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, 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 that “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 said, “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.