Featured Member: Copper Cannon Camp
This week’s featured member, Copper Cannon Camp, continues a tradition of service that has shaped generations of young people in New Hampshire. Copper Cannon Camp has been providing summer camp experiences for children for more than 60 years, creating opportunities for kids who might not otherwise have access to a traditional overnight camp. Located in Bethlehem, the nonprofit focuses on helping youth grow in confidence, independence, and connection through time spent outdoors and in community with peers and mentors.
A Mission Focused on Opportunity and Access
Copper Cannon Camp was founded on the belief that every child deserves the chance to experience summer camp. Many families face financial barriers that make overnight camp impossible, but this organization works to remove that obstacle by offering its programs free of charge to qualifying campers. Copper Cannon Camp’s mission to provide a quality camp experience for underserved youth in New Hampshire has remained consistent since the organization was established in 1963.
The camp welcomes youth from communities across the state, with programs typically serving campers between the ages of nine and sixteen. For many children, their week at camp becomes one of the most memorable and formative experiences of the year. Campers arrive from a wide range of backgrounds, yet they quickly become part of a supportive environment where teamwork, curiosity, and personal growth are encouraged every day.
Outdoor Adventure and Personal Growth
Set on more than one hundred acres of forested land near the White Mountain National Forest, Copper Cannon Camp offers a setting that encourages exploration and discovery. Campers spend their days hiking local trails, practicing archery, swimming, participating in arts programs, and taking part in team sports and cooperative games.
These activities are designed not only for fun but also to build confidence and resilience. For many campers, it may be their first experience spending extended time away from home, trying new activities, or forming friendships with peers from different communities. The camp environment helps young people develop leadership skills, problem solving abilities, and a stronger sense of self.
Counselors and staff members play an important role in shaping this experience. Many return year after year, creating a sense of continuity that helps campers feel safe and supported. Through mentorship and encouragement, staff help campers recognize their strengths and discover new interests that can stay with them long after the summer ends.
A Community-Supported Nonprofit
Operating a residential summer camp requires significant resources, especially when programs are provided at no cost to families. Copper Cannon Camp relies on a combination of charitable donations, grants, and community support to make its mission possible.
The cost of running a camp program includes housing, meals, staffing, activities, and facility maintenance. Every contribution helps ensure that children across New Hampshire can continue to benefit from this experience. Support from individuals, businesses, and community organizations helps keep the camp accessible to those who need it most.
Over the decades, the camp has served thousands of young people and has become an important part of the region’s nonprofit landscape. Many former campers return later in life as volunteers, staff members, or supporters, creating a cycle of giving back that strengthens the organization’s long term impact.
The Annual Copper Cannon Camp Auction
One of the most anticipated fundraising events each year is the camp’s annual auction, typically held in March. Copper Cannon Camp’s annual auction supports the programs that make the summer camp experience possible, bringing together supporters from across the region for an evening of community and generosity.
The event features donated items, experiences, and packages from local businesses and community members. Proceeds help cover the costs associated with operating the camp and ensure that financial barriers do not prevent children from participating.
Events like the annual auction demonstrate how deeply connected Copper Cannon Camp is to the surrounding community. Businesses, volunteers, and donors all contribute to the success of the fundraiser, helping the nonprofit continue its mission year after year.
Grandparents Camp Builds Family Connections
In addition to its youth programs, Copper Cannon Camp also hosts special events that bring families together. One of the most popular is Grandparents Camp, a unique opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren to spend time together in the camp setting. Grandparents Camp at Copper Cannon Camp gives families the chance to experience the magic of camp together, sharing activities such as outdoor recreation, campfires, and creative programs while building lasting memories across generations.
Programs like Grandparents Camp highlight how the organization serves not only children but also families and communities. By creating opportunities for meaningful connection in a natural setting, the camp strengthens relationships and helps participants experience the same sense of fun and discovery that campers enjoy during the summer season.
Looking Ahead
As Copper Cannon Camp moves forward, its focus remains on providing meaningful experiences that help young people grow and thrive. In a world where many children have limited opportunities to connect with nature or unplug from daily pressures, the camp offers a place where they can learn, explore, and simply enjoy being kids.
The impact of a single week at camp can last a lifetime. Campers leave with new friendships, greater confidence, and memories of time spent outdoors that often inspire a deeper appreciation for nature and community.
Organizations like Copper Cannon Camp remind us that when communities invest in young people, the benefits extend far beyond the summer months. Through dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and committed staff, this Bethlehem based nonprofit continues to open doors for the next generation of New Hampshire youth.
