Following text was taken from Camp Kehonka marketing materials used in the 1960s-1970s [note: Kehonka's last camping season was in 1985, lest any of you parents out there are thinking of sending your daughters here!]
The girls who formed Kehonka’s first small group embarked for New Hampshire in 1902. They sought an adventurous vacation — a change from city life and school routine. They sought exhilaration and inspiration gained from living together in the woods, close to lakes and mountains. In this era at the turn of the century, camping for young ladies was regarded as daring, if not “unbecoming.” In fact, before 1902 there had been no organized camping for girls.
Their leader, Laura I. Mattoon, pioneered in demonstrating the spiritual, educational and health-giving values not only for Kehonka girls, but for youth nationally.
Miss Mattoon also pioneered in the National Association of Directors of Girls Camps. She served as secretary of this and its successor organization, the American Camping Association, for more than fifteen years.
Many of the fundamental advantages of camping are the same today at Kehonka as there were in 1902. However, as camping’s unique opportunities have become more definitely established, increasing attention has been given to such objectives for the individual camper as:
- Realization of potential for spiritual growth in everyday living relationships.
- Development of essential character attributes like self-reliance, unwavering integrity and emotional stability.
- Experiences in group living that confirm home training, and facilitate social adjustment.
- Happiness through compatible companionship and constructive activity.
- Informal extension of knowledge and skills, especially to stimulate intellectual curiosity, initiative and creativity.
- Appreciation of democratic freedoms and privileges as interpreted through discussions, a voice in determining program, and acceptance of individual and group responsibilities.
- Habit of searching into situations for possibilities of constructive innovations.
Further information about the history and lore of Camp Kehonka:
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