Camps Andover & Waldron
I attended Camp Waldron (for boys) during the summers of 1969, 1971, and 1973.
In 1969 I was in Cooper Cabin, in 71’ in Ellison Cabin, and in 1973 Wilderness Outpost, which consisted of tents on platforms ½ mile from the main camp. At Wilderness outpost the campers spent 10 out of the 14 days away from the camp. We canoed down the Connecticut River for 5 days, and hiked the Appalachian Trail for 5 days. The few days we actually spent at the camp were just a blur.
It was a life changer, I learned how to swim, to appreciate the outdoors, we climbed Mount Ladd, there was a particular tough section called the “Lemon Squeeze” and I learned how to handle a canoe. I remember the outdoor chapel, the mile swim, off-bug spray (which never worked) flashlights with the orange cones, war-canoe races on Lake Winnisquam, and bug juice which was a refreshing relief from the summer heat.
One of my most memorable experiences was actually away from the camp when Ellison cabin went hiking in the White Mountain National forest. We climbed a section called the “three sisters” and spent the night at an old watchtower 30’ above the forest floor. The wind was blowing at 50+ mph and the tower was rocking back and forth seemingly ready to tip over any second – It was the most terrifying night of my life
