Hello Camp Chewonki Families,

I’m Katie Goodman, the new Camp Director for Camp Chewonki! I am thrilled to be joining the Camp Chewonki Community. In this new role, I’ll be overseeing the residential programs for all campers, ages 8-15.

I grew up going to sleepaway camp in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and since my first summer as a nine-year-old, I have loved every aspect of camp. I was signed up to be a one-session camper, and the very first thing I said to my parents when they came to pick me up was, “Can I stay?” I vividly remember standing outside the dining hall in my favorite blue Mickey Mouse sweatshirt with my parents (who were also visiting my older sister, a full-summer camper). I was worried they would say I had to return home as planned, and then I began shrieking with delight when my camp director said I could stay for the whole summer. 

I didn’t know it at the time, but that was the beginning of one of the most significant relationships of my life, my relationship to summer camp. I grew to love every element of camp over the eleven summers I was there, as a camper and later as staff. And, I have found those same elements I love at every camp I have worked for since. 

Community, ritual, physical place and connection to nature, deep personal connection, safety that fosters courage and growth, opportunities to try new things, and the opportunity to enjoy all of this, summer after summer. That moment was also the beginning of a lifelong connection to my camp director. She went on to be the person who coached me through my first painful disagreements with my friends, who taught me about healthy boundaries, who encouraged me to go for challenges that scared me, and ultimately pushed me to grow into the person I am today. 

I am honored and delighted that I get to be a meaningful part of your Camp Chewonki experience, just as she was for my childhood camp experience. I have seen the profound impact camp has on a young person, and I am so grateful to continue this journey with Camp Chewonki. And I am beyond excited for the beginning of this beautiful relationship with you, this place, and this community. 

Katie

Katie Goodman
Camp Director
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
Email: kgoodman@chewonki.org