Kingston's Camp Lincoln Marks 100 Years With Centennial Celebration

KINGSTON, NH — Hundreds of campers, alumni, families, staff, volunteers and community members gathered Sunday, in Kingston as Camp Lincoln marked its 100th anniversary, according to a release from the Southern District YMCA.

The centennial celebration honored a century of camp traditions and brought together generations of people connected to the longtime summer camp.

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The event included camp activities, carnival games, a community barbecue and historical exhibits, according to the YMCA. Families also visited a Camp Lincoln History Museum with photographs, memorabilia and artifacts spanning the camp's 100-year history. The release said former campers and staff shared stories, and families had opportunities to reconnect with friends from different eras of camp.

A series of speeches by former camp directors, alumni and families was one of the day's highlights, according to the YMCA. The release said those stories focused on the camp's impact on generations of children, including building confidence, fostering independence, creating lifelong friendships and inspiring a love of the outdoors.

It was estimated that more than 700 people attended the event.

"Celebrating 100 years of Camp Lincoln was an unforgettable experience," Reid van Keulen, director of operations of the Southern District YMCA said. "Seeing hundreds of people return to the place where they grew up, met lifelong friends, and created cherished memories reminds us why Camp Lincoln has remained such an important part of our community for a century. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating this milestone and helping us look forward to the next 100 years."

The Southern District YMCA also thanked volunteers, donors, staff, sponsors, alumni and community partners whose support helped make the event possible. As Camp Lincoln begins its second century, the YMCA said it plans to preserve camp traditions while continuing to invest in facilities, programs and scholarships intended to make camp accessible to children.