Mayhew's roots go back to 1893, when the Groton School, a private boarding school in Groton, Massachusetts began operation of a summer camp for underprivileged boys on Groton Island in nearby Squam Lake.  It was one of the earliest charity camps in the country.

In 1920, with the help of the Webster family, the Groton School Camp was moved to Mayhew's Island, an uninhabited island used for sheep grazing and lumber.  The GSC served needy boys from New England's urban areas until 1966, when the focus of Groton's efforts turned to matters on campus.

A few years later, with the island buildings falling into disarray, several former GSC counselors joined forces with the staff and trustees of nearby Camp Pasquaney to begin the Mayhew Island Project in 1969, serving 9 boys from the inner city neighborhoods of Manchester, NH.  Jonathan Choate, a Groton teacher, supplied the leadership that first year in what was the only summer-long session in our history.  Tony Governanti, a Tilton School teacher recruited by our patron saint, Owen S. Lindsay, was hired as director the following year to expand "Camp Mayhew" by serving more boys from throughout New Hampshire.

In 1974, Mayhew incorporated as the "Mayhew Program" and began its work as a year-round program.  By the late '70s, enrollment was at 72 boys.  Al Cantor, a staff member during 1975 and 1976, succeeded Tony in 1984.  Within a few more years, enrollment in the traditional program was consistently at 84 boys annually.

A pivotal day and point in the history of Mayhew was on January 6, 1990 when the Owen Lindsay Lodge burned to the ground on a blustery winter day.  The outpouring of support was phenomenal.  By the following June, a new lodge was built despite the 6 weeks of unsafe ice and the logistical quagmires of getting all the materials and workers out to the island in time to open camp that summer.  Symbolic of the program's dealing with challenge was when Owen Lindsay received the phone call informing him of the disaster even while the fire was still blazing, Owen calmly asked, "what do we need to do to rebuild for the upcoming summer?"

Mayhew has been blessed with great leadership at all levels over the years.  Together, we continue to improve the program and make the refinements that keep us fresh and strong.  Every year, new individuals bring ideas and improvements to the program.  One of the most major program changes was the development of the Link-Up program in 1994.  With your help, we will no doubt make more
refinements this summer as has historically been the case.

But regardless of our history, traditions, and established policies, the success of the boys and program is fragile and only made real through your hard work and commitment.  It is indeed a special privilege to be at the very heart to this remarkable program and to be able to touch each person on the island in a meaningful way.   You will each make your mark and contribute to our growing and rich folklore and history.  But most importantly, you will leave a lasting impression in the hearts and minds of the boys we serve.