Link-Up Week 3: Recap

Our third group of Links arrived last Monday focused on the adventure ahead of them. Beginning in the third year at Mayhew, boys can participate in a five-day, adventure-based summer program.  Trips include canoeing, backpacking, biking, and nature and wilderness skills training.  We discussed our plans over a group dinner and played a few games before preparing for Tuesday.

As the Links awoke to a breakfast of French toast and bacon, we travelled to the north end of the Newfound Lake where we were invited for a guided tour with the NH Audubon. We kayaked and canoed around Paradise Point and caught sight of a couple bald eagles soaring above. The group was even lucky enough to see a national guard helicopter flying over. 

Once the group returned, they relaxed at the base house and got to speak with an alumnus of the program, sharing memories and exchanging many questions. That evening they went to Mayhew Island for dinner, joining the whole camp community, celebrating campers being awarded medals for their accomplishments in rowing, and mentally preparing for the rest of the week.

On Wednesday night the group packed up their boats and tents and camped out on the south end of the Mayhew Island where they spent hours swimming and fishing. They caught a bunch of bluegills, with one camper catching an impressive smallmouth just before the sunset, and many failing to catch a catfish with their bare hands.

Just before we settled in for the evening rain clouds began approaching and we tried our best to stay dry through the night. When morning came the rain continued, it didn't stop the fishing enthusiasm! The group ate breakfast, packed up camp and continued to fish until lunch. We switched gears at the base house, welcomed by a hot meal and set off to Mount Cardigan. The hike up was filled with dense fog and almost dreamlike scenery surrounding the group. 

At the AMC High Cabin, the group relaxed and shared stories, ate food and played games. In the morning the group decided to visit the south peak of Cardigan to mix things up and spent a good deal of time up there before visiting Welton Falls. Returning to the base house to clean up and head home the boys enjoyed their final moments at camp playing pool and basketball.