Resident Camp Runels
Pelham, NH
About Camp
Nestled on 300 wooded acres along the shores of Little Island Pond, Camp Runels is celebrating 83 summers of fun. Generations of girls have learned to be confident and independent with the support of our caring staff. Many of our programs revolve around our unique craft studio where girls try the pottery wheel, create batik, develop their own photos in our darkroom or paint the next great masterpiece on canvas. Still other programs take girls off camp, traveling by van, foot, canoe or kayak. You might spot a Runels camper paddling into the sunset on Squam Lake, summiting Mt. Chocorua, or soaring down the zip line in the White Mountains. Our trip and travel programs are designed to offer new challenges and experiences to girls as they grow, providing them with a progression of outdoor skills.
Camp Runels welcomes campers and staff with a wide range of experience and abilities. Our staff members come from around the world, and many are former Runels campers who return to share the magic of camp with a new generation. The camp program is designed by the girls as they work with their staff to create an exciting, fun and safe experience for everyone. We believe all girls have the right to be themselves, celebrate who they are, and have a safe space to take a risk. Join us this summer for a half-week, one-week or even two-week session. For additional information: email or call (617) 350-8335.
Typical Day at Camp
At the beginning of the session counselors work with girls to plan what the group will do while at camp. With every camper's input in the program, no two days at camp will be the same. Girls will spend part of their day participating in specialty program activities. The rest of the time at camp will be filled with many different activities. Girls might get creative in arts & crafts, cool off at swimming, or take aim on our archery range. At least once during the session girls will have the chance to cookout with their unit.
About the Director
Sarah "Fluke" Leshay is the Camp Runels Director. This is Fluke’s fourth summer directing Camp Runels and her eleventh summer working at Girl Scout camp. Her favorite memories as a girl are of final campfire at Girl Scout camp. She loves to sing camp songs, swim in the lake, and get messy in arts and crafts while at camp. Fluke believes that Girl Scout camp gives girls a chance to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment, as well as helping to cultivate lifelong friendships.
More about the director (PDF)
Sleeping Quarters
Campers who stay at Runels will live in platform tents, yurts, open air cabins, or tentalos holding 4 to 6 girls. Each girl will have a cot with a mattress. A bathroom is located near each unit. Hot showers are located in the central shower house. Each unit has a fire pit for cookouts. Counselors stay in quarters with other staff right by the campers' quarters. Each unit has a covered pavilion for rainy day space. Poles for bug netting will be provided. Bug netting can be purchased at the trading post. See pictures of Camp Runels sleeping quarters (PDF).
Health & Safety
Camp Runels is an American Camp Association accredited camp. This means that a nationally recognized organization comes in every 3 years to make sure everything we do (from the meals we serve to the programs we plan) is done in a safe way. By selecting an ACA accredited camp you can be assured your camper is safe.Our camp is also licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. The Department of Environmental Services in the state regulating body for summer camps in New Hampshire and separate standards of health and safety with which we comply.
What to Bring to Camp
Packing for camp can be very hard if you don’t know what to bring for your stay, especially if you are a
first time camper. If you're wondering what you can and can not bring to camp, view the complete packing list (PDF) that will work for all our camp programs. We recommend packing in a camp trunk that can fit under your bed or a soft duffle bag. Please label EVERYTHING with your full name. Visit the Girl Scout Shop for camping essentials!