hour is made popular by having some one read aloud an
interesting book or tell a story while the homely tasks
are being done.
Sports
All land and water sports are in charge of specially
trained councillors and include basket-ball, croquet,
volleyball, clock golf, bowling, archery, tennis, horseback
riding, etc.; instruction in handling rowboats, swimming
and diving contests etc.
Tutoring & Study
Tutoring and study are not required but may be arranged
for at a reasonable charge.
Sunday
Opportunity is given campers to attend the morning service
at a nearby local church, and there are song services
at Camp. In the evening is the reading of the weekly
Camp “Log”.
By the shores of Winnipesaukee,
By the shining Big-Lake Water
Stands the Wigwam of the Quimby’s
Stands the Wigwam called Acadia,
Acadia, home of happy people.
Dark behind it grows the forest,
Grows the birches and the maples;
Bright before it beats the water,
Beats the shining Big-Lake Water.
Excerpt from the “Camp
Log.”
Important Notes
Personal laundry is done at reasonable rates. ALL CLOTHING
MUST BE MARKED WITH THE FULL NAME.
Spending money is limited, and parents and campers are
requested to co-operate in this matter. $25 for the
season is the maximum and this amount should cover all
incidentals, such as “ Joy” money (buying
of candy limited to once a week) personal laundry, handicraft
materials, stamps, stationery, and pictures. This money
is placed on deposit at the Camp bank and drawn out
only under the supervision of a councillor.
Camp colors and baggage tags will be sent two weeks
before opening of Camp.
Campers will be met on opening day at North Station,
Boston, Mass. where a special car is provided over the
White Mt. Division. A councillor will also meet campers
in Grand Central Station, New York City.
The Camp fee covers all camp trips and necessary expenses,
except personal laundry, and horseback riding. The Directors
wish to meet all prospective campers and their parents
as such a meeting is mutually helpful.
Only girls from the best Christian families will be
accepted as Acadian campers.
For further information, address:
J. GRANT QUIMBY, M. D.,
Lakeport, New Hampshire.
A Day In Camp
6:45 Up with the Bugle
7:00 Setting up drill
7:15 Morning Dip
7:45 Breakfast
8:30 Assembly
9-9:30 Tent work
9:30 Tent inspection Calisthenics: out door games, paddling,
rowing, arts and crafts, horseback riding, etc.
12:30 Dinner
2-3:00 Quiet hour
3:30 Swimming periods, Games, Horseback riding, etc.
5:30 Supper
Twilight hour on the Lake or indoor gatherings.
8:30 Taps-Junior group
9:00 Lights out-senior group
Special Events
Welcome Camp Fire
Suppers cooked on shore
Overnight trips
Marshmallow toasts
Land Sports Day
All day picnics
Story telling in firelight
Charades
A. R. C. Life Saving tests
Camp “Log”
Treasure Hunt
Canoe trips
Moonlight rides
Corn roasts
Birthday parties
Masquerade party
Water Sports Day
“First Aid” instruction