On June 22nd, 42 boys aged 10-12 joined us on Mayhew Island for 22 fun-filled days of sports, swimming, climbing, hiking, art, and more. The first session of the summer was off to a fantastic start! We were thrilled to welcome back 25 boys returning for their second summer on the Island and to introduce 17 new boys to the Mayhew Program.
Upon arrival, each boy joined one of six cabin groups, which became their team and home base for the next three weeks. These groups ate together daily and participated in almost all activities together, from team sports to swims, climbs, and hikes. They tackled challenges together and celebrated successes together. The first order of business was to name their group! One of Mayhew’s fun, yet challenging, traditions is that no cabin group name can be repeated. Since Mayhew has been around since 1969, these boys needed to be creative! Session 1 delivered with six FANTASTIC cabin group names: The Woodchuckers, The Ninja Jellyfish, Looney Tunes, More Than Capable, Tenacious Trash Pandas, and Swish Fish.
Each day on the Island, the boys engaged in a variety of core activities, including swimming, rowing (in large rowboats that fit the entire cabin group!), fishing, adventure (high ropes course climbs and team challenges), art, and athletics such as Snake League Softball, Kickin’ Crawfish Soccer, Slap Shot Hockey, and Night Owl Basketball. Over the three weeks, the groups worked hard as a team to compete in each sport while focusing on good sportsmanship. They encouraged each other to challenge themselves on the climbs and push beyond their comfort zones; they worked on their swim skills (with many hoping to join the Milers Club or Raft Rats) and tested their teamwork in the rowboats. By the end of the session, The Woodchuckers were proud to be named softball champs, Looney Tunes reigned supreme in both soccer and hockey, and Swish Fish took home the basketball prize. The Ninja Jellyfish, befitting their name, won the row around the Island in the Mayhew Regatta.
We also had more Free Choice spread throughout the session than in previous summers. Boys took advantage of choosing from hiking, climbing, Dungeons & Dragons, bouldering, disc golf, as well as some of core activities. These free choice activities allowed them to work and play with friends outside their cabins too!
We were proud to see the Mayhew cornerstones of Respect, Responsibility, Community, and Challenge on display during session 1. Six boys earned a place in the Outer Circle, Mayhew’s honor society. Jayden, Robbie, Alec, Chase, Izzy, and Vinny all showed exemplary leadership, excellent participation, and positive attitudes this summer! Although the Mayhew baseball team didn’t beat Camp Pasquaney this session, the team demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and teamwork. Vinny, Izzy, Robbie, Traigan, Ray, Aaron, Noah, Aydin, Jayden, Loki, Trey, Tristan, Isaac, and Chase made a huge effort for the game, with Traigan honored with the Coach’s Award.
As has been done in the past, the boys chose a nonprofit to support using their Mayhew Money, which they earn through Work Hour on the Island. This summer, the boys chose Hero Pups, a New Hampshire nonprofit that provides support dogs to veterans and first responders in New England diagnosed with service-related psychological challenges. At the end of the session, boys could donate some or all of their Mayhew Money. Thanks to their generosity, Mayhew will be donating over $100 to Hero Pups from the first session!
It would be near impossible to list all the fun that was had, the activities, awards, and challenges from the past three weeks, but read on for a few great highlights!
Looney Tunes earned the title of Challenge Day Champs.
Isaac and Jace swam 53 laps to join the Milers Club AND completed the mile swim around Mayhew Island.
Logan won the Human Chess Game and came in first place for the All Island Run.
JJ caught the largest fish of the session, earning the Big Fish Award, and was named champ of the P.I.G Basketball tournament.
Swish Fish won the Cabin vs. Cabin Tug o’ War tournament.
During the Egg Drop Competition, 5 out of 12 groups survived with a fully intact egg!
A spectacular night celebrating the Fourth of July with a post-bedtime community gathering on the edge of the Island to watch the town of Bristol’s fireworks display.
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