Energy Is High at Brewster All Summer
By Suzanne Morrissey
As students wrapped up the academic year and left the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee for summer adventures, Brewster’s campus didn’t quiet down—in fact, it’s humming with activity throughout the summer season. From international scholars to spirited sports camps and community events, Brewster is bustling with energy all summer long. The campus plays gracious host to all kinds of community events, learning and sports camps, performances, and a new kind of open house that the school has never held in its 200+ year history.
The rhythm of summer kicked off with the arrival of the Royal Thai Scholars, who are making themselves at home in Toad Hall as they study in the Ac and become acclimated to American culture. Their presence continues Brewster’s longstanding tradition of hosting global learners and fostering international exchange.
Fields Full of Action
Just down on DeWolf Field, the nearby Carpenter Elementary School recently concluded its field games while the rest of campus continues to pivot and prepare for the next wave of visitors.
On the fields and courts, the action is just heating up. The Brasil Lacrosse camp brought a burst of international athleticism to Palazzo, Fry, and Clark Fields from June 12 to 15, with athletes staying in Sargent Hall. The Sua Sponte Lacrosse & Leadership Camp—a robust group that seems to take over nearly every corner of the campus, from the Boathouse to Anderson Hall, the Smith Center, and even the Dance Studio—arrived June 17 for a whirlwind leadership immersion.
More sports and educational camps will arrive as the weather gets even warmer, and many have built long relationships with Brewster, renting our facilities each year to give their campers the ultimate lakeside experience. This year, Brewster is offering three camps of its own for kids interested in mountain climbing and theater!
Our Own Summer Camps
Summer Ascents is a weeklong climbing camp offered three times in July. Aspiring rock climbers of varying abilities will gain the skills and confidence necessary to explore the vertical environments of the Lakes Region, White Mountains, and beyond. Campers will learn to belay, rappel, and climb on a variety of rock types while learning about the technical systems of sport, indoor, and traditional rock climbing disciplines. Under the guidance of a certified rock climbing instructor, they will be encouraged to develop individual responsibility and learn to work as a member of a team with shared goals and responsibilities—it’s an incredible experience! Campers will also discover the unique geology, landscapes, and ecology of New Hampshire's climbing areas.
Summer Ascents will take place in the Brewster Academy Climbing Barn and at developed outdoor crags throughout central and northern New Hampshire, and is open to young people ages 11-17. The cost is $500 per participant, and you can learn more here.
Then there are two theater camps! In Brewster’s Theatrical Design Summer Camp, students will explore the art and craft behind creating stage environments. Participants will learn the process of designing scenic elements for theater productions—from conceptualization and sketching to model-making and technical implementation. This hands-on, collaborative program is perfect for students interested in theater, visual arts, and design, and runs July 7-18 from 1 to 4 p.m. The fee is $550.00 per camper, and everyone ages 13-17 is encouraged to sign up! Read more about how the campers will spend their time here.
If you know an 11-17 year old who is eager to be on stage, check out Brewster’s Acting & Auditioning Skills Camp July 21-August 1. Whether preparing for high school drama productions, community theater, or summer theater programs, young actors will learn how to hone their craft in this camp. Fee is $550.00 per camper. Get all the juicy details here.
Community Events at the Boathouse
Meanwhile, the Pinckney Boathouse, one of Brewster’s most picturesque lakeside venues, plays host to multiple summer events. Meet-and-greets, weddings, celebrations of life, Chamber of Commerce and Garden Club meetings all take place in and around our waterfront. Brewster’s Summer Programs team also welcomes artists performing with Wolfeboro’s Great Waters Concert Series for intimate performances in Anderson Hall and occasionally the Grayson Student Center.
Leadership in Action
Starting June 20, Brewster welcomes staff from the New Hampshire Student Leadership Program (NHSLP), followed by student participants on June 22. The program will occupy Sargent Hall and utilize a wide swath of campus spaces, including Rogers, the Boathouse, and the waterfront.
“We say this often at Brewster, but it’s especially true in the summer—this campus never sleeps,” says Matt Butcher, Director of Summer Programs and Academic Dean. “Our facilities are alive with different voices, cultures, and missions every week. It’s an incredible time to be here.”
Public Welcome for Two Huge Free Events
This year, for the first time, Brewster is hosting a public open house called Passport to Brewster. On July 31 at 5:30 p.m., the school is welcoming anyone and everyone from the local community to join in some fun at the award-winning Grayson Student Center in the Rogers Building on campus. There, visitors will receive a “passport,” and learn about what Brewster is today from docents who can share details of our arts, academics, athletics, and community engagement. As visitors circulate through the various “provinces” of Brewster life, docents will stamp their passports, which can then be turned in for a sweet swag bag and drink tickets to enjoy at the main event, an appetizer and dessert buffet and a few words from Head of School Kristy Kerin. Stay tuned for details on how to RSVP for this first-of-its-kind (and free!) event.
Brewster also hosts hundreds of neighbors for the grand Fourth of July fireworks display over Wolfeboro Bay. Our campus is truly the best vantage point for the show—and the family vibe seems to be more joyful and friendly each year!
Looking Ahead
Brewster’s summer programming underscores its commitment to being more than a school—it’s a dynamic community hub that thrives year-round. Whether it’s international scholars engaging in academic enrichment, athletes pushing their limits, or young leaders preparing to change the world, Brewster offers a stage for growth and connection.
As the calendar rolls forward, new events and groups will continue to bring their unique energy to the shores of Brewster. Keep your eyes on the weekly updates—because at Brewster Academy, summer is anything but slow.
Learn more about Summer Programs here. Need to reach the Summer Programs team? Call 603-569-7400 or email summer@brewsteracademy.org.
