Camp logistics
WHO CAN ATTEND MBC?
MBC welcomes all campers ages 8-18 (entering grades 3-12) to join us for Summer camp, and ages 12-18 (enrolled grades 6-12) to join us for Fall and Winter camps. While being Orthodox is not a requirement to attend, please understand the MBC is first and foremost an Orthodox Christian camp program, and all participants are expected to be open and respectful of the practices of the Church, and liturgical life of camp.
where is mbc?
MBC is located in Contoocook, NH, a village of Hopkinton, NH, just 30 minutes west of Concord, and about 90 minutes north of Boston. Our physical address is 329 Camp Merrimac Road, Contoocook, NH, 03229. Visit our Campgrounds page to learn more about the environment!
how much does a session of camp cost?
While the true cost of a week at camp for one camper is approximately $1,200, we are incredibly thankful to our supporters to be able to offer registration at $650 for a week of camp. Visit our Dates and Rates page for more information and details about the cost of registering multiple children in the same family.
Our goal is that finances never pose a barrier to camper participation in our program. Reach out to the camp office or visit our Financial Aid page for more information.
Our goal is that finances never pose a barrier to camper participation in our program. Reach out to the camp office or visit our Financial Aid page for more information.
when should campers arrive for registration/depart from camp?
Camp sessions begin on Monday afternoons, and conclude on Sundays after Divine Liturgy. Registration occurs on Mondays between 4-6pm, and Departure begins on Sundays around 11:45am. Families are invited to join us for Liturgy on Sundays beginning at 9:30am, though are strongly encouraged to allow their campers to complete the closing activities at the conclusion of the service.
Visit our Arrival and Departure Day page for more details!
Visit our Arrival and Departure Day page for more details!
what are the electronics policies at camp?
At MBC, our goal is to disconnect from the outside world, and experience authentic connection, relationship building, and FUN! As such, electronics are not permitted at camp, with the exception of digital cameras. All electronics should be left at home or with families prior to campers moving into their cabins. Any electronics brought to camp by the campers will be collected by the Leadership Team and held in the camp office for the duration of the week. MBC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
How are disabilities and additional needs accommodated for at camp?
Our goal is to support as many campers as possible in experiencing what MBC has to offer. While we acknowledge some of the physical limitations of our space, we work collaboratively with families, our camper support coordinator, medical staff, and leadership team to support campers as effectively as possible. This includes campers with and without diagnosed needs. Please reach out to the office to discuss any specific needs your child may have.
Visit our Camper Support page for additional details and information.
Visit our Camper Support page for additional details and information.
how Can i communicate with my camper(S) while they are at MBC?
We encourage families to send their children letters and emails throughout the week at camp by emailing the camp office with their child's name in the subject line. Campers will receive mail daily, and enjoy receiving updates and photos from home. Campers are welcome to send letters home sharing their camp experience as well! Camp photos will be uploaded daily to our Flickr account for families to get a sense of the fun their campers are having while away.
Campers are not able to call home during the week, and families are not permitted to call and speak to their campers during the week. Campers are busy and immersed in the camp program, and for over 30 years we've seen the benefits of campers being able to disconnect from outside communication and technology, particularly in recent years with the rise of social media.
In the event of an emergency, or following up on any family concerns, the camp leadership team or medical staff will be in touch with families ASAP.
Campers are not able to call home during the week, and families are not permitted to call and speak to their campers during the week. Campers are busy and immersed in the camp program, and for over 30 years we've seen the benefits of campers being able to disconnect from outside communication and technology, particularly in recent years with the rise of social media.
In the event of an emergency, or following up on any family concerns, the camp leadership team or medical staff will be in touch with families ASAP.
HOw are campers placed into cabins?
At MBC, there are four age divisions: JOY (summer only), Snap, Crackle, and Pop. Generally, but subject to change, we keep rising 3rd to 6th graders together (JOY), rising 7th & 8th graders together (Snap), rising 9th & 10th graders together (Crackle), and rising 11th & 12th graders together (Pop). We do our best to honor bunk requests, but we cannot guarantee them. If campers are in different age divisions and would like to be together, depending on the availability of beds in a given cabin, we MAY be able to pull the older camper to the younger division, if the older camper agrees. We do our best to honor requests, but we cannot guarantee them. For more information about cabins and age groups, visit our cabin life page.
Registration
How quickly does registration fill up?
Registration tends to fill up very quickly, often within minutes. We encourage families to be prepared to register their campers as soon as registration opens. Any campers who are not registered will be added to a wait list and will be notified if space opens. In an effort to allow as many campers as possible to register, we encourage families to register their camper for ONE session.
Visit our Registration page for additional details.
Visit our Registration page for additional details.
How do I get on a wait list?
If you register for a session of camp and the session is already full, you will be automatically added to the waitlist. If a space opens on the waitlist, you will be notified!
can i register for more than one session?
Families can register their campers for multiple session of camp, however, in an effort to allow as many campers as possible to attend, we encourage families to register for just ONE session to start. If additional spaces are open in other sessions, the camp listserv will be notified and additional registrations are then welcome.
how do i register multiple campers?
Campers must be registered individually. If you're attempting to register multiple children, we recommend registering them immediately one after the other, or utilizing multiple devices with internet access to register simultaneously.
SUMMER CAMP
what do i need to bring?
Camp is busy and messy! Campers are encouraged to bring clothes that can get dirty, and avoid jewelry or other items that could become damaged. Camp is a time to "drop your cool card" and engaged in authentic connection with one another; clothing should be practical and functional, so that energy can be spent on the truly important things. Campers typically shower and change in the afternoon for evening activities, and are encouraged to get into the spirit of the dress up themes each day!
Campers should bring bedding and linens, swimwear, appropriate footwear, books/games/instruments, and any nut-free snacks they might like to have. Campers are encouraged to stick to the basics when it comes to toiletries, makeup, hair appliances, etc.
View our Packing List and Dress Code information here!
Campers should bring bedding and linens, swimwear, appropriate footwear, books/games/instruments, and any nut-free snacks they might like to have. Campers are encouraged to stick to the basics when it comes to toiletries, makeup, hair appliances, etc.
View our Packing List and Dress Code information here!
how do you accommodate allergies and medical needs?
The most important piece to this puzzle are thorough Health Forms! We ask families to provide detailed information about their camper's needs so that we can best support their safety and needs.
Together with our leadership team and camper support coordinator, our medical staff will coordinate with the kitchen to accommodate for common allergies. MBC is a nut-free facility, and the kitchen can accommodate most nut, gluten, and dairy allergies.
In the event of more serious allergies, a separate food storage and preparation area is set up for campers to bring pre-made or supplemental food items that work for their needs.
We encourage families to reach out to the camp office as early as possible to discuss medical needs and accommodations, including medication management, allergies, seizures, asthma, or any other serious medical concerns.
Visit our Health and Safety page for additional information.
Together with our leadership team and camper support coordinator, our medical staff will coordinate with the kitchen to accommodate for common allergies. MBC is a nut-free facility, and the kitchen can accommodate most nut, gluten, and dairy allergies.
In the event of more serious allergies, a separate food storage and preparation area is set up for campers to bring pre-made or supplemental food items that work for their needs.
We encourage families to reach out to the camp office as early as possible to discuss medical needs and accommodations, including medication management, allergies, seizures, asthma, or any other serious medical concerns.
Visit our Health and Safety page for additional information.
how is the waterfront managed?
The waterfront is a beautiful and closely monitored area of camp. Campers may participate in waterfront activities only after passing a swim test. The waterfront is closely monitored by a team of lifeguards, exceeding Red Cross ratios and basic expectations. Campers will not be permitted on the waterfront without a lifeguard present, and must always swim with a buddy.
Visit our Health and Safety page for additional details.
Visit our Health and Safety page for additional details.
GOYA FALL CAMP
who can attend fall camp?
Campers currently enrolled in grades 6-12 may attend Fall Camp! While being Orthodox is not a requirement to attend, please understand the MBC is first and foremost an Orthodox Christian camp program, and all participants are expected to be open and respectful of the practices of the Church, and liturgical life of camp.
What do I need to bring to fall camp?
Camp is busy and messy! Campers are encouraged to bring clothes that can get dirty, and avoid jewelry or other items that could become damaged. Camp is a time to "drop your cool card" and engaged in authentic connection with one another; clothing should be practical and functional, so that energy can be spent on the truly important things.
Campers should bring plenty of warm layers, bedding and linens, appropriate footwear, books/games/instruments, and any nut-free snacks they might like to have. Campers are encouraged to stick to the basics when it comes to toiletries, makeup, hair appliances, etc.
View our Packing List and Dress Code information here!
Campers should bring plenty of warm layers, bedding and linens, appropriate footwear, books/games/instruments, and any nut-free snacks they might like to have. Campers are encouraged to stick to the basics when it comes to toiletries, makeup, hair appliances, etc.
View our Packing List and Dress Code information here!
does my child need spending money?
Campers are welcome to bring extra spending money for our fall field trip, however, it is not a requirement. The cost of any admission is covered by registration, and food will be provided. Campers may purchase additional snacks or souvenirs, however, campers must be responsible for managing their own money.
GOYA WINTER CAMP
who can attend winter camp?
Campers currently enrolled in grades 6-12 may attend Winter Camp! While being Orthodox is not a requirement to attend, please understand the MBC is first and foremost an Orthodox Christian camp program, and all participants are expected to be open and respectful of the practices of the Church, and liturgical life of camp.
does my child need to know how to ski in order to attend winter camp?
Campers do NOT need to know how to ski in order to attend Winter Camp, however, please be advised that MBC is not in a position to offer skiing instruction or lessons for first time skiers. Non-skiers are encouraged to explore options for tubing at Pat's Peak, or the Tour De Tooky field trip, which is full of winter fun! All campers will come together in the evening for a night of music and dancing at the Pat's Peak lodge.
what do i need to bring to winter camp?
Camp is busy and messy! Campers are encouraged to bring clothes that can get dirty, and avoid jewelry or other items that could become damaged. Camp is a time to "drop your cool card" and engaged in authentic connection with one another; clothing should be practical and functional, so that energy can be spent on the truly important things.
Campers should bring plenty of warm layers and MUST bring appropriate winter gear, including boots, hats, and gloves, bedding and linens, appropriate footwear, books/games/instruments, and any nut-free snacks they might like to have. Campers are encouraged to stick to the basics when it comes to toiletries, makeup, hair appliances, etc.
Campers may bring their own ski gear, but MBC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
View our Packing List and Dress Code information here!
Campers should bring plenty of warm layers and MUST bring appropriate winter gear, including boots, hats, and gloves, bedding and linens, appropriate footwear, books/games/instruments, and any nut-free snacks they might like to have. Campers are encouraged to stick to the basics when it comes to toiletries, makeup, hair appliances, etc.
Campers may bring their own ski gear, but MBC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
View our Packing List and Dress Code information here!
WHAT is the difference between session 1 and session 2 of winter camp?
There is no difference between Winter Camp Session 1 and 2! In 2024, due to the enormous waitlist for Winter Camp, we expanded to add a second session to allow more GOYAns to attend. The program, field trips, and MBC experience are aligned between both sessions. Visit our Winter Camp page for additional information.
other questions?
Please don't hesitate to reach out to the camp office with any lingering questions!
