6/12/24 – For decades, the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester (BGCM) has hosted a summer camp program at Camp Foster in Bedford, NH. The 20-acre property sees over 450 campers each week for 10 weeks during the summer. It is also a new rental facility in the Greater Manchester area for weddings, social gatherings, sporting events/organizations, and non-profits.
In 2018, BGCM began the process of making major renovations to update Camp Foster to be a modern-day camp for BGCM campers. These renovations included demolishing the old facilities and replacing them with new and improved spacious pavilions, adding Mark Stebbins Hall equipped with a catering kitchen, updating the playground with new structures, and so much more. The necessary improvements allowed for BCGM to safely increase the number of campers allowed to attend camp, as well as offer the facility for rentals to community members, businesses, and organizations.
At the end of summer 2023, after several years of enjoying the newly improved Camp Foster, BGCM leaders assessed the grounds to determine what other improvements were needed to ensure a sustainable camp. The decision was made that the two large canopy tents still standing needed to be replaced. In addition, Camp Foster also needed retaining walls installed, an enhanced drainage system, and grading of the land to make sure the initial renovations would stand the test of time.
In October 2023, BGCM broke ground on the new construction with support from Commissioners Pappas, Rowe, and Soucy, ARPA funding, and construction leadership through Harvey Construction.
“It is imperative that we build strong and sustainable structures for our campers. The tents served their purpose over the last few years, but it was time to commit to building permanent pavilions that will provide lasting shade and comfortability for years to come,” says Diane Fitzpatrick, BGCM Chief Executive Officer.
On June 12, 2024, Harvey Construction team members, Lavallee Brensinger Architects, Commissioner Pappas, and BGCM leadership and Board of Director Members gathered at Camp Foster for a ceremonial ribbon cutting to celebrate the project’s completion.
For more information about Camp Foster or facility rentals, please visit mbgcnh.org.
About Boys & Girls Club of Manchester
Stewards of a long and proud history, we do whatever it takes to deepen the impact of our work. The Boys & Girls Club of Manchester (BGCM) is one of the 53 founding organizations of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, established in 1907. Operating throughout 5 sites in Greater Manchester, there are no barriers to membership and no limits to what our kids can achieve. Learn more about BGCM at mbgcnh.org.
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In Photo: Harvey Construction team members, Lavallee Brensinger Architects, Commissioner Pappas, and BGCM leadership and Board of Director Members gathered at Camp Foster for a ceremonial ribbon cutting to celebrate the project’s completion.
