I am a parent of 3 boys, of whom now 2 are currently staff and 1 is in his final phase as a camper. I can't say enough great things about Camp Bauercrest, so I will just say my kids look forward to their summers there with great anticipation My oldest and middle son started their summer camping at a different camp and we switched them when the oldest was 13. You would think it would not be easy to make friends and bond with his bunk mates but the transition was easy thanks to the camp leadership at that time. The new director has been brought a new perspective to Bauercrest. Keeping the traditions the older campers know and love while offering better daily structure and electives. The past reputation of the camp is that it was a competitive sports camp. Your child does not have to be a competitive athlete to enjoy camp. He only needs a love of participating in sports. While my kids do talk about the fun they had at sports tournaments and playing in-camp league, their fondest memories revolve around hanging out with their friends in camp or on field/bunk trips. My kids are counting the days until school camp begins. read more

I most highly recommend Bauercrest. I have decades of friendships, and now my son has also gone for 6 years. The camp becomes a 2nd home to boys summer after summer, with friendships that last long into adulthood; and it's a gift to have that experience. read more

I can't even tell you how disgusted I feel after reading that last posting. That individual obviously was not cut-out for the competitive, testosterone filled environment that makes Camp Bauercrest one of the most unique and exciting places that I have ever been. I attended camp from 2000-2007 and came back as a counselor for the summer of 2009. I can honestly say, without hesitation, that it was the best experience in my life. Being forced to coexist with other boy my age was probably the greatest source of social development that I experienced until I arrived at college. In addition, my counselors were not degrading or mean at all but in fact were, and still are, some of my greatest and most respected role models. Honestly, I think that this last person is an individual who was not a good fit for camp and instead of just spending his summer on the hillside and then forgetting about it, he now, 20 years later, feels obligated to bash the place as redemption. Camp has improved drastically, they have a new pool (so you aren't "forced" to go in the Lake), a new rec hall, and a completely new administration. It's a great place for young boys who have a competitive spirit and who are looking for a strong sense of camaraderie. I still talk to a number of individuals from my "year" and would not hesitate to ask any of them for a favor if I was desperately in need. Before you write off Camp Bauercrest entirely I strongly encourage you to head up to Amesbury for a free-tour. I went on one when I was 9 years-old and completely fell in love with "The Hillside". We are, The Crest. read more

Camp Bauercrest - '05 waiter year, summer of 2009 - Summer Camps Near Me - Amesbury, Massachusetts

As a gay dad, I had my hesitations about sending my son to an all-boys sports-themed camp. I worried that he would hear negative remarks about gays. I worried that he would be singled out. With these worries in mind, I emailed the Camp Director to find out more information. He offered to drive to my house and meet with my husband and I. What I learned is that the new camp leadership is working hard to bring Bauercrest into progressive society. Gone are the antiquated beliefs that you have to be good at sports in order to be at man. Instead, we talked about a camp that wants to face these notions and show young boys/men that being a man means having good morals, being a friend and being a part of a loving group of brothers. I was very impressed that the Director carved out time to meet with us individually. He is young, ambitious and progressive. He not only listened to my concerns but related to them, digested them and discussed specifically what was being done to address them. It was very clear after our conversation that the New Bauercrest is one that is focused on inspiring the next generation of open-minded, caring and wonderful boys. I feel 100% certain that it is the right move for my son. And as a gay dad, that is really saying something. read more

Camp Bauercrest is a wonderful experience for your sons. I have 3 boys who have attended Bauercrest for several years, one for the past ten summers and two for the past eight summers. Bauercrest has contributed greatly to their development as independent, confident, and responsible young adults. They have all made several very close friends who they remain in contact with throughout the year and who I am confident will remain dear friends for their lifetimes. The facilities at Bauercrest are first rate. The staff there is extraordinary. But it is the community of Bauercrest that really makes it a special place. If you are looking to give your children an incredible experience and the gift of a lifetime, I STRONGLY recommend Camp Bauercrest. read more

My son has been going to Camp Bauercrest since he was 8 years old, and is now coming up to his 9th summer! I've watched him grow each and every summer at camp, gaining in confidence, maturity, and his finding life long friends. He just came back from a visit to one of his bunk mates who lives in Chicago, and all they talked about was camp he said. I could not think of a better place to send my son. read more

This camp is IDEAL. A great place for boys to enjoy friendship, camaraderie and brotherhood; learn about competition, sportsmanship and teamwork; all while being part of a "family" that has been around since 1931. My son's first summer was "awesome". Loved the sports and learned to eat new foods. This camp is alive with excitement - lots of activities and with scheduled rest periods. Throughout the winter he talked about Color War, field trips, even his morning clean up chore!! Great facilities include a beautiful pool, lighted ball fields, indoor/air conditioned gymnasium... Bauercrest is an amazing camp. If a child had half the experience my son had, it would be a success. Keep up the GREAT JOB! read more

Makes me sad to read the negative reviews from a fellow camper and a random woman who doesn't seem to have any experience actually going to the camp... (Katie - I went for ten years. Im not a rich spoiled brat - and they allow non-jews to go as well - two of my best friends from camp are not Jewish.) Camp Bauercrest was one of the most influential periods of my life. I went for ten years, and wish I could've gone back for more. I can tell you that this camp has changed a lot from when I was there...For the better! Is lake Attitash gross? It was a little gross when I was there. But the Attitash society has been cleaning it up, and now there is a huge pool at the top of the hill, so swimming lessons don't even happen in the lake anymore. The only activities on the lake are kayaking, water skiing, tubing, and sailing. And with a quick rinse in the showers, you have nothing to worry about with lake attitash. To comment on "Boogie's" review, I was also picked on as a camper. Kids made fun of me, stole food from me, and bullied me. But guess what, that happens with kids who are living together for a month or two. The other thing that happened to me was I made friendships that have lasted for decades, and developed the skills and confidence to be the person I am today. I'm sorry that Boogie was picked on, and your kids might also get picked on. But that could happen anywhere and is part of growing up around other children. But your child will also make friends and learn skills like how to live away from home, clean themselves, and be self reliant. In fact, those bullies are people I still see once a year at alumni weekend and we all have a blast now that we've matured beyond picking on nerdy geeky kids (i.e - me). The good news is that while the camp maintains its athletic focus, they are opening up the other elective programs to celebrate and stimulate campers who aren't as athletically gifted. Programs like Video production, model rocketry, photography and others ensure that everyone at Bauercrest has activities that they find exciting and stimulating. Any camper would be lucky to go to Bauercrest. read more

My son has been going to Camp Bauercrest for 5 years. He is not a brat nor does he come from an excess amount of money. He feels lucky that he can attend camp and looks forward to going to camp every summer. He loves his counselors who have enriched his life in many ways. Everyone is fun loving and caring. The Directors are terrific and do a wonderful job running the camp always making accommodations for the individual camper. The lake provides much fun for the campers and like lots of lakes has it's issues. When they can't use the lake they have a beautiful pool. My son is rich in his life because of his camp friends and all the memories he has made and will continue to make! read more

This is a terrific place to send your son(s). The minute you step on the hill at camp you feel like you belong. The traditions are passed down from year to year and generation to generation. Campers stay friends with people they meet here for the rest of their lives. There are many 2d and 3d generation campers but new campers are welcome (at any age). Some of the campers who end of becoming long term counselors started as campers in the older groups. They have a tremendous new pool that has added to the fun. The camp is about fun and friendship in a great and safe environment. read more

My son has attended Camp Bauercrest for 5 summers. It has been the best experience of his life. This Jewish all boys camp offers terrific athletic and waterfront programming, amongst numerous other activities. The camp promotes the goals of sportsmanship, teamwork, achievement, and responsibility. My son developed tremendous relationships with fellow campers and counselors alike. I highly recommend this camp. The experience has, literally, changed my son's life. read more

I am a current camper at Camp Bauercrest and I have gone for five years. I can confidently say that a boy who loves to play sports should come to this camp. The newest addition to the camp was a pool that is amazing. The kids are very nice and you make friends that last a lifetime. The counselors are nice and they are very sociable with the campers. All around the camp is a great place to send your kid. They will learn social skills that will help them in the long run. It is a great camp that your kids will love. read more

My first year at this camp was 1965. My best friends, to this day, came from Camp Bauercrest. The experience there was beyond amazing. Some of the negative reviews I've read on this site puzzle me. Rich kids? The camp is a non-profit that gives away over $75,000 in financial aid to families. There is nothing wrong with Lake Attitash. It was open for swimming, skiing and boating all last summer. The EPA and Attitash Society have seen to that...besides, Bauercrest has a huge pool. Their tag line is, "For a Lifetime"...completely true. I went there for 13 years. My son for 14. Wouldn't trade 1 minute of it. read more